Wellness and Healing Retreat Program at The Learning Campus

Contenū is excited to be able to offer a day of wellness and healing activities to health care professionals, and caregivers who take care of those with serious illness, or who have a serious illness, in the southern region of Alabama and the surrounding states. This retreat, located at The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, will focus on health and wellness activities with the aim of giving attendees a space to refresh, recharge, and relax.

We hope you can join us for a full-filled day of activities and community. This retreat will focus on health and wellness activities with the aim of giving attendees a space to refresh, recharge, and relax.

Retreat Programming

Come and enjoy a day of health and wellness that include activities such as the following: (activities and programming are subject to change)

• Get Rhythm! Drumming with John Scalici: John facilitates high energy, empowering, and experiential therapeutic drumming programs for all types of individuals and groups. His passion lies in empowering others through an interactive rhythm experience.
• Fifty-five Word Stories: These small jewels of writing create an opportunity for personal reflection. They are composed of poetry and prose and encapsulate the lived experiences of the writer. Getting to the essence of what is being thought and felt can offer insights into the human condition and to the condition of the human who is writing.
• Oyster Shell Decoupage: Participants will learn about the importance of oysters to Alabama history and our local culture as well as new developments in oyster aquaculture and the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling program. They’ll have the opportunity to select their own recycled oyster shell to create a jewelry/ring/trinket tray and decorate it through the art of decoupage.
• Ancient Pottery: Experience art of the ancient past! Learn about native civilizations of the region, the role pottery played in culture and human development and create your own take-home pottery piece inspired by techniques of the past.
• Yoga & Meditation with Glow Yoga: These sessions are an opportunity to help alleviate the isolation that caregivers and those living with chronic illness often feel – to help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety by practicing some self-kindness and compassion. Each session will consist of gentle movements to help build strength, flexibility, and – perhaps most importantly – inner calm. The objective is to offer movement, breathing, and meditation practices that can be incorporated into your daily life.
• Guided Nature Walk with Nature Journaling: Join our educators on a guided walk to see the amazing flora and fauna that call Gulf State Park home and see an incredible view of our beautiful Lake Shelby! With over 28 miles of trails and 9 unique ecosystems to explore, there is always something exciting to see in Gulf State Park. Bring binoculars if you have them and water to stay hydrated! We will take time to explore the creative and therapeutic art of nature journaling, also.  You do not need to be an artist or author to begin, all you need is a desire to spend more time in the great outdoors! We will teach you the rest! (Weather Permitting).
• Massage Therapy: This is a gentle treatment that involves skilled touch to muscles and connective tissues. It promotes reduced tension to support healthy blood, better muscle function, and it decreases tension and pain. Massage is also good for mental health. People living with dementia often experience a heightened stress response, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Evidence shows that massage therapy is an effective, non-drug treatment to lower stress levels and promote a sense of safety and general well-being.
• Healing through Art with UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM): AIM brings an integrated approach to the healing process that addresses the needs of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. There will be an easy, small craft project that you can take home with you.
• Forest “Bathing”: Immersing yourself in nature can improve your mental and physical health. Forest therapy is rooted in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which is often translated as “forest bathing.” But it’s not a literal bath – the term refers simply to immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. Join our trained forest bathing guides on this enriching experience.
• Self-Guided Bike Tour: There will be 12 bikes from the Gulf State Park bikeshare program available for attendees to borrow and enjoy exploring some of the 28 miles of trails in the park on their own.

Hotel Information

A discounted rate will be available for The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL, (21196 East Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542) for a limited number of rooms. For online reservations, please click here. Guests can also call reservations at 1-800-618-4350 and mention the group or provide code 94V.

Deadline to reserve rooms at the conference rate is Monday, July 27, 2026. All room block reservations include a 5-day cancellation policy. Changes or cancellations to any reservation less than 5 days in advance of arrival will incur a one-night room and tax penalty.