Winter Invitational: Creative Renewal
December 13 - 15, 2025
Creative Renewal: Rebuilding from Within
(voluntary contribution-based pricing, pay at any amount)
Saturday December 13th, 2025- Monday December 15th, 2025
*we ask that everyone plan to attend the entire retreat
Please register by November 29th 11:59PM Pacific
A retreat designed for connection, relaxation, and creative exploration.
Join us this December for our WinterInvitational as we gather at Big Bear Retreat Center to connect with our local SOCAL community, embody rejuvenation through rest and wellbeing activities, and practice resiliency and creativity. This invitational is offered to guests free of charge with the option to offer a contribution to the center at registration.
What to expect?
Experience the joy and connection that emerges from a “social emotional arts” approach to visual arts, rhythm, and movement. Social emotional arts (SEA) is the use of the visual, performing, and/or literary arts—informed by mental health practices—for social emotional healing, connection, and resilience. There is no wrong way to creatively express ourselves. And the goal of SEA is to enable each of us to be seen and heard—without judgment. SEA accomplishes this goal through placing focus on the creative expression process, rather than the product. In an environment of compassion, this, in turn, invokes engagement, reflection, and dialogue where empathy, connection, and empowerment can flourish. In addition, discover gratitude, inspiration, and renewed purpose in life while exploring your inner world and building resilience through mindful art-making, rhythm and movement practices.
Who is invited?
We’ll host leaders and team members in community based organizations and the philanthropic sectors. Folks working in CBOs (community-based organizations) and in philanthropy in the SoCal region. For this retreat we are prioritizing invites to those that have not yet attended our gatherings at Big Bear Retreat Center. Invites will open up to return guests in November. If you have attended before, we encourage you to let us know if you would like to recommend someone.
Who else could we invite?
We’d love your suggestions and recommendations on who to invite to this invitational and expand our reach. Please send a list of anyone you would recommend to programs@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
Schedule:
Saturday, December 13th: 10am – 12pm Check-ins and Arrivals
*we ask everyone arrive by lunchtime, beforehand is preferred*
*lunch will be followed by a brief welcome walk, and an orientation session*
Monday, December 15th: 1pm Retreat Close and Lunch
“A truly inspirational gathering of people! There was so much intentionality and kindness. I feel truly grateful and rejuvenated. Thank you for opening this transformational experience up.” – Winter Invitational 2024 Participant
Your Stay with us Includes:
- A private bedroom in a shared retreat cabin (up to 3-4 rooms), with wifi, a kitchen, living room, central heat, and a shared deck with views of nature
- Three healthy freshly prepared meals
- Daily center guided wellness, mindfulness and dialogue activities
- Access to center amenities and natural environment and trails
“Coming to the BBRC retreat was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. Everything from the space, grounds, exceptional staff, incredible food and activities. Made the experience special. This has definitely left an imprint and I am looking forward to coming back soon.” -Arnali, Late Summer Invitational Aug 2023
Activities and what to expect:
- Workshops centered around creativity, arts and self-connection
- Additional activities hosted and organized by the center including morning meditations, hikes in nature, and mindful movement.
“I can think of no better way to spend a week than to take in the breathtaking beauty of BBRC. This is the place to learn how to truly appreciate life. Everyone I have encountered there has been nothing but kind and helpful.” – Retreat Guest, May 2023
Accommodations:
The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use.
The Meeting Hall:
This beautiful multi-purpose space accommodates most workshop, meditation and movement retreats. We have meditation and movement supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies.
Meals:
The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with lunch on arrival through to lunch on departure afternoon. We can accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.
Planning your trip: If you are booking a flight for your trip our recommendation is to search for flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT) whenever possible. If your travel plans require you to land at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to your arrival at BBRC for retreat. Registration opens on Arrival day from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Most retreats close by noon or later on departure day so please allow yourself adequate time for travel to the airport.
Please visit our Getting to Big Bear page on our website for more detailed travel recommendations.
Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat. Visit the ride-share page
Covid Policies: We require everyone to provide proof of a negative Covid test taken on the day of arrival, preferably before travel. If you are unable to test before you travel, we will provide a rapid test on arrival.
For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org
Cancellation Policy: For this retreat, we ask that you do not cancel if you have booked. However, we understanding that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If that is the case, please notify us as soon as possible.
We look forward to hosting you soon!