The 3rd Annual
WOW Retreat
will be held in 2025, please stay connected here for up to date information on where and when
In the meantime, check out our video clips and testimonials from our WOW Retreat in 2024.
It was WONDERful!!! See for yourself!!
I have been thinking about our WOW weekend at least once daily. It was transformative. The weekend went by incredibly fast, but I felt I was there forever because I had learned so much and felt so present. This unique group, with their empathy, compassion, and healing power was something I needed. You and your team did great with the agenda, making every session informative, genuine, and deeply meaningful.
~ K.J.
I loved EVERYTHING about the WOW Retreat, including the food.
~ Y.L.
Being ‘in community’ with incredible facilitators and participants. I got so much from each and every activity. As someone who doesn’t journal much, I found the writing sessions to be the most beneficial because it’s where I found my most growth and healing.
~ Anonymous
My favorite part of WOW was being led and supported in safety to reveal my “story” and have it witnessed. I realized how much that story permeates my life. Being heard, journaling, dancing, yoga, laughter, being in community and the Red Carpet exercise.
~ Anonymous
My favorite parts of WOW were the yoga, walking and music.
~ A.M.
The WOW Retreat was complete and transformative. It was so varied and touched upon many different things. Nature was a plus. I’m still getting rid of stuff a month after the retreat, which was the goal I set. That’s how powerful it was.
~ D.C.
The whole WOW Retreat weekend provided different ways to facilitate creative introspection and expression. My faves were the silent disco and Sunday’s performances.
~ Prin
This Weekend Of Wonder was life-changing. I came not knowing what to expect. I left with friends and sisterhood, feeling fully expressed, free, filled with joy – having danced, sung, laughed (non-stop), played, made art and more! My heart is full. It was insanely amazing Jen!
~ H.K.
My favorite part of WOW was getting close with everyone. I had my own epiphany with the inner child lullaby and Ho’opono workshop and exercise.
~ Rita L.
I really enjoyed the song prescriptions and the silent hike to the beach. My body and my mind needed that Yoga Nidra.
~ Melissa P.
WOW was a wonderful weekend with nature walks for the sunrise, yoga and final presentations.
~ Barbara W.
The progress that I’ve made since WOW is phenomenal. I am sleeping better. I’m no longer trolling on electronics but going straight into creativity like I used to do. I can walk into any room and not go into a panic attack and see people who the are, not what fear tells me. It’s a new freedom I’ve never known. I didn’t expect anything from WOW but it all fanned out in front of me. Jen, it was nothing short of a miracle.
~ G.L.
I loved the people! The facilitators and participants were really great. They were open, warm, kind, supportive and genuine. I really enjoyed doing the skits and being led and supported in creating a final performance. That was therapeutic and artistic.
~ C.B.
I loved the variety of expression: writing, art, movement and music – and I didn’t feel sheepish about my lack of skills.
~ Anonymous
I loved all of it! Especially the breakthroughs.
~ Anonymous
The care and thoughtfulness that was put into WOW was evident in every aspect of the retreat. It had a ton of disciplines and created a welcoming and comforting atmosphere.
~ Jackie D.
My favorite part of WOW was the final performances! I also loved connecting with other women and the communal food.
~ Andrea K.
I have been thinking about our WOW weekend at least once daily. It was transformative. The weekend went by incredibly fast, but I felt I was there forever because I had learned so much and felt so present. This unique group, with their empathy, compassion, and healing power was something I needed. You and your team did great with the agenda, making every session informative, genuine, and deeply meaningful.
The progress that I’ve made since WOW is phenomenal. I am sleeping better. I’m no longer trolling on electronics but going straight into creativity like I used to do. I can walk into any room and not go into a panic attack and see people who the are, not what fear tells me. It’s a new freedom I’ve never known. I didn’t expect anything from WOW but it all fanned out in front of me. Jen, it was nothing short of a miracle.
The WOW Retreat was complete and transformative. It was so varied and touched upon many different things. Nature was a plus. I’m still getting rid of stuff a month after the retreat, which was the goal I set. That’s how powerful it was.
The whole WOW Retreat weekend provided different ways to facilitate creative introspection and expression. My faves were the silent disco and Sunday’s performances.
I loved EVERYTHING about the WOW Retreat, including the food.
I loved the people! The facilitators and participants were really great. They were open, warm, kind, supportive and genuine. I really enjoyed doing the skits and being led and supported in creating a final performance. That was therapeutic and artistic.
