Is it August already? Wow, this summer is going fast. In just about 3 weeks, your Serenity on the Sound Retreat starts.

As we do, on a weekly basis, we ask that you share the following blurb in your groups and with your recovery friends. Anyone who has been affected by compulsive or addictive sexual behavior can gain by attending. This is one of the only places where you can hear both sides of our stories. It is a place where we can share our struggles and triumphs. We get to share our own experience, strength, and hope with others. Please share the message.

This is your last chance to register for the Serenity on the Sound retreat, held Thursday to Sunday, August 27-30 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, we can’t accept walk-ins. Registration is scheduled to close on August 10th at soundretreat.org, but an extension may be granted based on availability; check the website if you are running late,  Reserve your place today!

This is the final stretch to the finish. Don’t let this opportunity to grow and strengthen your personal recovery and experience pass you by. We look forward to seeing many of you this year at Serenity on the Sound.

As I write this note to you, it is July 29, 2026.  We are coming down to the wire for Serenity on the Sound.  As of today, there are only 12 days left to register for this year’s retreat.  Let your friends in recovery know.  Register today.

For those of you who are having financial difficulties, there are still some scholarships available.  They are provided on a first come, first serve basis for those in need.  That’s just one more reason to register soon.  To get a scholarship, make your request to info@soundretreat.org.  You will get an answer within 48 hours, along with instructions of how to register.

The plans for the retreat are being made and finalized.  Things are looking great.  We have two awesome speakers lined up and workshops are being placed in their slots.  It looks like another great year for recovery at Serenity on the Sound.  We hope to see many of you this year, both retreat veterans and newcomers.  No matter where you are in your recovery, there is something for you at this year’s retreat.

Thank you for reading.  Ciao.

It’s almost August. Have you registered yet? This year’s retreat goes from August 27-30 and promises to be great again. Be sure to share the following message in your groups this week, July 26 to August 1. If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing us at info@soundretreat.org. We look forward to seeing many of you there this year.

There’s still time to secure your spot at the upcoming retreat from Thursday to Sunday, August 27-30, held at the picturesque Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, WA. Enjoy abundant food and comfortable accommodations, or opt just to join us on Saturday for engaging workshops and inspiring speakers. Don’t delay – registration closes on August 10th at soundretreat.org. Walk-in registrants will not be accepted, per retreat center rules, so reserve your place today!

In just over a month the 37th Annual Serenity on the Sound Retreat will return. This year’s dates are August 27-30, 2026, which happens to be the week before Labor Day weekend. Have you registered yet? There is no time like the present to save your spot at the retreat.

Please share the following scripted paragraph with your groups this week, July 19-25.

At Serenity on the Sound, immerse yourself in the joy of reuniting with both old and new friends. Anticipation builds as attendees 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 promises a fulfilling experience for all. Don’t miss out – secure your spot by registering at soundretreat.org before the deadline on August 10th.

Registration is now open. Remember that it closes in just over 4 weeks time.

Below are our Talking Points to share with your groups this year. Sharing is a way to give service which is called for in our steps and traditions. This also provides a great service to those who still suffer. Tradition 5 states that our only purpose to help the addict who still suffers. Staying active and helping with service is one strong way to strengthen your own and other’s personal recovery.

Please share the following scripted paragraph with your groups this week, July 12-18.

At Serenity on the Sound, the annual retreat for SAA and COSA, you can choose from various
packages starting at $10 to attend the SAA or COSA speaker and going up to $325 for a three-night
stay with room and board at the serene location in Lacey, WA. Enjoy meals, lodging, activities, and
workshops. Meals include buffet-style breakfasts, hearty sandwiches, soups, salads for lunch, and
satisfying hot dinners, and we can cater to vegan and special diets upon request. Short on time? Join
us for Saturday only. Visit soundretreat.org to register by August 10th. Partial scholarships may be
available, but funds are limited, so apply early. Don’t miss out—register today!

Have you ever given a recovery workshop? Do you have some experience in helping others with their recovery program? Are you interested in sharing some of your experience, strength, and hope with others to help them on their recovery path? If you answer yes to any of these, we would love to have you contact us.

There are many types of workshops that can be given/provided. If you view our main page, there is a program flyer from last year. It has some good ideas. I am also going to list a few below to give you more ideas. The thoughts listed below are just a starting point. You may choose something entirely different. The key is that the program or workshop should enhance one’s recovery.

1. Sponsorship, finding a sponsor, being a sponsor
2. Finding community
3. How to surrender
4. Acting in, sexual anorexia
5. Healthy sexuality
6. Recovering from shame
7. Resentments
8. Fears
9. Surrender
10. Canoeing
11. Hiking groups
12. Workshops on specific steps, principles
13. Board games
14. Three circles
15. “Glue of SAA”–importance of traditions
16. COSA themed workshops

If you would like to help with one of these or something else, give our program chair, Tom B., a call at 206-304-3830 or email him at saa-info@comcast.net. He can help to guide you and help you choose something positive. Workshop space is limited and we hope to have our workshop lineup fully outlined by July 21

The retreat is now just over a month away. It’s not too soon to register and lock in your space at the retreat.

This week we ask you to share the following paragraph with your groups during the announcement section of your meeting. Just the service of sharing will help others gain strength in their own recovery. Please share these words and notes, as follows:

Join Serenity on the Sound, our annual retreat for SAA and COSA. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, playing on the water, and volleyball. Engage in recovery through workshops, speakers, fellowship, and nature. Experience traditional highlights like the Outer Circle Show and Tell, the Candle-Lighting Ceremony and bonfires with drumming. Learn more at soundretreat.org.

Another week closer. Registration is open. Check everything out before it is too late.

Remember to have someone in your group share Talking Points weekly. If there are ever any questions, you may contact the PSRC via e-mail, info@soundretreat.org. We are ready to help you discover the magic of this annual retreat. This week’s blurb is, as follows:

Join the 37th annual Puget Sound Retreat! The entire retreat center has been reserved for exclusive use. Safety, anonymity, and support are our priorities. The No One Stands Alone (NOSA) team will be available throughout the retreat if you feel like you need additional support. Housing options cater to all genders and identities, and there’s space for campers or tents. Gwinwood also accommodates those with physical limitations. We’re seeking volunteers for workshops and other service opportunities. Learn more and register at soundretreat.org.

Every week there will be a short blurb discussing this year’s upcoming retreat. These messages are meant to remind everyone how special the retreat can be for one’s personal recovery. This is the first week of 7 in which we hope you will share them. This week’s blurb is as follows:

Serenity on the Sound returns this year at Gwinwood Retreat Center with the theme “Living In the Solution.” The retreat offers bunk beds and camping options at a beautiful lakeside location. The Puget Sound Retreat Committee is crafting a rich program for SAA/COSA members, spouses, friends, and family, 18 and older. Learn more and register at soundretreat.org.

Please have a member of your group share this with others. It is the community in which we share this that continues to help make this retreat unique and healing. We hope to see you there. By the way, registration will begin soon.

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.