Attention All Women Cancer Survivors:

One-Day Fly-fishing Retreat - August 3, 2024

Beach Lake Lodge, Chugiak

Applications Due: July 15, 2024

WomenLISTEN,Inc., is excited to continue our popular annual fly-fishing event! This one-day retreat—limited to 10 women—is available free of charge to women who have had a diagnosis of any cancer. Retreat facilities are basic, but include access to a lodge with indoor plumbing (including a kitchen with refrigerator and indoor bathroom facilities). Come prepared to have an enjoyable, active, fun-filled day, packed with laughter and information as you build a supportive and empowering network through talking and fly-fishing activities, including fly-casting and float tubing on a lake. We have fishing gear, including float tubes, fins, rods, reels and waders, with sizes to fit most. If you have a canoe or kayak, you are welcome to bring and use it. No pets, alcohol, tobacco or smoking.

Group photo 2023Day floatingBeach Lake LodgeBeach Lake 2023Beach Lake 2023

 

Past Retreat Participant Comments and Pictures

  • Everyone was so nice and accommodating; it was great!
  • My most enjoyable activity was going out on the lake in the float tubes. I love the gift bags.
  • Women LISTEN and the retreat gave me hope and to keep moving forward.
  • I learned new information about fly-tying and knots and how to walk backwards with fins so I wouldn’t fall.
  • I enjoyed learning new skills and talking with others and making new friends.
  • I found a new way to get outside.
  • I found I can walk more and I was complimented a lot on my learning. I was afraid it would be too much.
  • I could float and fish at my leisure. I enjoyed hearing the WomenLISTEN history.There was such warmth and kindness in the room
  • I was overwhelmed with love and generosity from total strangers.Sharing our stories and being open about our personal lives helped to make connections with each other.
  • Good thing about the retreat? Getting to hang out with girls.
  • The only “have to” was to show up. That was so cool.
  • It’s so nice to feel taken care of – the surroundings, the food and the people.
  • I was overwhelmed (positively) by everything.
  • It was a luxury to be taken care of. 
  • I never could see myself fly-fishing, and now I sure can.
  • I learned about these people and what a wonderful group they are.
  • I gained hope, inspiration and the ability to forgive.
  • It lifts you up.
  • I got in the float tube and actually did it!  I can’t swim a lick, and I did it, and it was the best day of my life.
  • I hadn’t been in a canoe for a bazillion years and we did it.  Paddling in the canoe was lots of fun and it was great to know I could do it again.
  • I really enjoyed the people I met. There’s not one person here that I haven’t enjoyed visiting with, gotten something from and I would enjoy seeing again.
  • The most memorable moment included sharing and storytelling that brought us closer together. I especially enjoyed the relaxation exercise on the dock.
  • The experience of being on the water was restorative.
  • I loved being able to share my condition with people who understood and didn’t back off.
  • I’m starting to understand my new normal and it is OK to be me.
  • It was a peaceful space and I was able to relax and connect.  The experience was powerful because it allowed connections on many levels.  We cried and laughed and learned a lot about fly fishing and even more about life.
  • I loved all aspects of the retreat including casting, knot tying, and crazy game last night.
  • I liked meeting new people and learning how to float tube.  
  • It was a time to relax and recharge the life batteries for my new normal.

Flyfishing in Innertubes

The information on this webpage is not intended to serve as medical or psychological advice or to take the place of care by your physician or mental health provider.