Each summer I have the privilege of working with the Parenting Solo Retreat that takes place at Broken Arrow Ranch in Kansas. The brave and dedicated parents who attend always inspire me with their commitment and love for their children. Despite the fact of raising them alone, these parents are eager and determined to do the best they can to provide for their children.
The Parenting Solo Retreat is one part of that. During their time at this retreat, they receive four interactive sessions with the speaker. This year Pearl Bryant, licensed marriage and family therapist, was our speaker. Pearl said, “We are all on a faith journey with Jesus. He wants to shepherd us in the good times as well as the tough times.” During the weekend participants were encouraged to learn ways to nurture a healthy faith no matter the circumstances.
While parents enjoyed this time with the speaker, their children enjoyed wonderful camp activities with the camp staff. Horseback riding, archery, crafts, jet skis, swimming, nature and group games led by dedicated, enthusiastic staff made the children’s time at Parenting Solo Retreat an unforgettable summer camp experience.
Camp would not be complete without a spiritual component and that was provided by Pastor Nick Snell, youth pastor for the Chapel Oaks Adventist Church in Kansas City. Pastor Nick provided morning and evening devotional thoughts as well as the message on Sabbath morning for the church service.
The importance of being able to fellowship with other parents who are parenting alone cannot be emphasized enough. Just the knowledge you are not alone in your struggle is encouraging and life-changing. These parents make life-giving connections with other parents who attend this retreat each year. Ongoing friendships are made which continue to provide support and encouragement and healing.
This year the parents who attended Parenting Solo put together a What’s App group where they chat frequently about their lives and encourage each other. I have been blessed by what they have shared.
If you are–or know someone else who is—parenting solo please invite them to join this great fellowship of parents and attend next year’s retreat at Broken Arrow Ranch, June 8-11, 2023. The registration fee is only $50 per parent and $25 for each child. For questions or to register call 785.478.4726.
Sue Carlson is women’s, children and family life director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
