“Nature gets into our souls and opens doors to hidden parts of ourselves.” ~ Pamela Heyd

June 1 - 5, 2022

REGISTRATION for JUNE 2022 is CLOSED!
Save the Date - Our Fall Retreat is 9/14 - 9/18, 2022

SCROLL TO SEE THE JUNE 2022 CLASS OFFERINGS & TEACHERS
Welcome beautiful, creative souls...
THANK YOU for visiting the page to check out our upcoming retreat.​
​On This page you will find information about the June 2022 Sacred Makers Soul Retreat @ Squam Lake in New Hampshire. 
This is a gathering of MAKERS & MYSTICS who are ready for a life affirming, soul soothing journey within.
We hope you will join us! 

Wednesday June 1 - Sunday June 5, 2022

Below you will find the offerings for June 2022. Please read carefully and make sure this is the right retreat for you. 
There will be a maximum of one hundred and fifteen attendees This means some classes will have up to 12 people at each of the sessions. We will have most of the campus available to us so we can spread out appropriately.
  • We are still making decisions about whether we will have an ART FAIR open to the public on Saturday. For now we will definitely have a ‘pop-up’ market for teachers and attendees who want to sell some of their work, art, and crafts. If we go this route it will be very informal and only for the people who are taking part in the weekend gathering. We will keep you posted via email about these changes.
Making the decision to attend a Sacred Makers event should always be a highly personal experience. There is so much to consider — even under the best of times. With concern about being exposed to COVID-19 and all of its variants added into the mix, we trust you will follow the wisdom of your heart. If you have any discomfort about the idea of being in a group environment, please honor that prompt and wait for a future year. Your comfort is essential to a joyful and restorative experience.
It’s a simple thing, really — we throw some clothes in a suitcase, blow a kiss to our loved ones and head to the lake. What isn’t so easy is how to describe the experience which is why it can be helpful to hear from those who previously attended Elizabeth Duvivier's Squam Art Workshops. Use the link to read the recaps people share. While we hope our gathering will be unique, it will still include time for play and creative self-expression, space for reflection, a chance to create lasting friendships, and the privilege to experience a most exquisite place in the natural world.
And of course, don’t forget the EXTRAS including dreamy yoga classes, make & takes, knitting circles, and conversations about how to make a living selling your handmade goods or teaching your techniques – which are all in the works. More on that coming soon…

Your June 2022 Teachers

Here are the teachers who have committed to gathering with us at the Lake in June 2022. The photos do not necessarily represent the exact item you'll leave with, but give you the essence of what they plan to share with you and the kind of SACRED MAKER with whom you get to work. These teachers are listed in alphabetical order by last name. 
Picture
Colleen Attara
Mixed Media Storyteller
photo credit: Cindy Fatsis
CLASS TITLE
The Things We Carry: Creating Containers to Hold Our Stories
Picture
Christa Forrest
Artist, Teacher, Passion Spreader
CLASS TITLE
Express & Emerge: Storytelling Through Portrait Play
Picture
Kiala Givehand
Poet, Printmaker, Bookbinder
CLASS TITLE
​Paper • Ink • Paint: Creating Sacred Soulful StoryCards
Picture
Tiffany Goff-Smith
Mixed Media Mess Maker
CLASS TITLE
​Unearthing The Artist Within
Picture
Chinatsu Nagamune
Indigo Dyer & Textile Designer
CLASS TITLE
​Indigo Katazome: Reflections on Fabric
Picture
Vincent Williams
Visuvio's Crafts
Knit & Crochet Designer
CLASS TITLE:
Blended Knitting & Crocheting
registration for september opens soon

Your Guides on This Adventure

Picture
Damon Givehand
Yogi & Author
Kiala Givehand
Bookbinder & Poet

Damon & Kiala Givehand

Kiala and Damon have been best friends for more than 35 years, a couple for 21 years, and married for 17. They have birthed many things together, raised their nephew as their son, hosted several in-person transformational retreats, and taught online courses on self-discovery and cultivating happiness. 
Damon is a yogi, author, and mystic who resonates deeply with Vedic chanting. He spends his time studying ancient texts, practicing yoga, and writing. 
Kiala is a poet, bookbinder, seeker, and Life & Creative Alchemist. She guides women through creative and spiritual awakening and supports them on their journey back to themselves. 
Together they create safe spaces for humans to do the beautiful and messy work of shedding old stories, healing, and connecting to the Divine within. 

