Have you been to the Hermitage for a personal retreat and wondered what it might be like to invite your child(ren) into this spiritual experience? Join us for a parent/child retreat for two nights, June 11th (2-5pm arrival)-13th! There will be rhythms of child-friendly contemplative prayer practices in the mornings and evenings led by Daina Kraai, Ministry Director at Creston Church in Grand Rapids. Daina has 15+ years experience working with children in spiritual settings and three children of her own. She believes deeply in the agency of children as worshippers and hearers of God, alongside adults.
After breakfast, there will be opportunities to work side by side with your child(ren) in The Hermitage’s garden, led by Lance Kraai, an urban farmer and youth worker at New City Neighbors. After lunch there will be self-led free time options open including water play if it’s hot, scavenger hunt trails, labyrinth, etc.
We invite you to enter into a space of both prayer and play, silence and curiosity as we learn from each other (of all ages) how to experience and encounter a God who meets us right where we are. This retreat is designed for children ages 3-12. (Other ages are welcome, but they may not be as engaged with the materials).
If you are worried about keeping silence with your children, don’t fear! We will help shape language around this in an inviting way that is age appropriate and not overly restrictive. We’ll work together for it at the appropriate times, while also appreciating that children are children made in the image of a playful God!
Spaces are limited, so sign up soon! Cost for a parent and child for the event is $310 ($350 for parent and two children in same room).
Contact dainakraai@gmail.com for programming questions.
For reservations and questions about possible rooms/beds/cabins, please reach out to Hermitage staff: contact@hermitagecommunity.org