June 15, 2026 - June 18, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$999About the Program
In-person 4-day/3-night Retreat
This retreat has been thoughtfully planned by authors Andrea M. Page (Hunkpapa Lakota) and Stacy Wells (Choctaw) as a celebration of the long history, contributions, and joy shared by Native, First Nation, and Indigenous voices in the children’s book field.
Why this community retreat?
This retreat was founded by Traci Sorell (Cherokee) in 2022. As Traci said, “Time with fellow Native creatives helps sustain me along this author’s journey. I look forward to a weekend together to share our stories, write, create art, and talk practically about how we navigate the publishing industry.”
This is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities is meant to offer time alongside community members as you create, rest, and explore. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat.
Find Your Magic!
Save $100 on any 2026 in-person workshop with coupon code FINDMAGIC. Use the code at checkout for all 2026 campus workshops.
Offer valid through November 19 at midnight.
Tentative Agenda
Please bring projects at any stage in the writing process that you wish (idea, draft, revision, etc.)
Please note: there is an optional day to extend your stay. If you are interested in this option, please add that date at check out. For all other questions, please reach out to our support team at support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.
Day One: Monday, June 15, 2026
- 3 – 5pm Eastern: Arrival
- 5:30pm: Appetizers followed by dinner
- 7:15pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Day Two: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Yoga (optional)
- Breakfast
- Retreat time
Afternoon
- Retreat time
- Informal meetings
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- After dinner: Fireside chat led by Andrea M. Page
Day Three: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Breakfast
- Retreat time
Afternoon
- Retreat time
- GROUP PHOTO
- Publishing Q & A (Optional)
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- After dinner: Open Mic
Day Four: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Breakfast
- Packing and Retreat time
- Closing remarks from Stacy Wells
Afternoon
- Lunch and Farewells
Learn More About This Community Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat?
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to move away from everyday life to experience the retreat. This in-community retreat prioritizes time for you to work independently, and informal gatherings with fellow creatives.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this community-centered program to connect and amplify one another.