June 2022 Artist & Maker in Residence

In an effort to open the discussion around the intersection of Mixed Media and Fiber Arts, we have invited two amazing artists who are pillars in their industries. Our 2022 Artist & Maker program is designed to foster conversations across the gaps in the creative industry. Please join us in celebrating, honoring, and experiencing the creative expressions of: 

Gaye Glasspie, The Maker

Knitter, Blogger, Influencer
​The Iconic Orange Lady
Gaye (affectionately known as GG) is a powerhouse in the world of knitting. She once wrote..."2012 tried to take me out. I lost my Dad, then my Mom and finally I lost my job. I could have crawled into bed and cried my eyes out but I knit. I wrapped my heart and yarn and kept going. I found my life at the other end of that string." Her love of orange is what people notice first, and then they feel her heart -- that's what truly makes her ICONIC. 

Mary Beth Shaw, The Artist

Artist, Author, Workshop Instructor, Seeker
​Owner of StencilGirl Products
Mary Beth Shaw (affectionately known as StencilGirl) has been supporting and nurturing artists and creatives since the moment she opened the doors of StencilGirl Products in 2010. Her stencils are the entry to creative expression for people all around the world. Her classes have makers shift their mindset and her art inspires daily practices and consistency in her community. Her kindness is only matched by her willingness to lift other creative souls.   

All the details you need...

Expand for More Juicy Details

Important to note

  • Our location is the beautifully majestic RDC at Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire.
  • We have a stellar lineup of TEN amazing fiber arts and mixed media teachers.
  • There will be a maximum of 115 Students.
  • 10 Core Teachers
  • We will have the Deephaven side of the campus to ourselves during our retreat. 
  • You will have access to daily Yoga sessions with Damon Givehand.​​
  • Kiala & Damon Givehand are co-creating a safe, sacred, and special experience for all who attend.
  • Conversations around to the ways creativity and our connection to the divine / nature / the mystical inform one another.
  • A balance of fiber arts and mixed media arts (and a look at where the two intersect). 
  • Interactive discussions about the business of being a maker.
  • An Artist in Residence AND a Maker in Residence with an emphasis on restoring, renewing, and reconnecting. 
  • ​Optional evening create & chat opportunities.
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU PRE-REGISTER

Please Note:

Due to the need for social distancing, we are creating the space needed for social distancing.
  • There will be a maximum of one hundred and fifteen attendees and no more than 12 people in most classes at each of the sessions. We will have most of the campus available to us so we can spread out appropriately.
  • We are still making decisions about whether we will have an ART FAIR open to the public on Saturday. For now we will definitely have a ‘pop-up’ market for teachers and attendees who want to sell some of their work, art, and crafts. If we go this route it will be very informal and only for the people who are taking part in the weekend gathering.
IMPORTANT: Making the decision to attend the Sacred Makers Soul Retreat is a highly personal experience. There is a great deal to consider — even under the best of times. With concern about being exposed to COVID-19 added into the mix, we trust you will follow the wisdom of your heart. If you have any discomfort about the idea of being in a group environment, please honor that prompt and wait for a future year. Your comfort is essential to a joyful and restorative experience. 
Please take time to review the RDC Website for updates on the expectations . CLICK HERE for more info. 
The SCHEDULE
A more detailed, time driven schedule will be provided on or before May 1, 2022. There will be a variety of optional activities (see below the schedule) for you to attend should you want a little extra time with your peers, teachers, and the Artist & Maker in Residence. For now, here's what you should know: 
  • Wednesday is arrival day. Registration begins at 2pm. 
    • Dinner is from 6pm to 7pm
    • Opening Ceremony is from 8pm to 9pm
  • Thursday & Friday look the same
    • Sunrise yoga is from 6am to 6:45am
    • Breakfast is from 7:30 to 8:30
    • Classes begin at 9am
    • Lunch is from 12:15 to 1:15
    • Classes resume at 1:30 and end at 3:30
    • Dinner is from 6pm to 7pm
  • Saturday is a free / adventure day / art market day
    • Sunrise yoga is from 6am to 6:45am
    • Breakfast is from 7:30 to 8:30
    • Lunch is from 12:15 to 1:15
    • Our group photo is at 1:30pm ON THE DOT
    • Dinner is from 6pm to 7pm
    • Closing Ceremony is from 8pm to 9pm
  • Sunday is our final day together
    • Breakfast is from 7:30am to 8:30am
    • Check-out is 11am
Some of the optional activities may include a make-and-take session, Vedic chanting in the evenings with Damon, a knitting circle, a mixed media open studio, a panel discussion on The Business of Being a Maker, Earth Mandalas, open mic night, and a few others we are bouncing around.
Location & travel info
HOW DO I GET THERE?
​RDC is approximately 2.5 hrs from Boston, MA and 1 hour north of Concord, NH.

