Narrative Camp 2025
A small group is currently planning our next Narrative Camp in February or March 2025. We are currently exploring options in southern California and The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja Mexico. As soon as we know more, we will details soon here and in our newsletter! In the meantime, experience the spirit of narrative camp by watching this video by campers, and scroll down to see more. Be sure you have signed up for our newsletter. Contact us with suggestions, questions, or if you would like to volunteer to help.
The Spirit of Narrative Camp
As we plan our next Narrative Camp, we want to remember what made these gatherings special. In addition to learning together, it’s a time for building community, finding solidarity, savoring connections and deepening friendships. There are so many photos to choose! Here are some favorites.
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Spending a week together gave lots of opportunities for shared experiences.
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People from different countries share cottages, which we give names like The Russian House or The India House.
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We cooked and then ate meals together.
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Kayaking anyone?
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Morning Yoga by Lakeside
Redhouse conversation
Evening Communal dinners and Conversations at The Red House
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Weather permitting, we experience some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. Every night is different!
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Most of all, it’s a week for building community, finding solidarity, savoring connections and deepening friendships.
Hear from the participants
Here are some of the reflections from our participants. You are welcome to share your experience!
“I was needing a catalyst to mix into my thinking to propel me forward in my ability to ask therapeutic questions. This workshop dropped the catalyst into my brain and opened new doors of thinking and language”
“This location is magnificent. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new people, being reminded that narrative practice involves a distinct set of skills (in addition to a good attitude), and that these need to be practiced”
“I appreciated how “hands on” it was – the mix between seeing questions, witnessing a live interview and getting time to discuss and breakdown the intent behind asking questions. I appreciated that we were able to slow down the process of formulating questions, in a way I’d never done before”
“I loved how the workshop challenged my thinking about my work, getting me to ask new questions of myself and planted ideas about how to strengthen my use of narrative ideas”
“I especially appreciated discussion of how narrative therapy is not only cognitive but a “celebration of the heart and mind”
“Attending narrative camp in Vermont this summer was my first professional experience with narrative practices. Since being introduced to the tenants of narrative therapy, I’ve been trying to identify why I felt so completely different at a narrative workshop compared to other trainings in more “conventional” modalities. Not only did it feel different professionally, but I was able to be present in an unusually authentic way, personally. As a person with ample lived experience, I am generally afraid of being “found out” by colleagues, which is a fear that has only grown as my career progresses. I felt so different at the narrative workshop. The energy was different, the people were different. Most notably, I didn’t feel like an imposter and I didn’t feel hot shame smoldering in the background. As a clinician with lived experience, I always feel I need to subordinate one identity (professional) over another (sick person) in frameworks that focus on pathology. Either health wins or illness wins, but there is often not space for a more complex and nuanced narrative. Consequently, the sense of internal fragmentation with which I always contend becomes thicker and more alienating. The energy required to present well becomes an ever increasing tax demanded to inhabit professionalism, a tax I’m terrified I won’t be able to pay on any given week”
“I especially enjoyed having lots of practice time with the permission and encouragement to stop, check in with each other, try again and play. How another training could measure up to this, I’m not sure. the place, people and format were perfect. This is just what I needed!”
“The gathering was wonderful, start to finish. It is especially heartening to see a bright and dedicated younger generation coming along”
“A thoroughly delicious stay in the Vermont wonderland. I left the camp buzzing with new thoughts and passion for the work. Thank you for all you have given to us. A heart filled with gratitude”
Add Your Reflections!
Did you participate in Vermont Narrative Camps? What are some of your take-aways? What are you hopes for Narrative Camp 2025? Please add your reflections under “comments” at the bottom of this page!