Past Retreats
Retreat 2008
Held at Friendly Crossways in Harvard, Massachusetts, the 2008 retreat featured wonderful speakers including Pandora Brewer, Kate Holbrook, Heather Sundahl, Melissa Proctor and many more.
Retreat 2006
In September 2006, the annual retreat was held at a new location, the Sargent Center, Hancock, New Hampshire. Keynote speaker, Sharon Lee Swenson spoke about the “new” Mormon cinema and shared her life experiences. Other workshops included science and religion, homophobia in the Church, Mormon women blogs, shared meals and spirituality, telling our own stories, making our voices heard, and accepting children’s choices.
Retreat 2005
With a wide range of interesting, thought-provoking topics to choose from, the 2005 Retreaters were challenged to make some pretty tough choices. Pandora Brewers plenary session entitled “Martha and the Chimps: Exploring Issues of Power and Jealousy in Women’s Relationships” was a terrific start to a fabulous weekend. Other topics were The International Women’s Bill of Rights, Humanitarian work with AIDS/HIV children in Africa, the Church’s new Addiction Recovery Program, Mid-life career changes, is God really into the details of our lives, the changing role of Relief Society, becoming our true selves and using the language of Godliness. Pandora’s keynote address: “Hey Stuttering Girl: A Search for Fluency” was poignant and informing. We were also regaled with everyone’s “talent” during the annual Saturday night talent show. A highlight of this year’s event was the attendance of Dr. Marion Bishop who led us with her inimitable stylings through the longtime favorite “Princess Pat.” I found the weekend to be the perfect blend of intellectual, spiritual and emotional offerings. A little something for every part of me! For those of you who were with us this year, I hope to see you again next year. To those of you who were not able to join us, please plan to attend in the future. It is a wonderful event, well worth your time, money and effort.
- retreat review by Barbara Taylor
Retreat 2004
Our 21st retreat took place at Colebrook, Conneticut’s Camp Jewell with our keynote speaker, Linda Hoffman Kimball, author of several LDS books, including a novel, and compilations of Relief Society stories. Themes during this retreat included LDS hymns (then and now), interracial adoption, and finding service opportunities.
Retreat 2003
Exponent II’s 20th annual retreat was held again, in Colebrook, Connecticut and had Kathleen Flake as the keynote speaker. Kathleen, a professor of Divinity at Vanderbuilt University, talked about the priesthood and historical women in the Church. Workshops focused on creating sisterhood throughout the Church, handling life changes, and dealing with family members leaving the Church.
Retreat 2002
The 19th annual Exponent II retreat was held in Colebrook, Connecticut and featured Ann Stone as the keynote speaker. Ann, Exponent II’s poetry editor, talked about her life experiences and the beauty of poetry. The workshops for the weekend included topics ranging from the International Church, Heavenly Mother, and being single in the Church.
Retreat 2001
The 18th Exponent II annual retreat was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, away from our beloved Hillsborough Camp. Laurel Madsen was the keynote speaker and talked about being a member of the Church in different parts of the world. Workshops included topics like mind/body connection, the Church as a basis for social action, and Mormon women’s sexuality.
Retreat 2000
The 17th annual retreat was held July 2000. The year’s keynote speaker was Aileen Clyde, formerly of the Relief Society General Presidency and many wonderful educational and non-profit endeavors.