3-Day Parenting Retreat

At Uplift Kids, we know that families use our resources to start conversations about timeless values and expansive spirituality.

And yet we’re also aware that parents are looking for more. They want to connect with other like-minded parents in community and get support for life’s most difficult parenting moments.

Because of this, in addition to our family camp, we offer 3-day retreats specifically for parents.

We explore difficult questions such as:

Do I want to be parenting the way I’m parenting? Is there something I want to adjust?
How do we live into what’s most appropriate when our kids are tired and acting out?
How do we best help our kids learn to regulate big emotions (and do the same ourselves)?
How can we find a community of like-minded parents who can support us through personal transformation?

These retreats will help you embody wise parenting so you can intuit effective ways to be with your kids.

To do this we offer a mix of:

Small and large group discussion
Role playing (to work through specific scenarios)
Stillness and meditation
Journaling
Nature practice
And more

These retreats are for:

Parents who are interested in expansive spirituality, whether you practice inside or outside of religion
Parents with any range of kids (littles, kids, teens, college-age)
Parents in a variety of marital situations (married, mixed-faith, divorced, single etc.)
Parents seeking to be intentional and mindful about parenting

The Facilitators

The 3-day retreats are facilitated by Uplift Kids cofounders Amanda Suarez (school psychologist), Michelle Larson (marriage and family therapy associate), and Jon Ogden (writer and curriculum creator).

Amanda, Michelle, and Jon have collectively participated in dozens of mindfulness retreats (including 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day retreats) and have rich experience leading small groups and individuals in transformative work on their own and together. They integrate psychological research alongside insights and practices from the wisdom traditions to create experiences that produce lasting change.

What Past Participants Have Said

“The Uplift parenting retreat was more than just tips and tricks—it actually helped me put on the mind, heart, and body of a better parent. The sense of camaraderie I have with other like-minded parents has been incredibly supportive in my journey.” — Paul
“You three were a dream team — seriously, well done. Loved the food, the lodge, the lessons, the wisdom. Please keep offering these retreats again and again.” — Jesse
“It was an incredible experience, helping me improve myself and focus my intentions toward meaningful connection with my children. I already see the change in how I interact with them and have seen that change reflected back in how they respond to me.” — Jeremy
“Attending this parenting retreat was a truly transformative experience. Rather than focusing on quick-fix tips or tricks, the retreat emphasized a slower, more intentional approach to parenting that honors the needs and growth of both the parent and child.” — Elizabeth
“After coming home I’ve been more present with myself and my children, which has allowed me to access a deeper inner wisdom to show up as the parent I want to be. I also feel so uplifted by the support of the other parents I met who continue to show up and try again when perfect solutions don’t exist.” — Natalie

Apply for the Next Retreat

Fill out the form below to join the waitlist for our next retreat.

When: TBD (likely fall 2025)
Where: Scholls Valley Lodge (12840 SW River Rd, Hillsboro, Oregon — about 45 minutes from the Portland Airport PDX)
Cost: ~$685 (includes programming, food, and lodging — final cost depends on room choice)

We’re looking to gather parents who are from a few similar locations and who have kids of similar ages so you can easily stay connected with each other beyond the retreat and get the lasting support you need.

Questions? Reach out to info@upliftkids.org
Interested in our family camp? See details here.

Photos by Fritz Liedtke Fine Arts / Scholls Valley Lodge