YOUNG ADULT SURVIVORS RETREAT
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About the Young Adult Survivors Retreat
The Young Adult Survivors Retreat is Special Love's annual wellness event for young adult cancer survivors and current patients, ages 15-40. Equal parts retreat, workshop, and community gathering, it's a full day (with an optional Friday overnight) dedicated to your wellbeing, your story, and your next steps. Whether you're looking for peer connection, clinical guidance, or simply a space where you don't have to explain yourself, the Young Adult Survivors Retreat was built for you.
Program At a Glance
The Young Adult Survivors Retreat is open to young adult cancer survivors and current patients ages 15–40. No prior Special Love participation is required.
Partners, spouses, friends, and caregivers are welcome to attend alongside you, and a dedicated support session is built into the program just for them.
Who
Young adult cancer survivors and current patients, ages 18-40
Now open to ages 15-17 if parent is present
Format
One-day event
Location
Robinson Nature Center, Howard County, MD
When
October 17, 2026
Cost
Free — includes Friday hotel stay, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and Lyft/Uber gift cards for transportation
What to Expect
You are a survivor, but you’re not just a survivor. The Young Adult Survivors Retreat is built for the whole person, designed to help young adults navigate life beyond cancer in a supportive environment. Programming is led by a mix of licensed clinical professionals, community advocates, and peer voices who've been there.
A typical forum includes:
- Morning yoga and movement session
- Art therapy
- Facilitated peer support groups and open discussions
- Expert-led workshops on navigating relationships, life transitions, and survivorship
- An advocacy panel featuring survivor and policy voices
- Cancer Jeopardy (a perennial fan favorite)
- A dedicated support session for accompanying caregivers, partners, and friends
Make it a weekend: Arrive Friday evening for a sponsored hotel stay and a night out with fellow attendees. This is an optional, low-key chance to connect before the Saturday program begins.
Safety & Care
The Young Adult Survivors Retreat is organized in partnership with Sinai Hospital and the Ulman Foundation, and facilitated in a psychologically safe, professionally moderated environment.
Peer support group sessions are confidential. What's shared in the room stays in the room. This is a space designed for honesty, vulnerability, and trust.
What Participants Say
Cost & How It's Made Possible
The Young Adult Survivors Retreat is free to attend. Friday-night hotel accommodations are sponsored, and breakfast and lunch are provided Saturday. Rideshare gift cards are available to help with transportation to and from the event.
This event is made possible through the generosity of Special Love's donors and partners.
How to Enroll
Space is limited — register early to secure your spot, especially if you'd like to join us Friday evening.
Questions? Contact James Bell at jbell@specialove.org.
Enrollment Steps
- Create your CampSite account, or log in if you already have one.
- Complete your application online. You can save your progress and come back if you're missing anything.
- Special Love will follow up to confirm participation and answer any questions.
Frequent Questions
• Do I need to be a current Special Love community member to attend?
No, the Young Adult Survivors Retreat is open to any eligible young adult survivor or patient.
Are peer support group sessions confidential?
Yes. What's shared in the room stays in the room.
Can I attend if I'm currently in treatment?
Yes. Our partnership with the medical staff at the National Cancer Institute makes this possible.
Can I attend the Saturday program without staying Friday night?
Yes, the Friday night stay is optional.
Is transportation assistance available?
Lyft and Uber gift cards are available to help with transportation to and from the event.
Can I bring a caregiver or support person?
Yes — partners, spouses, friends, and caregivers are welcome, and a dedicated support session is built in for them.