


Immerse & rewild yourself and your family in nature:
Nature Deficit Disorder is increasingly affecting today’s youth—and adults—contributing to disconnection, stress, and reduced well-being. Deaf children and their families often experience additional barriers to accessing inclusive outdoor programming and community spaces. In response, we are hosting a Families in Nature Day Retreat in Melrose, Florida that intentionally brings together Deaf school-aged children who are alone in the mainstream (referred to as solitaires) and their families for a fully accessible, nature-based day program.
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This retreat is designed to foster connection, community, and belonging through shared outdoor experiences, Deaf-centered accessibility, and family-focused engagement.​​​
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Forest & Nature Therapy Walks:
Walk through healing forest paths, learn about Nature Connection ​
Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as guided nature exploration, sensory-based outdoor learning, creative expression inspired by the natural world, and family-centered group experiences.
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Interact with peers, parents, and Deaf models:
Connect with the earth through
Deaf children will have opportunities to connect with peers who share similar lived experiences, while families build supportive relationships with one another in an affirming, inclusive setting.
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Learning Activity:
Learn about Nature together.
The program integrates gesture, sign, and accessible communication throughout all activities and offers nature-themed learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and relationship-building in a supportive environment.



What's Included: Activities and Entertainment​
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Teachings, workshops, experiences, and conversations on topics including Forest Bathing, Plant Medicine, Outdoor Survival, and Mindfulness.
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Interaction with Deaf role models
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Lunch and Dinner, and smores!
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Lodging and accommodations are separate costs, but include nature trails, and plenty of places to be at one with Nature. Ask us about these options.
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Who is leading the Retreat?
Our Team of Deaf guides & instructors ​
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Summer Crider- certified Nature & Forest Therapy guide
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Activities Coordinator (TBD)
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Yoga/Movement/Dance teacher (TBD)
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Where is the Retreat taking place?
Wildflowers Meadows- a wellness farm in Melrose, FL
​​🪶✨ Wildflowers Meadows is nestled on the land of the Timicuans, Miccosukee, and Seminoles✨ We recognize the land of indigenous people many of whom lost their lives to genocide and were forced to leave their land. We pay our respects and acknowledge the history and peoples of the land.​​








Application
This is the first retreat hosted at Wildflowers Meadows, and this is a pilot program, sponsored by an anonymous donor who believes that Deaf children should have access to full belonging. It is the hopes that we will continue to host again in 2027.
We hope to continue expanding as we get more and more families connected.
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At our core, we believe nature's healing embrace should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background. We understand financial challenges might exist for many reasons and we deeply respect each individual’s journey.
We seek to be transparent about our pricing. Part of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB) involves paying our retreat team fairly, as many of us are working professionals in the holistic & outdoor-related field who would be giving up income to support this retreat. #SupportDeafEcosystem
This financial assistance provided to the participants is made possible by our sponsors. If you would like to sponsor one of our retreats or a person in need of financial support, please visit this page for more info on the various sponsorship options available.
Remember, every contribution, big or small, helps us fulfill our mission of making well-being accessible to all, while ensuring fair compensation for our diverse & skilled team and also supporting future retreat planning.


