AHVMA Annual Retreat September 11 to September 15

The Council of Elders sponsors a retreat every year, with the theme of Healer Heal Thyself.  These retreats are held with the goal of allowing those who give of themselves daily to their patients and clients, a chance to decompress & destress, reflect, and connect with other practitioners. It is that time of year when you all need to make a decision to do something for yourselves. You are all invited to this year to the AHVMA retreat at Camp McDowell, in Nauvoo, Alabama. For 2012 it will be held after the conference (not before) from Tuesday night September 11th , finishing after breakfast on Saturday September 15th.

If you are thinking about doing it, JUST DO IT.

Camp McDowell is better known as "God's Backyard." Situated on 1,140 acres of forests and fields with miles of trails winding through breathtaking canyons and waterfalls, the camp has something for everyone. Designed as a community retreat center, Camp McDowell is a “peaceful place apart” where groups can leave the bustle and distractions of everyday life to deepen relationships with one another and accomplish common goals. The serene, natural setting brings rejuvenation to the spirit, mind and body. Since 1948, people of all faiths and backgrounds have used the center to rest, learn, grow, worship, and play.
Camp McDowell is located just over an hour northwest of Birmingham, about two hours southwest of Huntsville, two and a half hours northwest of Montgomery, and about two hours east of Columbus and Tupelo, Mississippi. It is found at mile marker 13, north of Jasper, on Highway 195.

If you are thinking about doing it, DON'T THINK, JUST DO IT.

Millers Common is where we will all be staying for the retreat. These lodges are located on a small cul de sac called All Saints' Road. If you can think of a small neighborhood street, you can imagine Miller Commons. The lodges, which house 11 hotel rooms each, are named Miss Mary's, Advent House, Holy Comforter, Mullen House, and St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands (with a weather vane on top, of course). These lodges have a furnished living room space, fireplace, small kitchen, and two covered porches with rocking chairs. They share a playground that is situated behind Miss Mary's and a dog-trot style lodge, named Pradat Hall, that can be used as a larger meeting space. Miller Commons is connected to Stough Dining Hall via a short hiking trail or by road. There are 2 handicap-accessible rooms in each lodge and there is handicap-accessible parking at all of our facilities. Each hotel room is furnished with 2 double beds, all linens, a bathroom, and a heating/cooling unit.

Pradat Hall meeting area
Pradat Hall, located in Miller Commons, is equipped with a piano, small kitchen, restrooms, and covered porch with rocking chairs.

Your fee for registration is $268.00 per attendee for double occupancy and $388.00 for single occupancy. This fee covers:
•    4 nights lodging in a single or double occupancy room with individual restrooms with walk in showers
•    10 Freshly prepared family style meals: Dinner Tuesday night at 6 PM, September 11th , 3 meals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and breakfast on Saturday morning the 15th of September. Special needs meals are available.
•    Guided meditation and Tai Chi led by our own Dr. Jim Clark each morning.
•    A nature walk with a local naturalist
•    A full day of learning about Medical Qigong and how to use it in your practices for better health for you, your staff and your patients.
•    Low rope course and team building work shop for those who choose to participate
•    Prayer sweat lodge experience for those who choose to participate
•    Each evening we will have a fire ring where we can share experiences as a community of healers.

Low Rope Course Wall.

The low rope course is for those who wish to have some fun at team building and having a bunch of laughs. It is a two hour program on Thursday morning you can participate in or not. I have done these and found them to be a blast.


They also have a high rope course for those who are little more adventurous but you are on you own there.

The local naturalist is very knowledgeable about Native American Culture, which Camp McDowell embraces fully. There are miles of hiking trails, quiet places to relax and it is very quiet. You can hear yourself breathe, a little different than in the city or your office.  Camp McDowell has many other amenities to offer including a swimming pool, canoes, activity (sports) fields, and a bonfire area.

We will have a Native American Prayer Sweat. After the sweat we will all have the option to jump in the river or pool, which is nearby to cool off and then have a late night snack and share our experiences.


For special food needs and coordinating travel to and from the retreat
please email Mary Battistella, DVM This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and she will do her best to make sure your needs are met for your stay at the retreat.

Make today a great day and sign up for this opportunity for a Healer to Heal Thyself. 
If you are thinking about doing it, JUST DO IT.
http://campmcdowell.dioala.org/index.html