Covid has slowed the activity at Havenwood as it has every else in our world. We’re still open and ready to do retreats or special visits, as usual. Contact Jerry at 865-384-2991 with any questions.
The 2020 Havenwood Retreat Schedule has been released. Click on the “Programs” navigation tab to see the schedule.
This year, three specific subject areas will be addressed in Havenwood’s retreat offerings: The Recovery Retreat, and The 12 Step Retreat.
The Recovery Tune-Up Retreat, which is primarily a relapse prevention program will be offered again in 2020. It will be available in Men’s and Women’s versions.
The 12 Step Retreat is new for 2020 and is also available in Men’s and Women’s versions. This retreat is designed as a “crash course” on the 12 steps and is modeled after the AA approach to step studies used in the 1940’s. Participants will receive a in-depth overview of the 12 Steps over the course of one weekend.
This year, these two programs will be offered on demand for any group of at least five men or women. Call Jerry at 865-384-2991 to schedule your group’s retreat.
Six amazing women came together as participants in Havenwood’s first Women’s Recovery Retreat this past weekend (Nov 10-12, 2017). The retreat was an opportunity for God to pour out His grace over everyone who was involved.
Havenwood hosted its first family camping retreat over the weekend of September 29th to October 1st. Joey and his family made the trip to Havenwood from Knoxville to connect to nature and get away from their normally busy schedule.
The 1st Men’s Recovery Retreat was held at Havenwood over the weekend of August 18-20. Five fellows from Knoxville made the trip to Ringgold on Friday, Aug 18th with a desire to freshen and strengthen their recoveries. The retreat was a mixture of fellowship, recovery principles, and spiritual development.
Overview of the Men’s Recovery Retreat
The retreat is facilitated by Havenwood’s founder, Jerry Smith, and utilizes the naturalistic environment at Havenwood to foster a relaxed approach to a review of recovery basics that are so important to a long-term recovery. Fellowship within the group of five participants and the facilitator builds bonds between the men and expands their understanding of recovery principals as evidenced in each others lives.
The retreat is designed to create a fresh embrace of a well-rounded recovery program by its participants after the retreat and to heighten their guard against the possibility of relapse.
The program was developed for men who have a year or more of sober/clean time, and who may have relaxed the intensity of their on-going recovery efforts.
Elements of the Retreat
Seperation
Separation from the outside world in a naturalistic environment that fosters introspection and reflection.
Fellowship
Fellowship with other men in recovery.
Group Sharing
Expanded awareness of life issues with a recovery focus through group sharing and discussion.
Basic Recovery Principles
Review of essential recovery principles and tool, including the 12 steps, rigrious honesty, humility, and gratitude. Elements of a strong program are examined closely.
Relapse Prevention
Development of an individual relapse prevention plan.
Spiritually
Opportunity to awaken a sleeping spiritual life through prayer and worship.
PLUS
Recreational activities and great food. Lots of fun!
Reserve a weekend for your retreat now
Contact Jerry Smith to find out more about the Men’s Recovery Retreat at Havenwood. Retreats are scheduled individually, depending upon the availability of staff and facilities. The cost for the retreat is $150 per person which includes meals. The fee is payable at the time of arrival and non-refundable. It is possible to modify the content of the retreat to better meet the needs of your specific group.
The weekend of March 24-26 marks the first retreat hosted at Havenwood. The event, dubbed the “Old Ad Guys Retreat,” included four fellows who share a long history together. Jack Galissini, Bill Becker, Steve Travis, and Jerry Smith are all advertising executives who have spent over 30 years each working for McDonald’s owner/operators in the Southeast.
The participants arrived on Friday evening and got a quick tour of Havenwood. After a chili dinner the group walked to the council fire ring on the hill above Havenwood and enjoyed a blazing bonfire.
Saturday was full of activities including shooting on the rifle range, hiking, and some time in the shop making custom frames for the photo to the left.
On Sunday, the group packed up, said their goodbyes then headed for home. They plan to make the outing an annual event.
Havenwood continues to be blessed with support from people who believe its a worthwhile program. Ringgold United Methodist Church has donated a nine-passenger van that will be used to transport Havenwood participants to meetings and church services. The van has a few miles on it, but it’s road-worthy and perfectly fits our needs.
We also received a load of 1,800 bricks that will be used in various landscaping projects around the Havenwood property.
I’m really glad to say that the Bunkhouse At Havenwood is complete, well, nearly complete. I moved in about two weeks ago and I’m still trying to get organized. Basically, we’re waiting on appliances for the Bunkhouse kitchen and countertops. Then, we’ll assemble the beds and devise some sort of privacy partitions between them.
“I believe we could be ready to begin operation in August or September,” Jerry Smith, Havenwood’s founder. “We’re still missing a few things and we’ve got to finish the detailed handbook for residents before we begin accepting residents.”
I’ll put up a video as soon as I can put one together.
Recently, the members of the Tyner UMC Mission Committee made a much-needed donation to Havenwood to offset the cost of bedding and related items for five men when the program is launched later this summer. Seven members of the committee made a personal visit to Havenwood to see the project first-hand. They toured the facilities, walked the 12-step trail, and shared lunch while on-site. Havenwood is blessed to have their support.
This 6 minute video documents recent progress in construction on the Bunkhouse at Havenwood. Target date for occupancy is late April.
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