This Weekend Of Wonder was life-changing. I came not knowing what to expect. I left with friends and sisterhood, feeling fully expressed, free, filled with joy - having danced, sung, laughed (non-stop), played, made art and more! My heart is full. It was insanely amazing Jen!
Being ‘in community’ with incredible facilitators and participants. I got so much from each and every activity. As someone who doesn’t journal much, I found the writing sessions to be the most beneficial because it’s where I found my most growth and healing.
I loved the variety of expression: writing, art, movement and music - and I didn’t feel sheepish about my lack of skills.
My favorite part of WOW was getting close with everyone. I had my own epiphany with the inner child lullaby and Ho’opono workshop and exercise.
My favorite part of WOW was being led and supported in safety to reveal my “story” and have it witnessed. I realized how much that story permeates my life. Being heard, journaling, dancing, yoga, laughter, being in community and the Red Carpet exercise.
I loved all of it! Especially the breakthroughs.
The care and thoughtfulness that was put into WOW was evident in every aspect of the retreat. It had a ton of disciplines and created a welcoming and comforting atmosphere.
My favorite parts of WOW were the yoga, walking and music.
I really enjoyed the song prescriptions and the silent hike to the beach. My body and my mind needed that Yoga Nidra.
WOW was a wonderful weekend with nature walks for the sunrise, yoga and final presentations.
My favorite part of WOW was the final performances! I also loved connecting with other women and the communal food.
Press Pause on your regular routine
and join us for a transformative journey in a magical place
The Weekend of Wonder Team of Illuminators are here to give you 3 days that will take you from feeling empty and stuck to a sense of fulfillment and freedom.
Our trained, experienced, and licensed facilitators have a weekend planned that will foster self-discovery, creative expression and connection.
Features of the retreat
Self-discovery
Have you been longing for the opportunity to go within so that you can reflect and gain clarity? Get ready for guided meditations, journal prompts, and healing workshops that provide the perfect structure to connect with your inner wisdom.
Connection
Experience a sense of community and belonging as you journey with like-minded people from beginning to end. Share communal meals, laughter, sunrise walks to the nearby ocean, gentle yoga, yoga nidra, sound healing and breath work.
Creative expression
Craving creativity? Together we will co-create through paint, music, movement, storytelling, and song writing. No previous experience or training required. We are all born creative and creativity brings joy, peace and so much more.
$500.00 includes all of the above
with experienced facilitators, food, accommodations and swag
including Jennifer Carey’s book: Illuminating the Stories that Bind Us
Who should attend this retreat?
If you can relate to one or more of the following, this retreat will be perfect for you:
- Feel bored, stuck, unfulfilled, and that something is missing
- You're working so hard that you have little time for yourself
- Wish you had time and resources for creative outlets
- Need internal and external support to follow your dreams
- Know that there is more to life than the 9 to 5 grind, day after day
- Desire to live aligned with a purpose and your dreams
- Want to feel more joy and motivation
- Desire to live a more fulfilling, joyous, enriching, free, and expressive life with yourself, your relationships, and your dreams
- Something is burning inside of you to be expressed
- You need a little nudge to step outside your comfort zone
- Crave fun, levity, imagination and wonder
- Wish you had time to reflect, and gain personal insights
- Yearning for connection to nature, self and others
Meet our WOW Team
Psychotherapist & Illuminator
Jennifer Carey
Jennifer Carey is delighted to be leading and facilitating her second WOW (Weekend of Wonder) Retreat and her third personal retreat.
Atomik Muse & Playful Boss
Shannon Ward
Shannon Ward is a state licensed massage therapist, reiki master and vocal/sound healer who has mixed her creative
Certified Yoga Teacher & Yoga Nidra Facilitator
Michelle Gallant
Michelle Gallant is returning to WOW for a second time. She made sure we all relaxed and restored with her yoga
Psychotherapist & Laughter Facilitator
Jackie DelVecchio
Jackie Delvecchio is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with specialties in laughter therapy and perinatal mental health.
Music Consultant from Music by Prin, LLC
Prin
Prin is the owner of Music by Prin LLC, a small music production company that focuses on music education programming,
Expressive Arts Consultant and Founder of Integrative Counsel
Dayna Wood
Dayna’s background is in psychotherapy, the creative arts, and leadership coaching.