Driving Directions: Take I-93 to Exit 24 in Ashland, NH.
Take a Right off the Highway and follow US Route 3 & 25 east (approx. 4.2 miles) to Holderness. Take a Left on NH Route 113 just before the Holderness Bridge (Walter´s Basin Restaurant).
Travel northeast on Route 113 for 5.0 miles to Pinehurst Road. “Rockywold Deephaven Camps” sign is on the right.
Take a Right on Pinehurst Road and continue for 0.6 mile and take a right at the main entrance (Armstrong Road).

WHERE IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT?
Manchester Airport in Manchester, NH, is 1hr 15 mins away by car and a big hub for Southwest Airlines.
Logan Airport in Boston, MA is about 2.5 hours away by car.
Rental cars are available at both airports, or check out the shuttle services below.

IS THERE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT?
Below is contact information for a local shuttle service. Please contact them directly to arrange transportation.
Lakes Region Airport Shuttle  603.286.8181

Concord Trailways has very limited service to Center Harbor, NH, which is 15 minutes away from Squam Lake. If you choose this option we can work with you to arrange a ride to campus.

HOW DO I ARRANGE CARPOOLING OR MAKE CONTACT WITH OTHER SACRED MAKERS?
Once we open full registration in January 2022, all registered participants will have the option to join a free and private group on Mighty Network.  This is a fabulous place to ask questions, meet new friends, and make arrangements for carpooling.

DRIVING DISTANCES (APPROXIMATE)
Boston, MA 2.5 hours
Portsmouth, NH 1.5 hours
Hartford, CT 3.5 hours
New York City, NY 6 hours
Montreal, Canada 4 hours
Closest Airport is Manchester, NH (MHT)
Also check out a Google map of the area.
Pricing
PRICES JUNE SESSION 2022
In an effort to help you plan, we are working on the best pricing we can provide and still create a kick-butt retreat experience for you.

Pricing for the retreat ranges from $1590 USD to $2240 USD depending on the lodging you select. 
This will include all workshops, evening events, Saturday extras, 4 nights lodging, full meal plan (dinner on Wednesday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday). 
You will have the option to book a private space, a shared cabin with private room, or a shared room in a shared cabin. And we have a few spots for OFF-Campus attendees. You have an option to break your payment in two.

NOTE: Also, there will not be any one-day classes available. This is a five-day retreat and we are not able to offer any partial attendance at this time. Thank you for your kind understanding.

Cancellation Policy:  No refunds after April 1st, 2022. Deposits ($650 of your payment) are non-refundable and non-transferable (means you may not apply them to other offerings or transfer them to another attendee). There are no exceptions. All requests for refunds must be received in writing before April 1st, 2022. In the case of acts of God, war, disaster or unforeseen circumstances, Healing Arts Creative Studio LLC reserves the right to reschedule The Sacred Makers Soul Retreat. In the event of a resurgence of the pandemic which requires a cancellation of the event, we will refund ALL monies paid to date, minus a 250 USD admin fee. 
FAQs
WITH REGARD TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WILL YOU AND RDC BE FOLLOWING LOCAL, STATE AND CDC GUIDELINES?
Yes. Please read the section above that says "PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU REGISTER"

MAY I BRING A GUEST WHO IS NOT TAKING CLASSES?
Yes. Contact us at hello AT sacredmakers DOT com for the cost of room and board for the non-participant(s).

WHAT ELSE OF INTEREST IS NEARBY FOR MY GUEST/FAMILY TO SEE AND DO WHILE I’M IN CLASS?
Check out the list on the RDC website. This includes area galleries, attractions, dining options, etc.

WHERE’S THE NEAREST…?
Please note that RDC has an on-campus store (with limited hours) where you can get your cappuccino, sun screen, bug spray, soda, toiletries, snacks and sweatshirts.
ATM and Gas -- Merrill’s Convenience Store in Holderness
General Store for snack, beer, wine and sundries -- Squam Lake Marketplace, Holderness
Grocery Store -- Bob’s Shurfine in Ashland (exit 24 Rt 93), Heath’s in Center Harbor or Hannaford’s in Meredith
Pharmacy -- Rite-Aide in Meredith

