Camp LIVIN & Retreats

    Testimonials

    Family Camp

    Connection and Renewal for Families Who Experienced A Loss By Suicide

    Camp LIVIN is a family camp held each August for families with children who have lost a
    loved one to suicide. Since 2019, it has offered a supportive space to step away from everyday
    life and connect with others who understand this kind of loss.
     
    Throughout the weekend, families are invited to take part in a variety of intentional activities that foster family connections, reflection, and shared strength. From nature hikes and swimming to yoga, meditation, and campfires under the stars, each moment is offered as a gentle opportunity to connect with each other, with yourself, and with a supportive network of others on similar paths.

    Camp LIVIN encourages families to unplug, simply be together and have FUN! Here, every
    story is honored, and every family belongs.
    LIVIN Family Camp 2025 Registration
    Who can come to Camp LIVIN?

    Camp LIVIN is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a family member by suicide. Family is whoever you define it to be, including close family friends with a minimum, of two and maximum of 10 members per family. Camp activities are designed for school-age children and adults. Younger children are also welcome. Families with young children are encouraged to reach out to our camp team ahead of time for more guidance. Family groups that are only adults are encouraged to consider our adult retreat as an alternative.

    Each cabin is made up of 4 sleeping areas that are partitioned off with a pocket door. Each area has 4-5 twin beds. There is a common space in the middle of each cabin with couches, tables, a fireplace and a kitchenette. All cabins are accessible for those with mobility concerns.

    Each family gets their own section of a cabin with a bathroom, shower, and sink for each family.

    No, camp is created with a specific program that starts on Friday and ends on Sunday. We have designed it this way in order for each participant to get the most benefit from Camp.

    Activities will include games, high ropes course, nature hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, waterfront, campfires, and small group activities.

    Camp activities go on rain or shine. Many of our activities are held indoors and we can move everything inside if it rains. Please bring your rain gear just in case!

    Registration for Camp LIVIN includes your family’s housing, meals and activities for the weekend.

    Individuals anticipating accommodations for special needs are encouraged to talk with Camp Directors regarding specific needs. In general, the Campsite is designed to be accessible to those with mobility concerns. The kitchen can accommodate many dietary needs. Camp activities are designed for all ages and abilities and adaptations can be made.

    Each family is requested to pay a non-refundable $50.00 registration fee to attend camp. The low cost of Camp LIVIN is made possible by our generous partners and sponsors.

    We will ask for a credit card or check payment upfront when registering to simply secure your spot. Nothing will be charged to your card until after camp. In the event of a family canceling within 30 days of the start of camp and/or once registered and your family no-shows the day of Camp, there will be a charge of $300 to your credit card for your family to cover cancellation costs.

    Individuals Retreat

    Creating Space for Reflection, Connection, Gratitude and Community

    The LIVIN Retreats are intentionally designed retreat experiences for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. Set in peaceful settings, these gatherings offer a safe and compassionate space to honor those we’ve lost, process grief, and find connection with others on a similar path.

    The retreat activities emphasize reflection, community, and gratitude, creating
    opportunities for meaningful connection, contemplation, personal growth and fun!

