Winter Invitational: Creative Renewal
December 13 - 15, 2025
Rebuilding from Within
Voluntary contribution-based pricing, pay at any amount
We ask that everyone attend the entire retreat. Please register by November 29th.
A retreat designed for connection, relaxation, and creative exploration.
Join us this December for our Winter Invitational 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.
HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND FACILITATORS
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
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. – Summer Invitational 2024 Participant
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
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 June. 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 guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
SCHEDULE
Visit this link (coming soon) to see the draft schedule and programming descriptions.
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
YOUR STAY 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
ACTIVITIES
- 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
WHAT IS A SEASONAL INVITATIONAL?
At Big Bear Retreat Center, we offer annual retreats for the local nonprofit and philanthropic sectors focused on R&R and community building. These are invite-only and offered to folks at donation-based pricing. The intention is to cultivate wellness and respite in nature, to bond with peers and to expose to various aspects of mindfulness tools that can be integrated into our everyday lives.
FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG
Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.
Please consider this about our environment:
- The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.
- We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.
- We experience weather of all four seasons.
- We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.
- We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.
See our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs.
SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE
Simple and elegant lodgings to support rest and renewal. Our rooms are uniquely designed to offer comfort, convenience, and simplicity. All of our cabins are surrounded by nature with forest sights and sounds. Lodgings are a short walk from spaces for dining and gathering. See a video tour of a cabin.
Our Gathering Hall is spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere that feels deeply integrated with nature and the surrounding forest. The versatile space is conducive for meditation, movement, workshops, training, and other community gatherings.
Food that nourishes to support healing, restoration, and community. Our organic and seasonally inspired menus feature creative and nourishing vegetarian meals, tailored to support meditative practices. We use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Lunch is the most substantial meal of the day and dinner is lighter. Our indoor and outdoor dining hall is open 24/7 with self-service coffee, tea and healthy snack options.
HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER
Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila M.
I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!! – Anonymous
Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura M
