The retreat is less than six weeks away. If you haven’t yet signed up yet, now is a good time to do so. Remember that registration closes on August 4 which is only three weeks away from today, July 14. And continue to let your friends in recovery know about your Serenity on the Sound retreat.

This year, we are going back to our old format of one speaker on Friday night and one speaker on Saturday night. We have one COSA speaker who will share their experience, strength, and hope on Friday. Meanwhile our SAA speaker will be sharing their story the following night on Saturday. As you may have seen on the registration page, their is a speaker only option which allows locals to come just for a speaker or both. It is $10 for each night. You just need to let us know which night you are choosing or whether you wish to choose both nights for both speakers. Choosing the speaker only option will allow you be on the camp site from 7 to 10 p.m. for whichever day(s) you choose.

Of course, you can avail yourselves of the other multiple options to choose from a Saturday only option up to a 1, 2, or 3 night option. There are great workshops and meetings to choose from. Some of you may even choose to attend one of the local off-site in-person meetings as well as the meetings we will have at the retreat. We have heard there is a local meeting on Thursday night and on Saturday morning. They are less than a 15 minute drive from the retreat at Gwinwood. No matter which option you choose, the retreat will provide everyone with plenty of opportunities and ways to strengthen their own personal recovery. We hope to see you there.

By now you are likely aware that we had some major technical issues with our registration platform. They have been resolved and registration is opening up on Sunday, June 21, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Together as a group your PSRC was able to find a way to use last year’s registration program and correct the main problems, but we had to turn off the credit card option. This year we will be accepting checks and money orders. See the following paragraph:

Payment must be with a personal check or money order or cashier’s check. Some banks let you send a check directly from your online account. [people can just call the bank for more info if necessary] Make the check out to Puget Sound Retreat Committee and include your name in the memo line so we can record your payment. Send to PSRC, 704 228th Ave NE, PMB #552, Sammamish WA 98074.

If we are able to setup a more direct payment option as we have had in the past, we will let you know. As a member of the PSRC, I know that the previous ways, Venmo and PayPal, often had a charge associated with them and we have disconnected them. There is another one called Zelle that we may be able to use since the PSRC bank account is located at a bank that supports it. If we find we can do that, we will let you know. We are always working to keep things sweet, easy, and flexible for everyone.

By now you likely know that the dates for this year’s retreat are August 21-24, 2025. The retreat is shaping up nicely. The Puget Sound Retreat Committee’s, PSRC’s, most recent meeting was Sunday, May 25. It was productive and fun. Yes, I said fun. It’s amazing the joy that addicts, co-addicts, or codependents can find while in recovery. If you have ever thought that you might like to contribute the planning process, reach out at info@soundretreat.org for more information.

My goal here is to post new information regularly leading up to the retreat. One of the key points that came out of this last meeting is the opening date for when registration begins. Registration will open up on June 9, 2025. It will remain open through August 4, so the registration window is less than 2 months. As always, it is best to register early for the most available options and to ensure we don’t sell out. Yes, we do have an upper limit on attendance. We will also have waiting lists available for situations that may arise like late registration and lodging requests.

Our next retreat committee meeting will be held on June 8 from 3-5. Meetings are done in Zoom so that members and prospective members can attend from anywhere. Zoom has been a blessing for the retreat committee since no one has to take time out or fuel for driving. Far or near there is always the option to attend. If you want more information, reach out to us at info@soundretreat.org. Until the next post, I wish you all a continuing and growing recovery.

Another year, another retreat being planned. Yes, we will once again have our Serenity on the Sound Retreat this year in 2025. The dates for this year’s event are August 21-24. Once again, it is the weekend before Labor Day Weekend for the USA. Set the dates aside now for there are great things planned again this year.

This is a good time to remind everyone that from now until the retreat begins, we will have periodic updates online here on the website. New posts will come out here up to once a week, especially as we get closer to the retreat dates. So keep your eyes open. Prepare yourselves for some transformational recovery.

Speaking for myself, I can say that every year that I have attended this retreat it has added something to my own personal recovery, especially these last three years. When you are at the retreat feel free to find me and ask me more about my experiences, even why the last 3 years have been extra special. For those of you who either don’t know me or are not sure of who is writing this presently, I am Dale, a recovering COSA and sex addict. I know I look forward to meeting and connecting with many of you at the retreat.

For those of you attending the retreat, I look forward to meeting and sharing some good recovery times with you. For the others unable to attend this year, for whatever reason, I hope you can find your way here next year. I hear good feedback year after year. One other thing I hear, which the PSRC addresses regularly, are the areas that people wish to see either more of or even something new. Just as in our working recovery, we are always making some sort of progress, the PSRC is always asking how can we make it better each year.