    LIVIN Individuals Retreat 2025 Registration
    Who can come to the LIVIN Retreat?
    The LIVIN Retreat is designed for any adult(s) who has experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. The retreat experience is appropriate for a loss that occurred at least 6 months prior to the start of the retreat
    The 2025 LIVIN Retreat is being held at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center in Farmington, MN. https://mtolivetretreat.org/
    Retreat participants will be staying in hotel-style rooms, each with two full-sized beds, a table and chairs, and a private bath. A handicap accessible hotel-style room with two single beds is also available. Sheets, towels, linens, pillows, and a hair dryer are provided. Participants will have their own room unless they are attending with a family member or friend and are comfortable sharing a room.
    Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the retreat. Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center is about a thirty-minute drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport for those traveling by air. Closer to the start of the retreat, LIVIN may be able to assist you in locating other participants interested in carpooling, just ask!
    No, the retreat is created with an intentional design that starts on Friday and ends Sunday. We have designed it this way for each participant to get the most benefit from the experience.
    A variety of intentional group and individual activities will be scheduled throughout the weekend focused on the retreat’s goal of Creating Space for Reflection, Connection, Gratitude and Community. There will be time to be active and time to be more passive. Participants are encouraged to participate at the level at which they are most comfortable. There will also be unscheduled times for participants to explore the retreat grounds, going swimming or curling up with a good book.
    Activities go on rain or shine. Many of our activities are held indoors and we can move almost everything inside if it rains. Please bring your rain gear just in case!
    Registration for the LIVIN retreat includes your lodging, meals and activities for the weekend.
    Participants anticipating accommodations for special needs are encouraged to talk with the Retreat Director’s regarding specific needs. In general, the site is designed to be accessible to those with mobility concerns. The kitchen can accommodate several dietary needs. Activities are designed for all ages and abilities and adaptations can be made.
    Because of our generous sponsors and donors that believe in Camp LIVIN and the LIVIN Retreats, this experience is virtually free for those attending. We ask for a $50 registration fee; however, we have financial assistance to help with that as well.
    We will ask for a credit card up front when registering to secure your spot. In the event of a family canceling within 30 days of the start of retreat and/or once registered and you no-shows the day of check in, there will be a charge of $300 to your credit card. This is what it would cost LIVIN for no-shows or cancellations.

    Dad's Retreat

    Finding Strength in Shared Loss

    Losing a child to suicide is a pain that never really fades, and no father should have to carry alone. This retreat is a space for dads – whether you’re one year or twenty years into this journey- who understand the depth of this loss and are looking for connection, support, and a way forward. We will gather in a peaceful setting, at FaceIt Lodge in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, stepping away from the demands of daily life to share our experiences, ask tough questions, share challenges, or simply listen.

    The purpose is to make connections with others who truly understand. Through thoughtful discussions, light but meaningful activities, and hikes through nature, we’ll take time to reflect, open-up, and build connections. This retreat isn’t about finding all the answers, it’s about finding each other. If you’re ready to step into a space where your grief is understood and your voice is heard, please join us. 
     
    All attendees are welcome to arrive the afternoon of May 30th for dinner and conversation. Arrival before 9am on May 31st is fine too, this is when the core of the retreat will begin. 
    LIVIN Dad's Retreat 2025 Registration
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    2168 7th Ave, PO Box 652, Anoka, MN 55303 

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    #LIVIN Merchandise
    and Swag

    • Merchandise available for purchase at the LIVIN Foundation booth!
    • FREE swag available at the LIVIN Foundation booth!

    Powerful & Inspirational Program

    • Connect with a community that isn’t afraid to talk about mental health and celebrate life together! We’re all BETTER TOGETHER!
    • This is FREE and done in the late afternoon on Saturday as we wrap up the daytime activities and move into the evening!

    Kids Daytime Play Zone

    • Face painting, disney characters, horse and wagon rides, sand hill + toys, treats and more!
    • This is FREE during the daytime thanks to our generous sponsors!

    Cornhole Tournament

    • Enter to play for a fee at the event on Saturday during the day!
    • Winners announced at the afternoon program!

    BBQ Competition

    • Attendees can purchase tickets at the event to try the delicious BBQ & vote!
    • Opportunity to enter the competition with a team! Contact us in advance if interested!
    • Winners announced at the afternoon program!

    Beverages

    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase!

    Food Trucks

    • Various food options ranging from gourmet pizza to bar food available for purchase at the event!

    Camping

    • Friday and Saturday nights!
    • Available for purchase when buying tickets!

    Music

    • Friday night and Saturday daytime are FREE thanks to our generous sponsors!
    • National and local artists!
    • General admission and VIP experiences available for purchase for Saturday night!
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