Retreats

One of our sites for the Athens retreat in Spring of 2026 was Passion Works studio, where students learned about how this local shop provides employment, community, and creative purpose for people with developmental differences through the Creative Abundance model.

Athens retreat attendees had the opportunity to learn about the history and current use of the Athens Armory through conversation with the folks at BlueDot Coworking. Now a coworking, event, and meeting space, the Athens Armory is home to numerous Athens organizations that now have the ability to collaborate more closely. 

Athens retreat attendees enjoyed a working lunch at Fluff Bakery, a local bakery that also provides options for a variety of dietary restrictions, and discussed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how they relate to the sites and their areas and interests and career fields.

Columbus retreat participants began their experience with lunch and an information session at Freedom A La Cart, a social enterprise that empowers survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. For many students, this was their favorite site as they left feeling inspired and empowered themselves!

Leaders and attendees alike were awed by the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library for its architectural beauty, access to resources, and willingness of the librarians to answer our numerous questions. 

Columbus retreat attendees enjoyed dinner at Northstar Cafe, a restaurant with a few locations throughout Columbus that makes conscious decisions based on the potential harm to the environment and community. Everyone agreed that the food was delicious, and ideas were hatched about how to prepare similar dishes at home and in the dining halls!

Columbus attendees had the opportunity to explore Blacklick Woods Metro Park and Canopy Walk, which included a number of (optional) rope features and a fire pole! The nature center was also a hit, with the opportunity to bird watch and view native critters. 

The final site of the retreat, Columbus participants visited the American Primate Educational Sanctuary, a non-profit that houses chimpanzees rescued from insufficient living conditions. Participants learned about primate behaviors and care, and the history of the sanctuary and its residents.