faq

Who is Still Waters for?

Still Waters is for anyone touched by young adult cancer: current patients, survivors of young adult cancer, survivors who had childhood cancer and are now young adults, caregivers, friends, and family members. While eventually we'd love to open up Still Waters to people of any age who are touched by cancer, for our first year, we're focusing on young adults or those touched by young adult cancer. If you're 18 or older, registration is live!

What if I'm 17?

Questions about our age limits? Contact us!

Where will it be held?

Our 2019 retreat is taking place at Army and Navy Academy, a 16 acre oceanfront property in Carlsbad, California (North County San Diego). We'll be staying on property in cottages with two per room and Jack-and-Jill style bathrooms connecting to the neighboring double room. The Academy is conveniently located 35 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), 50 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), and 90 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Check out video of the location here: http://www.maxpreps.com/widgets/video.aspx?id=5742c885-e9e9-4a36-adce-66c02c4644a9

When can I sign up?

Registration for our 2019 retreat is OPEN! That's right, head to our "Attend" page to sign up today! Purchase a ticket for each individual participant 18 and older and fill out the required information. The registration deposit is $100 until February 28, at which point it will go to the regular registration rate of $125.

What about scholarships?

We would love to work with you to see how we can help you attend Still Waters! At this time, we aren't providing scholarships since we've raised money to cover most of the cost of the retreat for participants. However, we have a support guide with images and captions/messages which you can share on social media or through email to let people know you'd like to attend and are in need of some travel help. Please contact us (info@stillwaterscancerretreat.org) if you'd like this document and some ideas on how to raise support to attend Still Waters!

What if I'm still in treatment?

We will have medical support at Still Waters and will work with you to accomodate your medical needs! Part of our application process will include a medical release clearing you to participate if you're still in treatment.

What if I've been in remission for years?

We know firsthand that just because remission comes or treatment ends, cancer’s impact isn’t over. We think Still Waters can provide a helpful space to process, think about lasting effects of cancer, and fellowship with and encourage others at various stages of treatment, so Still Waters is for you, too!

What do I need to bring?

Generous donations from our partners cover housing, bed linens, food, and most activities during the retreat. Army Navy Academy does NOT provide towels, however, so you will need to bring bath and beach towels along with toiletries, clothing, swimsuits, any water/activity gear you want, and more. We'll send out packing lists as the retreat approaches, but here's a general list for now:

• bath towels (bedding and linens are provided; towels are not)
• washcloth/sponge

• beach towel

• toiletries: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.

• clothing for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (dress is generally casual as we'll be having worship time, games, beach time, and more)

• jacket—it can get surprisingly windy and chilly at night in Carlsbad along the ocean

• swimsuit

• shoes

• sunscreen

• Bible

• journal

• pen

• shower shoes (flip flops, Chacos, etc.)

• medications (in original bottles in case of emergency)

• chargers for electronics

• optional: flashlight for nighttime, running shoes for morning run, hat, water bottle, water activity gear (wetsuit, beach toys, etc.)

What can I expect at Still Waters Cancer Retreat?

We like to think of Still Waters as a three-legged stool of sorts: part-church-retreat, part-cancer-conference, and part-summer-camp. Over the course of the weekend, we will have main sessions with worship music and speakers who encourage us in our faith as we worship together. We will also have breakout sessions on various cancer-specific topics. Speakers and session information will be posted soon! Finally, as much as we're able, we want to have some fun staying engaged in life and active together along the shore of the Pacific Ocean, from a morning fun run to swimming, surf lessons, stand up paddling, volleyball, and more. Come expecting to meet others, to have some fun, and to worship wherever you are in your walk with God.

What about food at the retreat?

Army and Navy Academy has gluten free and vegan options with a salad bar at each meal. The food at the center is generally "camp food" with chicken or meat types of options. We are working on a partnership with a local juice bar for those who'd like that as an add-on option at the retreat. If you have very specific dietary needs, please send us a message and we can talk about options (info@stillwaterscancerretreat.org).

What about lodging?

We'll be staying in the bungalows on Army and Navy's campus. Each bungalow has 4 bedrooms and one bathroom which has individual stalls and showers. Each bedroom has 2 beds which are lofted over a desk, and each room has its own entry code for privacy and security. Bedding is included (sheets, blankets, and pillows), but towels are not. If you have questions about lodging or would prefer to get your own hotel room and attend Still Waters as a day participant, contact us and we'll be happy to talk with you!