WHAT ABOUT MEALS? I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES / I AM VEGETARIAN/VEGAN.
RDC is prepared to cater to various food allergies such as gluten or lactose-intolerance. Meals are offered buffet-style and always have a wide variety of options, including a huge organic salad bar with all the fixings. If in doubt about a dish, the staff is very helpful about asking the chef about the ingredients. In the past, many of our attendees have been gluten-free and have raved about the food. Contact us if you have major concerns.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE? WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?
​Weather in NH can vary wildly in the course of a single day, from cold to hot and back to cold again. So, bring layers. You’ll likely have a hoodie on in the morning, take that off in the afternoon, and don a fleece or jacket once evening sets. Sneakers are your best bet for footwear, but also bring something for your feet in case of rain. And speaking of rain, you’ll want an anorak or rain jacket with a hood on hand as well as an umbrella to ensure that it doesn’t rain ;-). For sleeping, consider warm socks, pjs and/or sweats, and a bathrobe for snuggling up in front of the fire with your new friends. Although the down comforters will keep you warm and cozy, cabins are not insulated. Some attendees bring a knit hat to sleep in. And dare we suggest a bathing suit?

WHAT OTHER THINGS SHOULD I BRING?
Flashlight (with extra batteries) is a must-have. Also consider: camera, alarm clock, small reading light, ear plugs, bug repellant, bottle opener, hat, phone charger, travel mug (for coffee or tea from the dining hall or in your cabin), snacks (there is no cafe on campus for in-between meals). Cabins have small iceboxes (not refrigerators), but no microwaves. You may bring your own small coffee maker or electric tea kettle for early morning/late evening beverages. Don’t forget the fixings (honey, creamer, etc.)! The paths between classrooms and cabins are lovely and blanketed with pine needles, but not paved, so a rolling cart for your art supplies would be tough to manage. We suggest a backpack or carryall bag.

MAY I SHIP MY ART SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME?
You are welcome to ship your materials ahead to NH so you can travel more easily. Please follow the instructions below:
Address your box clearly to:
YOU, c/o Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, 18 Bacon Rd, Holderness, NH 03245
For all shipping, YOUR NAME and Sacred Makers Retreat must be clearly indicated so they know to hold it aside for you. Please do not ship your materials more than three weeks before your session begins. Our storage space is limited! This bit is important: to ship things home again you must repack your box so it can be shipped directly from RDC. We will not have any shipping materials for you, so put them in the box you ship out. All boxes to be shipped must be left at the RDC office packed and ready to go. Once the box is in the mail we will send you a bill by email.

MAY I ATTEND JUST ONE DAY, ONE WORKSHOP OR AN EVENING EVENT?
There are no one-day classes available or single events available. This is a five-day retreat and we are not able to offer any partial attendance at this time. Thank you for your kind understanding.

WHAT CONTACT INFORMATION SHOULD I LEAVE FOR MY FAMILY?
The main number for the Rockywold Office is 603.968.3313. Cell phone reception at RDC is fairly good. Wireless is available in most locations. Also, leave them with the RDC website.

IS THIS JUST FOR WOMEN?
No. Don’t let the photos fool you. Although it is true that the majority of people who are likely to attend the Sacred Makers Soul Retreat @ Squam Lake will identify as female, we hope to have more men at every session as we grow. We welcome EVERYONE and look forward to the growing diversity every year. To be clear, Sacred Makers Soul Retreat @ Squam Lake is open to all loving souls. 

Why Sacred Makers?

The short version is rather simple -- creativity is abundant. It always has been, always is and always will be. Every soul on this planet is creative (yes, animals and creatures too). The act of making something with your hands infuses your energy into the thing being made. Whether you do that intentionally or not, it IS happening.

Sacred Makers understand this and are also aware that this energy transfer can be mundane or it can be magical. We can intentionally infuse our love, light, kindness, compassion, fear, anger, frustration, joy, calm, peace, and everything else into a blanket, scarf, shirt, skein of yarn, yard of fabric, painting, weaving, or the pages of a handmade book. We are that powerful. 

If we treat it as a sacred act, every stroke becomes ethereal and has the ability to shift the energy, mood, and disposition of the person who gets to come into contact with it. That's what sacred making is all about. We can shift the energy of the world with our hands. 

Why Squam Lake?

In 2021 Damon and I made our way to the lake and needless to say, it was life changing for us both. It's still hard for us to describe the experience we had. From the way nature welcomed us and held us so beautifully, to the transformative conversations we had with students, teachers, and partners who braved the trip with their loved ones. It was a unique experience that afforded us the time to create, contemplate, and  reflect. We made beautiful relationships that we are sure will last a lifetime (We're looking at you Elizabeth D.).

​It was both an honor and a privilege to spend time in such an exquisite place where we felt the energy of the natural world all around us. And with the same energy, we return to the Lake in June 2022 to meet you on the path. 
Let's gather...soul to soul...and create...
xo
​Kiala & Damon