Adam McClellan, Caitlin Pontrella, & Alan Tran | Art of Retreat 2019 Recap

How can events like retreats foster personal growth, collaboration, and community-building in specialized fields?

Discover how open schedules and shared creative spaces redefine the meaning of collaboration and innovation at events.

Something new that we did this year was open schedule […] an open forum where anyone could add a session or workshop or something informal, to the schedule during our blocks of open time, which was really well received.

~ Caitlin Pontrella (0:54)

This discussion revolves around the role of retreats in fostering personal growth, community-building, and collaboration. Adam, Caitlin and Alan describe the unique atmosphere of the retreat, emphasizing the importance of an open schedule that allows participants to contribute sessions spontaneously. This format lowers barriers to participation, inspiring individuals to step into leadership roles and share their expertise. Additionally, the conversation highlights the retreat’s design, which fosters vulnerability, connection, and a sense of belonging through shared meals, cozy settings, and creative activities.

The group also explores the challenges and opportunities of organizing international retreats. Topics include reducing economic barriers for attendees, creating cross-cultural connections, and leveraging sponsorships to enhance inclusivity. They stress the significance of helping participants take the retreat’s transformative energy back to their local communities, translating it into actionable insights and long-lasting impact. A key theme is the interplay between deliberate planning and organic participant-driven creation, which collectively define the retreat’s unique success.

Takeaways

Creating space for spontaneous sessions — This fosters inclusivity and encourages new voices to emerge as potential future leaders.

The role of environment — A retreat’s physical setting significantly contributes to its emotional and social impact, enhancing connection and memory.

Barriers to accessibility — Efforts to reduce economic, geographic, and social barriers ensure more diverse participation.

The power of shared meals — Communal meals are designed to build intimacy and create a warm, homelike atmosphere.

Cultural exchange in international retreats — Cross-cultural understanding and shared learnings enhance the global community’s impact.

Emphasis on personal agency — Participants are encouraged to take ownership of their experience, tailoring it to their needs.

Connection beyond the retreat — A focus on enabling participants to take back ideas, skills, and inspiration to their communities.

The hero’s journey framework — The retreat experience is framed as a journey of personal growth and transformation.

Resources

Art of Retreat — Official website for the retreat, offering event details and registration.

Parkour Visions — A partner organization supporting the retreat.

Parkour Generations Americas — A key partner in organizing and supporting the event.

Zen Planner — A sponsor providing resources for event management.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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