Camp Widow Chicago
Saturday
Registration (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
General Session (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM)
Please join Teresa Amaral Beshwate as she helps us open Camp Widow. Teresa is a certified professional life coach who supports widowed people in learning to live—and love—their lives again, on their own terms. She holds a master’s degree in public health and is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and podcaster focused on life after […] Read More
Track Introduction Session (9:45 AM - 10:45 AM)
Our Newly Widowed workshop track has been designed for widowed people whose widowhood began within the past twelve months. The content for this introduction to the Newly Widowed track is based on research done through the Soaring Spirits Resilience Center and will focus on a combination of providing campers with tools and resources designed to […] Read More
Our Recently Widowed workshop track has been designed for widowed people who were widowed anywhere from one to three years ago. The content for this introduction to the Recently Widowed track is based on research done through the Soaring Spirits Resilience Center and will focus on a combination of providing campers with tools and resources designed […] Read More
The Middle Widowed track is designed to meet the needs of people widowed between three and five years. These middle widowhood years are a time of searching, rebuilding, getting to know this new self within the widowed experience. The content for this introduction to the Middle Widowed track is based on research done through the […] Read More
There are many common misconceptions about the length of time widowed people will need the support of their community. As widowed people continue the work of building new lives, their need for access to and connection with their widowed community evolves and the topics they need to discuss change. The content developed for this introduction […] Read More
Our Ally workshop track has been designed for non-widowed support people attending Camp Widow alongside someone who is widowed. The content for this introduction to the Ally track is focused on providing insight, tools, and resources to help allies better understand and support their widowed person, while also acknowledging their own experience in a supporting […] Read More
Block 1 of Workshops (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Life after the loss of a spouse brings waves of unprecedented, profoundly difficult emotions. While this is a natural human response to loss, the brain is hardwired to avoid discomfort—often leading us to try to dodge, suppress, or outrun what we feel. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to navigate the early days when emotions […] Read More
How do I minimize taxes when selling my home? What should I do with my investment and credit accounts? When should I start taking Social Security? As a widow of more than a decade, Carolyn understands how widowhood changes – and complicates – the answers to many of these questions. Whether you’re 25 or 75, […] Read More
Create Bad A** Boundaries! Become a Master Boundary Maker Unlock yourself from the confines of energy depleting conflict, guilt, and the ‘shoulds’ within your most challenging relationships! Create freedom, ease, personal space and deep self-care possibilities by becoming a master boundary maker inside your grieving and healing journey. In this workshop, Jim will use a […] Read More
Writing, Photography, Art, and Dance are all tools that each of us can use to get our thoughts and emotions out and validate what’s in our hearts. Whether you share your creations with others or keep them to yourself, the act of creative expression can be a path to healing and moving forward in your […] Read More
This workshop offers a space for honest, thoughtful conversation for those supporting someone who is widowed. Whether you are dating, partnered with, or a family member of a widowed person, this session invites you into real talk about the unique dynamics that can arise in these relationships. Read More
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Block 2 of Workshops (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)
The Physicality of Grief explores the profound physiological impact that loss has on the human body and offers foundational strategies for healing. Read More
Food plays such a big role in grief. Appetites and immune systems change; we cook, food shop, and eat for one (less); and navigate everyday triggers like restaurants, holidays, and much more. This talk, from professional chef, food writer, and widow Lisa Ruland, explores these and more topics, with practical support for navigating food’s role […] Read More
Living joyfully after the loss of a loved one can feel not just out of reach, but almost impossible. This workshop, Making Space for Joy, offers a gentle, hope-centered framework for reframing what joy can look like in life after loss and for allowing yourself to claim it again in ways that feel authentic and […] Read More
Widowhood is for the long haul. It is an experience we will all carry for the rest of our lives. As daunting as this task is, there are strategies we can use and skills we can build to forge a meaningful future. There are three key strategies I used to navigate my way to a […] Read More
The death of a partner from addiction or suicide brings unique challenges, complex emotions and circumstances, and difficult responses from society. This combined workshop offers a private and supportive space for widowed people navigating these distinct but often interconnected experiences. Together, we will explore the ways addiction and suicide impact grief, provide psycho-educational tools to […] Read More
Track Wrap Up Sessions (2:45 PM - 3:45 PM)
Please join your Newly Widowed community for a discussion of the days’ offerings from the point of view of those who are widowed less than one year. We will also be providing information on self-care and how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Recently Widowed community for a discussion of the days’ offerings from the point of view of those who are widowed from one to three years. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Middle Widowed Community for a discussion of the days’ offerings and to reconnect around the joys and challenges of being widowed three to five years. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Seasoned Widowed Community for a discussion of the days’ offerings and to reconnect around the joys and challenges of being widowed five years or more. We will also be providing information on how you can stay connected with your widowed community through Soaring Spirits’ programs. Read More
Please join your Ally community for a conversation reflecting on the day’s workshops from the perspective of those supporting someone who is widowed. This session offers an opportunity to share insights, ask lingering questions, and connect with others who understand the unique role of being an ally. Read More
Memorial Activity/Closing Remarks (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Connecting with other widowed people is one of the most important aspects of Camp Widow®. Gather with the widowed campers you met earlier in the day to discuss key takeaways and the opportunity to share contact information. Read More