Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation

Participants will explore values and beliefs that influence ethical decision making, gain understanding and appreciation for spiritual belief systems, have ample time for personal reflection, and much more. The Standard PGR is 48 hours in length beginning at 1300 on day 1. Retreats are free to those who attend. Two nights of lodging and meals (beginning with dinner day 1) are provided to authorized participants.

These expeditions are by request only and for units.

 

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Experience the thrill of rappelling next to your spouse as you back over the edge of a cliff. Learn about trust as your spouse belays you as you rock climb. Unplug for a few days with your spouse in the wilderness and deepen your connection.

This a 4 night Expedition in the mountains of Western North Carolina. *We will be camping all 4 nights* In addition to backpacking we will be rock climbing/rappelling and spending evenings around a campfire. There will be activities designed to enhance your emotional connection with your spouse.

This expedition includes meals, backpacking gear (if needed), and transportation to and from the location.

Please make note, this will be a VERY PHYSICALLY DEMANDING event. You will be expected to carry 35-40 pounds on wilderness trails up and down mountains. Type II Fun! You need to be in good/great health to participate. There are EXTREMELY limited slots for this retreat, so sign up quickly!

This is an adults only event. No children allowed and childcare is not provided.

This a five night expedition in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We draw on the wisdom of those who sought peace and solace by retreating, for a time, to the mountains. After WWII one vet (Ed Shafer) declared he was going to “walk off the war” to process his experiences. He subsequently became the first person to through hike the entire Appalachian Trail. In addition to backpacking we will also be rock climbing/rappelling and spending evenings around a campfire. Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression", according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University. (https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/). In addition to having mental health benefits, being outdoors opens up your senses to your surroundings and improves your sensory perception. Taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many health benefits it can even be prescribed by a doctor.” Includes transportation to and from, backpacking gear (if you don't have your own), meals, and a chance to unplug for a few days. This will be a physically demanding trip. You will be expected to carry 35-40 pounds on wilderness trails up and down mountains. Type II Fun! There are very limited slots for this retreat, so sign up quickly! *Please note, this is not a marriage retreat. Couples are not allowed to attend together.

One-Day workshops provide many of the same benefits as the weekend retreats, just in a condensed presentation to allow busy couples who may not be able to get away for a weekend an opportunity to tune up their marriage. One-Day workshops may cover specific topics, or books proven to increase marital satisfaction, and improve marriage longevity.

Childcare is not provided.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. ASIST participants will learn to: Understand the ways that personal and societal attitudes affect views on suicide and interventions Provide guidance and suicide first aid to a person at risk in ways that meet their individual safety needs Identify the key elements of an effective suicide safety plan and the actions required to implement it Appreciate the value of improving and integrating suicide prevention resources in the community at large Recognize other important aspects of suicide prevention including life-promotion and self-care Workshop features: Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks registered trainers A scientifically proven intervention model Powerful audiovisual learning aids Group discussions Skills practice and development A balance of challenge and safety

SafeTALK is a half-day training program that teaches participants to recognize and engage persons who might be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them with community resources trained in suicide intervention. SafeTALK stresses safety while challenging taboos that inhibit open talk about suicide. The ‘safe’ of safeTALK stands for ‘suicide alertness for everyone’. The ‘TALK’ letters stand for the practice actions that one does to help those with thoughts of suicide: Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe. The program is designed to help participants monitor the effect of false societal beliefs that can cause otherwise caring and helpful people to miss, dismiss, or avoid suicide alerts and to practice the TALK step actions to move past these barriers.

After training, participants in the safeTALK program should be able to:

• Challenge attitudes that inhibit open talk about suicide.
• Recognize a person who might be having thoughts of suicide.
• Engage them in direct and open talk about suicide.
• Listen to the person’s feelings about suicide to show that they are taken seriously.
• Move quickly to connect them with someone trained in suicide intervention