I am attaching two files on this page so that you may see the basic guidelines of the retreat as well as this year’s schedule. Read them and enjoy them. If you have any comments, please reach out to us at info@soundretreat.org.

There are so many things to look forward to at this year’s retreat. Some of it is stated in our theme for this year, Healing Through Grace and Community. Each year this retreat offers healing and recovery for many individuals. There are workshops, recovery meetings, nature viewing, lakeside splashing, friendly conversations, meeting people, and so much more. Get ready for some great healthy fun times and community building while each of us works to strengthen our own personal recovery. And, if you didn’t know, this is the 35th Annual (rendition) of Serenity on the Sound. Yay!

One of the highlights of Serenity on the Sound is the Outer Circle Show and Tell on Friday night.  Everyone gets five minutes to share something they do for fun.  In the past, people have sung, played an instrument and read original poetry.  One person showed us her elaborate, beautiful scrapbooks.  Another shared pictures of his exotic cats. Another read us a favorite children’s book, sharing the pictures as she went.  Things don’t always go as planned but we always have a good time and everyone gets applause.  

Participation is optional, of course, but encouraged.  So, get ready!  We’re looking forward to seeing and hearing what you have to share! Let’s have some great recovery time together.

Can you feel the pull of recovery? Can you imagine the sites and the sounds to enjoy at your retreat? Are you ready to enjoy beautifu Hicks Lake and the Gwinwood Retreat Center this summer? Think about all of the things you will gain as we relieve the pains of our addictions, co-addictions, and co-dependencies.

This is the final week to register and share the talking points about your retreat. Make no mistake, this retreat is for you and your fellow S-recovery friends. Please share the following with your recovery groups and friends this week, one more time:

This is your last chance to register for the Serenity on the Sound retreat, held Thursday to Sunday, August 22-25 in Lacey, WA. This retreat can provide a way to deepen your recovery through workshops, speakers, fellowship, and recreation. Due to a two-week advanced headcount we are required to provide Gwinwood, no walk-ins accepted. Registration closes on August 5th at soundretreat.org.  Reserve your place today! Update as of today, Monday, July 29, 2024. You will now have until Tuesday, August 7, at 11:59 p.m. PDT to register.

The retreat starts in a month. There are two weeks left to register. Be sure to register by August 5 to ensure your spot at the retreat. As always, it will be a great time to deepen and strengthen your own personal recovery.

For this week, please share the following taking points with your groups and friends in S-related Recovery:

There’s still time to secure your spot at the upcoming retreat from Thursday to Sunday, August 22-25, held at the picturesque Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, WA. Enjoy abundant food and comfortable accommodations, or opt to join us on Saturday for engaging workshops and inspiring speakers. Don’t delay – registration closes on August 8th at soundretreat.org. The registration deadline is firm; walk-in registrants will not be accepted, per retreat center rules. Therefore, reserve your place today!

There are only 2 1/2 weeks left until the end of registration. As you are consider registering, take a look at each package option and decide which one is best for you. We have worked to tailor the options to fit recovery folks far and wide. So pick an option and go for it. There will be a lot of terrific recovery growth opportunities to gain.

Here is the script to share with your groups and friends in any type of S-related Recovery program:

At Serenity on the Sound, immerse yourself in the joy of reuniting with both old and new friends. Anticipation builds as retreatants prepare to share their unique talents at the Outer Circle Show and Tell. The heartfelt stories shared by the SAA and COSA speakers will leave a lasting impact. With a perfect blend of work and play, the retreat will lead to a fulfilling experience for all. Don’t miss out – secure your spot by registering at soundretreat.org before the deadline on August 5th.

Remember to register soon. A wonderful retreat awaits you in 2024.

Please share the following paragraph with your fellow recovery buddies and groups. Register now for the best options and to ensure your spot at the camp. We are only a short few weeks from the end of registration. The cutoff this year is August 5, 2024. We are looking forward to another great retreat as the 35th Annual Serenity on the Sound retreat begins on August 22. We look forward to seeing you there as well as deepening our recovery together.

Get ready for delicious meals at Serenity on the Sound, happening August 22-25! Gwinwood Retreat Center’s catering team will serve up classic comfort foods, including buffet-style breakfasts, hearty sandwiches, soups, salads for lunch, and satisfying hot dinners. They’re happy to accommodate vegan and special diets upon request. Make your requests either during the registration process or via email to info@soundretreatorg. To ensure your spot and meals, early registration is essential (no walk-ins due to contractual obligations). Learn more at soundretreat.org.