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2023 Camp Widow® Toronto

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Primary Contact:
Monica Brightwell
 
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2023 Camp Widow® Toronto
2023 Camp Widow® Toronto
Soaring Spirits Canada CONFERENCE
Fri, November 10, 2023 @ 08:00 AM — Sun, November 12, 2023 @ 12:00 PM (EST)
Event Banner
THIS EVENT IS 100% FREE!

Camp Widow® is a unique and incredible experience created by Soaring Spirits International that provides both practical tools and relevant resources for widowed persons rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the death of a spouse or partner. Built for those who are widowed, by those who are widowed, the Camp Widow event provides understanding, community, and hope. This Camp Widow event will be hosted by Soaring Spirits Canada from Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 10, 2024 in downtown Toronto.


The most important thing that Camp Widow provides to the widowed people who attend is an in-person community of others who are making their way through widowhood one day at a time. Campers come from around the world to meet other widowed men and women face-to-face, and to experience the camaraderie that this event creates.


You might imagine these gatherings are morose, but you will find that the truth is quite the contrary. Among peers, lifted up by understanding, and validated in the uniqueness of every person’s grief recovery…the mood at Camp Widow is hopeful, positive, and uplifting. Camp Widow is a life changing experience for widowed men and women; we’d love to share this hope-filled weekend with you, or someone you love!


Your conference fee for Camp Widow Toronto will include the following:

  • Friday: Access to a full day of workshops, discussions, and intensive seminars
  • One ticket to the Friday evening Welcome Reception
  • Saturday: Keynote address
  • Saturday: Access to a full day of workshops, discussions, and intensive seminars
  • One ticket to the Soaring Spirits Banquet
  • Sunday: Closing workshop and one ticket to our Farewell Breakfast buffet


*Registration Notice: As a newly founded non-profit organization we will be unable to offer refunds for registrations to Camp Widow Toronto. We will be happy to transfer your registration to the next year's Camp Widow Toronto event or offer a donation receipt if you choose not to attend. We appreciate your understanding, and ask that you consider this policy before completing your registration.


**COVID-19:

To protect our widowed community from COVID at Camp Widow Toronto, Soaring Spirits Canada adheres to the public health measures and advice published by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Toronto Public Health. At this time, vaccination is strongly encouraged but not required. Masking is also recommended, but not currently not required, in crowded indoor settings. Additional details are available at:


https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-financial-social-support-for-people/covid-19-guide-for-toronto-residents/


Please note that this policy is subject to change and we will be required to comply with local public health regulations in November 2023.


Registration: Closed
Event Dates
NOV
10
FRIDAY
to
NOV
12
SUNDAY
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)
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Registration Closes
November 10, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Location
Address
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
525 Bay St, Toronto ON M5G 2L2
Toronto, ON  CANADA
Selection Options
Canadian Dollar
 
CAMPER REGISTRATION
Camp Widow® Registration (At Cost)
Camp Widow® Registration (At Cost)
C$ 700.00 

The cost to the organization on a per-camper basis is $700. If this is within your means, we welcome you to join us at this rate.

 
Camp Widow® Registration (Organization Subsidized)
Camp Widow® Registration (Organization Subsidized)
C$ 450.00 

Because we know that being widowed often comes with financial strain, we welcome you to join us at a subsidized rate.

 
Camp Widow® Registration (Friday)
Camp Widow® Registration (Friday)
C$ 225.00 

Includes access to Friday's workshops and evening social event.

 
Camp Widow® Registration (Saturday)
Camp Widow® Registration (Saturday)
C$ 275.00 

Includes access to Saturday's workshops and evening social event. Also includes Sunday workshops and breakfast.

 
Camp Widow® Registration (Regional Group Leader)
Camp Widow® Registration (Regional Group Leader)
C$ 350.00 

Thank you for your service to your local widowed communities!

 
Camp Widow® Registration (Sunday)
Camp Widow® Registration (Sunday)
Complimentary 

Includes access to Sunday workshops and breakfast.

 
Ask Me This Not That!
Ask Me This Not That!
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  02:30:PM EST

Have you been on the receiving end of questions that are repetitive, hurtful or just plain unwelcome, such as “How did they die?” Did they have life insurance? or “Now that your wife is dead, are you going to date men again?”

