Retreat 2008!

Exponent II Retreat

Exponent II sponsors an annual retreat for women. Every gathering is designed to be a warm environment for open, honest sharing of life experiences, issues, beliefs, and ideas. The retreat features many workshops, a keynote speaker, discussions on a range of topics, a talent show, spiritual autobiographies, home-cooked from locally grown organic produce.

The Location: Friendly Crossways is conveniently located near Harvard, MA, 30 miles northwest of Boston. The century-old New England barn and farmhouse has been renovated to accommodate up to 70 people in a combination of dormitory and private rooms. All of the beds have beautiful hand made quilts which adds to the tranquility of this location which is set along the Johnny Appleseed Trail with easy access to hiking and biking. See more at www.friendlycrossways.com

NEW!  Retreat 2008 Information NEW!

DATES:  Friday, September 26-Sunday, September 28, 2008  

LOCATION:  Friendly Crossways, Harvard, Massachusetts

COST: $170 per person.
Cost includes workshops, lodging (linens) and food.

We have an exciting speaker list this year including: Pandora Brewer, Kate Holbrook, Heather Sundahl, Melissa Proctor and many more...this is not a year to miss!

Click here to register and pay for the retreat online.

Click here to access a registration form you can print and mail in with a check.

You can contact retreat@exponentii.org to request further information.

Past Retreats

Retreat 2007
Recap coming soon

Retreat 2006

In September 2006, the annual retreat was held at a new location, the Sargent Center, Hancock, New Hampshire.  Keynote speaker, Sharon Lee Swenson spoke about the "new" Mormon cinema and shared her life experiences.  Other workshops included science and religion, homophobia in the Church, Mormon women blogs, shared meals and spirituality, telling our own stories, making our voices heard, and accepting children's choices.

Retreat 2005
With a wide range of interesting, thought-provoking topics to choose from, the 2005 Retreaters were challenged to make some pretty tough choices.  Pandora Brewers plenary session entitled "Martha and the Chimps: Exploring Issues of Power and Jealousy in Women's Relationships" was a terrific start to a fabulous weekend.  Other topics were The International Women's Bill of Rights, Humanitarian work with AIDS/HIV children in Africa, the Church's new Addiction Recovery Program, Mid-life career changes, is God really into the details of our lives, the changing role of Relief Society,  becoming our true selves and using the language of Godliness.  Pandora's keynote address: "Hey Stuttering Girl: A Search for Fluency" was poignant and informing.  We were also regaled with everyone's "talent" during the annual Saturday night talent show.  A highlight of this year's event was the attendance of Dr. Marion Bishop who led us with her inimitable stylings through the longtime favorite "Princess Pat."  I found the weekend to be the perfect blend of intellectual, spiritual and emotional offerings.  A little something for every part of me!  For those of you who were with us this year, I hope to see you again next year.  To those of you who were not able to join us, please plan to attend in the future.  It is a wonderful event, well worth your time, money and effort.
 - retreat review by Barbara Taylor

Retreat 2004
Our 21st retreat took place at Colebrook, Conneticut's Camp Jewell with our keynote speaker, Linda Hoffman Kimball, author of several LDS books, including a novel, and compilations of Relief Society stories.  Themes during this retreat included LDS hymns (then and now), interracial adoption, and finding service opportunities.

Retreat 2003
Exponent II's 20th annual retreat was held again, in Colebrook, Connecticut and had Kathleen Flake as the keynote speaker.  Kathleen, a professor of Divinity at Vanderbuilt University, talked about the priesthood and historical women in the Church.  Workshops focused on creating sisterhood throughout the Church, handling life changes, and dealing with family members leaving the Church.

Retreat 2002
The 19th annual Exponent II retreat was held in Colebrook, Connecticut and featured Ann Stone as the keynote speaker. Ann, Exponent II's poetry editor, talked about her life experiences and the beauty of poetry. The workshops for the weekend included topics ranging from the International Church, Heavenly Mother, and being single in the Church.

Retreat 2001
The 18th Exponent II annual retreat was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, away from our beloved Hillsborough Camp.  Laurel Madsen was the keynote speaker and talked about being a member of the Church in different parts of the world.  Workshops included topics like mind/body connection, the Church as a basis for social action, and Mormon women's sexuality.

Retreat 2000
The 17th annual retreat was held July 2000. The year's keynote speaker was Aileen Clyde, formerly of the Relief Society General Presidency and many wonderful educational and non-profit endeavors.