THANK YOU so much for your interest. This retreat has FILLED and is now CLOSED.
Some dreams take a bit of time (and a bit of doing) to bring into being, but when they finally appear they make all the waiting worthwhile. Squam by the sea is just such a dream. In 2010, we held our first gathering and it surpassed our best hopes for what can happen when you mix yoga, painting, writing, beachwalks and photo magic with one of the most lovely places on the East Coast: North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
This Spring we will convene on the wide, white, immensely walkable beaches of Nags Head where pelicans swoop by in artful formation and the water is often warmed by the gulf stream. The Outer Banks is part of a narrow strip of coastal barrier islands that reach farther into the Atlantic Ocean than any other place on the East Coast, so when you are standing on the beach, you are truly immersed in the rhythmic, healing waves and salt spray of the sea.
Accomodations are in charming houses situated directly on the beach. For early risers there are sunrise beach walks, bike rides, surfing, swimming or even sun salutations to indulge in. Once everyone has gathered and enjoyed a lovely breakfast, we will break out into our classes that last until lunch. The afternoon has more class time followed by dinner and then, evening gatherings, and story telling on the beach.
If there were a way to sum up what these four days in beach heaven will be like, it might be described as taking a great big breath, or exhaling a deep sigh of relief. There will be a release of tension, stress and busy minds and a gentle escape into the true, calm, intuitive center of ourselves.
Register
Registration is closed.Location & Travel Info
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Location
We will be staying in large, beautiful houses on the beach in Nags Head on North Carolina’s Outer Banks – a string of barrier islands gracefully sweeping out into the Atlantic Ocean. Meals and classes, and your rooms, will all be here. Nags Head is one of the oldest summer getaway destinations. If you’ve never been, you will wonder what took you so long to discover it. If you have been to Nags Head, you know how it remains in your heart forever.
Travel
How do I get there?
If flying, the closest airport is Norfolk, Virginia. ORF is a terrific little regional airport that is very easy to navigate. It is about an hour and forty-five minutes from Nags Head. Directions from ORF to Nags Head can be found here.
You can also fly into Raleigh, North Carolina which is about three and a half hours from Nags Head. Directions from RDU to Nags Head can be found here. Either way, you will need to rent a car. We recommend sharing a ride in an effort to be more environmentally and economically friendly! Our RAVELRY page is a great place to help coordinate ride-sharing, so please join us there.
You can also email us directly and we can help get you connected!
FAQ
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photo | cara stockton
May I bring a guest who is not taking classes?
Yes. Please contact Forrest for the cost of room and board for the non-participant(s).
What else of interest is nearby for my guest/family to see and do while I’m in class?
The beach of course! We also are also in close proximity to Corolla which is know for it’s herd of wild spanish mustangs. Very close by is also a National Audobon area with trails to meander through. About 30 minutes drive South is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is the largest sand dune on the east coast. Nags Head Woods and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge are also just a short drive. There are also galleries, golf, attractions, dining options, etc. within the villages of Duck and Corolla.
What about meals? I have food allergies/ I am vegetarian/vegan.
We are prepared to cater to various food allergies such as gluten or lactose-intolerance. Meals are offered buffet-style and always have a wide variety of options, including a huge salad with all the fixings. In the past about 10% of our attendees have been gluten-free and have raved about the food. Contact us if you have major concerns.
Are there any scholarships available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the funding to provide scholarships or work/study programs. Some Squammies have had success with a number of different approaches: a few put up contests at their blogs, several teachers asked their schools to pay the tuition as part of their continuing education (we provide certificates). Go to the message board for additional ideas. The collective energy there is amazing and you will likely find some genuine help and support.
What’s the weather like? What clothes should I bring?
The weather in May can be changeable and you may need anything from your bathing suit to sweater or fleece, so best to check the weather before you are due to arrive.
What other things should I bring?
Whatever will make you feel comfortable! The houses are well appointed with linens and towels, but you’ll want all your own toiletries.
May I attend just one day, one workshop or an evening event?
We are not able to offer single day options at this time.
What contact information should I leave for my family?
We will send this information to you prior to the retreat.
How can I become a teacher?
Generally, we invite artists (who love to teach) who seem to be a good fit for the programs. If you are interested, please send a letter of interest and a URL to Forrest.
Is this just for women?
No. Don’t let the photos fool you. Although it is true that, to date, the majority of people who attend Squam are female, we have had men at every session and their numbers are growing. To be clear, Squam is open to all.