In this interactive session, we’ll start by discussing how to deal with unwanted or hurtful comments and then flip the narrative to questions we DO want to answer such as “How did you meet?” What did you love about them? or “Do you have a fun vacation story to share?”


 
Discovering You in an Unscripted Chapter
Discovering You in an Unscripted Chapter
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  02:30:PM EST

Discovering Y.O.U.™ in an Unscripted Chapter of Life.When the ‘unthinkable’ happens and life as you knew it is altered forever, how do you navigate through the grief, the wellbeing of your family, the loss of income, the uncertainty of the future and all the firsts that are to follow? Will you ever feel like yourself again?

 
Widowed and Male
Widowed and Male
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  01:00:PM  —  02:30:PM EST

This workshop is focused on the needs of our widowers, and offered just for the men at camp. We will explore a variety of topics relating to being male and widowed. What are the challenges widowers face that are unique to the men in our group? How do you handle the people in your life who want to quickly connect you with a new partner? Have you been told you are grieving too long or too much? No topic is off-limits, and your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome.

 
Standing in Your Story (Authenticity in Grief)
Standing in Your Story (Authenticity in Grief)
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

What you do with the regrets, the unspoken hurts, the difficulties that a lot of widowed people don't talk about if they didn't have the perfect marriage or their person on a pedestal. I talked about balancing love with authenticity and that they don't have to be at odds. We then shifted to a focus on participants woulda, coulda, shoulda's and talked about vulnerability, boundaries and how to be honest with ourselves and others about what we need and deserve going forward, after making peace with what was lost. 

 
What is Prolonged Grief and could I have it?
What is Prolonged Grief and could I have it?
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

Prolonged grief disorder (colloquially referred to as "complex grief") was only recognized in 2022 with the publication of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health). It is estimated that 10% of all grievers from natural causes and 49% of all grievers from unnatural losses experience Prolonged Grief. This workshop will discuss recent developments in the field of grief and bereavement and provide resources and self-assessment tools for Campers. 

 
Self Care Through Music and Movement
Self Care Through Music and Movement
Complimentary 
Friday Nov 10, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

Selfcare through Music and Movement (basic line dancing class). This is a fun and lighthearted class! We will learn a few basic line dances accompanied by some great music while laughing and getting a little bit of exercise with great company! Let's have some fun and dance! 

 
From Nope to Hope
From Nope to Hope
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  10:15:AM  —  11:30:AM EST

We have all experienced the immediate rejection of our widowed life. The objective is to have participants explore ways to mitigate the worst parts of their widowhood experience and to have people come away with the hope that they can find genuine happiness living a widowed life. 

 
Widowed without Children
Widowed without Children
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  10:15:AM  —  11:30:AM EST
 
Traumatic Loss
Traumatic Loss
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  10:15:AM  —  11:30:AM EST

It’s not about how your person died, it’s about the traumatic effect their death continues to have on your life

 
Half of Dark - Half of Light; One Widow's Creative Journey
Half of Dark - Half of Light; One Widow's Creative Journey
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  10:15:AM  —  11:30:AM EST

This workshop will create a safe environment using of everyday art materials and the basics of colour theory to help express your individual journey and aid in identifying the back and forth emotions we all so commonly have.


Based on her own life and using colour and creativity, Barbara will share her story of using art and colour to express the day to day emotions she found prevalent after experiencing a partner loss.

Speaker Barbara Chapman

 
Beyond Traditional Narratives
Beyond Traditional Narratives
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  10:15:AM  —  11:30:AM EST
 
The Invisible Scars that bind Us
The Invisible Scars that bind Us
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  11:45:AM  —  01:00:PM EST
 
Life Takes Grit and Vitality
Life Takes Grit and Vitality
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  11:45:AM  —  01:00:PM EST
 
Understanding the Evolution of Children's Grief
Understanding the Evolution of Children's Grief
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  11:45:AM  —  01:00:PM EST

Parenting is hard enough when there were two of you but to find yourself a grieving solo parent of grieving children feels just about impossible!