The WOW Panel
Illuminating the Stories that Bind Us- I was excited going in to this workshop, but could not have imagined the depth of insight that would come about in just 2 hours. Jen used her amazing skills as a therapist to draw the group together, bring awareness to the most relevant issue lurking in the psyche, and direct us to our own inner wisdom for guidance around practical next steps to take. We were each given both a song, and the opportunity to create a symbol to help us hold on to the experience afterwards. This was transformative soul work at it’s best. I would highly recommend that anyone work with Jen if they are seeking clarity, direction, or just being able to hear their inner voice a little more clearly.
~ M.B.
Read what our client's have to say
Each workshop touched me or opened me in a different way. I was able to observe thoughts, sensations, heart opening moments and bring in light to some darker, hidden parts of my internal landscape.
The WOW stage was magnificent! It was a wonderous weekend that sparked community, creativity and deep self-reflection. The weather was amazing, the venue was magical and the facilitators and events spectacular. I feel internally richer and more connected as a result of going. Thank you!
The Wow Stage is birthing a unique coming together of spirit, music and authentic creative expression. A place to soar with kindred spirits.
I feel like I got a year’s worth of therapy in one weekend.”
It was so freeing to have music and creative expression without judgement.
The WOW STAGE Staff and community were loving, supportive and uplifting.
My experience of The WOW Stage was very special and I just know it’s going to be even better and even more transformational as The WOW Retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We want participants to feel part of a safe and enclosed community. The weekend has a clear and structured itinerary. The safety and comfort needed for this healing, creative, and artistic work require us to be together the whole weekend. The retreat isn’t more than 50 hours in total.
Not at all. This weekend is about freedom of expression, personal growth, and connection with others. Previous training is not required.
Yes. There is a vast open parking field at Windhover.
All meals during your stay, including snacks, will be provided. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be communal and an opportunity for us all to connect further. The food will be vegetarian with gluten-free options.
Windhover has rustic cabins with stain-glassed windows and twin beds and sectioned rooms. Picture adult camping. I know – super fun! Bathrooms and showers are in a separate cabin, but everything is close. It’s a small campus. On the application, you can choose whether to bring your linens OR request linens from Windhover. When you arrive to the retreat, you can choose where you sleep. In other words, beds are chosen on a first come first served basis.
The WOW (Weekend of Wonder) Retreat
September 6th-8th 2024
Tentative Schedule
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Participants arrive, check-in, grab their swag and settle into Cabins, etc.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Mindful Musical Movement Moments
Journal (M4J) Kickoff
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Agreements and Introductions
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Laughter Icebreaker
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Illuminating the Stories that Bind Us
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
Catered Dinner
7:15 PM - 8:15 PM
Laughter and Shifting our Stories
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Yoga Nidra & Mantra Prep for Morning Walk
5:45 AM - 6:05 PM
Mindful Mantra Walk to the Sunrise to Halibut Point (Optional)
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Yoga and Pranayama/Breath
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast and Get Ready
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Mindful Musical Movement Moments
Journal M4J (Easing into Day 2 with our Mantra in mind)
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
H’art Song for your Inner Child (Writing a Lullaby)
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Break
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Laughter Workshop
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch
1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
H’art of Glass (Painting)
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Break/Snack
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Mindful Musical Movement Moments
Journal (M4J)
Choosing your Performance * By performance we mean whatever it is YOU want to show, exhibit or perform as a way to break through any obstacles blocking you from achieving your goal or dream. You can choose anything you want from your WOW experiences (i.e. story, painting, journaling, movement, yoga, hike, song, poem, lip sync, dance, laughter – anything! Trust me - you’ll know and we’ll be there to help you figure it out too)
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Breakout Groups
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Dinner
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Silent Disco
8:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Break
8:45 PM - 9:30 PM
Integrating Meditation and Music, Sound Healing
5:45 AM - 6:05 PM
Mindful Mantra Walk to the Sunrise to Halibut Point (Optional)
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Yoga and Pranayama/Breath
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast and Get Ready
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Mindful Musical Movement Moments
Journal M4J (Easing into Day 2 with our Mantra in mind)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Breakout Groups- Performance Prep
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break/Get Ready for Performance
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Red Carpet - Along with your Theme Song
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Performances and Reflections
1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
H’art of Glass (Painting)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Final Wrap Up
Make a Difference!
If you can’t come to Weekend of Wonder as a participant, will you please make a financial contribution?
However big or small you can make it – it will make a difference and provide a transformative experience for someone to experience the power of healing and creative arts. There are also rewards in store for those that would like to promote their own brand or business and/or sponsor a participant.
*The WOW (Weekend of Wonder) Retreat is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of The WOW Retreat must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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- Windhover Center for the Performing Arts