Water's Edge Retreat
A Retreat for Women and Children
Water’s Edge Retreat is a weekend getaway to Camp Yowochas for women and children who are currently residing in the shelter system.
This retreat gives these families the opportunity to get out of the city and away from their every day to reconnect and heal as a family against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Wabamun.
Families have the chance to explore...
Lakefront activities like canoeing and kayaking
Safe challenges like archery, zip-lining and bouldering
Nightly family-time campfires
Trust-building games
And more!
YWCA Edmonton is proud to offer support to local shelters across Edmonton and beyond. As part of these supports, Water’s Edge Retreat is currently offered to residents of:
Lurana Shelter
Wings of Providence
WIN House
The difference Water's Edge Retreat makes
The decision to move herself and her children into a shelter is not a decision made lightly. For women and children in the shelter system, Water’s Edge Retreat offers an invaluable opportunity to prioritize their emotional, social, and physical well-being during an unforgettable weekend away.
The women and children who attend can challenge themselves to take on safe risks in a supportive community, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover what it means to be a family again. Participants come away with both short- and long-term benefits that will carry them through their stay at the shelter and beyond, preparing them to rebuild their new lives free from the threat of violence.
“You gave us a chance to breathe. Between fleeing abuse, court, school exams and overall stress, it’s a lot. We got a chance to be happy and forget about reality for a bit. Thank you.”
— Water’s Edge Retreat Mom
For more information...
For more information on Water’s Edge Retreat and weekend programming options offered, please contact Camp Yowochas.
For more information on Counselling Services and our partnerships with Edmonton shelters, please contact Counselling Services.
Help more families heal
Donate to Water’s Edge Retreat so we can offer the program to even more women and children living in second-stage shelters, and expand it into other areas of need.