How do we raise, support and care for our child(ren) after the death of their parent? Where do we find the words to help them navigate their grieve? How do we differentiate between normal childhood behaviour and behaviour of a grieving child? How do we help our children to not only survive this tragedy but to thrive and grow from it? 

 
From Sorrow to Supper - The Power of Food in Healing
From Sorrow to Supper - The Power of Food in Healing
Complimentary 
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

Join Marie for an interactive transformative workshop leveraging the power of food as medicine. Learn easy healthy habits for getting back in the kitchen again even when preparing meals for one. Hear Marie's health transformation on how she got off every single prescription medication, lost 30 pounds and embraced life by simply changing her food preferences.

Leave with Pantry and Freezer ideas to whip up a meal in no time, along with sample recipes from her upcoming cookbook "Cooking with a Side of Kleenex."

Speaker: Marie Scott

 
The Power of Widowhood Friendship: Unlocking Health Benefits and Strategies …
The Power of Widowhood Friendship: Unlocking Health Benefits and Strategies …
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

Losing a spouse can be one of the most challenging experiences in life, and social support can  play a critical role in the healing process. 


We will explore the science behind the health benefits of friendship for widowed people,  including how it can lower the risk of depression, alleviate loneliness, and promote overall well being. We will also share insights on the specific challenges that widowed individuals face when  it comes to social connection and provide practical strategies for creating and nurturing long lasting friendships. 

We’ll share our story of meeting through friends and becoming each others support system.  We’ll provide tips for meeting new people, developing trust and intimacy, and fostering a sense  of belonging, even in the face of loss and grief. We will also discuss how to navigate the  complexities of friendship as a widowed person, including managing expectations, setting  boundaries, and finding support when things get tough. 

My talk is designed to inspire and empower widowed individuals to seek out and nurture  meaningful friendships as a key component of their healing journey. I believe that by sharing  my insights and experiences, I can help to create a more compassionate and connected  community for the widowed.


 
This wasn't the plan
This wasn't the plan
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

Planners make lists, we like plans and we like to plan but when your husband dies with only 8 weeks notice suddenly the plan, the really big plans no longer apply. Join in a planning session to discuss how to grieve the plan you lost and work to start planning a new "possible" plan. 

 
Building Connections in the LGBTQ+ Community
Building Connections in the LGBTQ+ Community
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  02:45:PM  —  04:00:PM EST

(needs description)


SPEAKER: Bobby Moss

 
Laugh Til You Cry, Cry Til You Laugh - Improv and Comedy
Laugh Til You Cry, Cry Til You Laugh - Improv and Comedy
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  04:15:PM  —  05:30:PM EST

Need a laugh for your widowed soul – come laugh at the widowed life. This session includes improvisation games, comedy and participation. Remember what it was like to laugh? No? We forgot too but over time we learned to laugh again. Come share a laugh and have some fun using improv techniques used at the Second City with Alumni Lois and Melissa. Warning : May contain widowed humour…. Just like your life.

 
Lessons from an Unintended life
Lessons from an Unintended life
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  04:15:PM  —  05:30:PM EST

Loss is a universal and yet unique experience. Learn how to take the lessons of loss and use them to propel you from a life in which you merely survive into one in which you thrive and create new purpose and meaning.

 
Friends of Bill
Friends of Bill
Complimentary 
Saturday Nov 11, 2023 @  05:45:PM  —  06:45:PM EST
 
Farewell Breakfast
Farewell Breakfast
Complimentary 
Sunday Nov 12, 2023 @  09:30:AM  —  11:30:AM EST
 
 
OPTIONAL GUEST REGISTRATION
Guest
Guest
C$ 350.00 

Includes all evening functions and Sunday breakfast.


*Selection of meal choice happens at the end of registration.

 
Tribute Tile
Tribute Tile
Complimentary 

4.25" x 4.25" memorial tile to honor your loved one.


Please log in to your event profile after registration to upload your photo/text.

 
Gift a Half Campership
Gift a Half Campership
C$ 275.00 

Give the gift of Camp Widow® to someone who might otherwise not be able to attend.

 
Gift a Full Campership
Gift a Full Campership
C$ 725.00 

Give the gift of Camp Widow® to someone who might otherwise not be able to attend.

 
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