“We wait all year for the Eshel Parent Retreat.”

  Your wait is over.

Registration is open now.

 

Eshel presents:

 

Inside Out

Inside our families; Outside in our communities

 

A Retreat for Orthodox Parents* of LGBTQ+ Children

Pearlstone Retreat Center

Reisterstown, MD

December 6-8, 2019

 

*NEW* this year:  Adult Relatives are invited!

 

Join parents in a Comforting, Caring, Community.

 

“This weekend helped to combat the loneliness and sadness I felt as a parent of an Orthodox LGBT person.”
“A place where I can be myself; I don’t feel judged or hidden.”
“Transformative, community, family, educational, enlightening.”
“I’m missing one of my best friend’s son’s bar mitzvah for this!”
“This weekend helped to combat the loneliness and sadness I felt as a parent of an Orthodox LGBT person.”
“A place where I can be myself; I don’t feel judged or hidden.”
“Transformative, community, family, educational, enlightening.”
“I’m missing one of my best friend’s son’s bar mitzvah for this!”

Is this for me?

Whether you are accepting of your LGBTQ child or struggling with their identity, or somewhere in between, this is the place for you.  No judgments will be made about any retreat participant’s levels of acceptance of their LGBTQ child. We only ask that each attendee agree to respect other participants’ feelings and attitudes.

What will happen at this weekend?

We will create a comfortable place to share. Sessions will address having an LGBTQ child in Orthodox families and the communities of which we are a part.

Retreat Includes:

A weekend of learning and camaraderie in a community of Orthodox parents who have LGBTQ+ children of all ages.

  • Workshops, davening, discussion groups,
  • Meeting & Connecting with other parents and adult relatives
  • Modern conference facilities
  • Delicious kosher food in a beautiful location
  • The Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center is located right outside of Baltimore
  • 3.5 hour drive from New York
  • Accessible by public transportation

Where exactly is it?

Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center
5425 Mt. Gilead Road
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Email: info@pearlstonecenter.org
Phone: 443-273-5201
Here are the many ways to get to Pearlstone. Once people register we can try to connect you with a ride.

 

What does the cost of the retreat include?
The price of the retreat is all-inclusive and covers the full program, 6 meals, and snacks, and range from $xxx to $xxx.
Which room shall I pick?
Pearlstone retreat center offers three distinct and comfortable overnight lodging options that provide an option for every event budget and style.

When you register you can see a description of the housing options: See photos of housing options here.

What Participants are Saying about the Parent’s Retreat

This retreat changed my life in that it helped me relate to my child, to understand their needs without letting go of my own.

Deena R.

It was nice to re-engage with the parent community and catch up with them. Most importantly, it was wonderful to see how some have moved on from initial experiences and a weekend of tears.

Aaron S.

It is very difficult to fully express the sense of gratitude I have that there is such an organization as Eshel exists!! With a full heart, and tears of gratitude, I thank all those who developed Eshel. ❤️ May we all go from strength to strength together!!

Anonymous

I found that there are others grappling with this issue that come from the same starting place as me, and that I can be a resource to help other parents.

Anonymous

Hearing the individual stories of the adults who are navigating this was incredibly reassuring. Being able to tell our stories to others without fear of being judged was amazing.

Rachel M.

Adult Relatives

This year for the first time we are opening a limited amount of spaces for other adult relatives. There will be a brief application process.  After you fill out this form someone from the team will get back to you.
 
 

Choose Your Accomodations

 

Orchard Guest Rooms: Single and Double Occupancy

Hotel-style lodging with a scenic views of our Fruit Tree Orchard. Double Occupancy: 36 rooms, each with 2 queen-size beds, a twin sleeper couch and private bathroom. Guest-controlled heating and AC.
All rooms are handicap accessible and six are ADA compliant. Mini fridges & Pack ‘n Plays are available by request.

 

 

Garden Lodge

Dormitory-style suites overlooking our natural landscape. Mix of single and bunk beds with a total of 60 beds on 2 separate levels that can be booked individually or together.
Top level has 5 rooms with 24 beds and 6 full bathrooms all surrounding a large central lounge. Bottom level has 7 rooms with 36 beds and 6 full bathrooms and 2 small lounges at each end. All rooms are Handicap Accessible; 2 bathrooms (1 on each level) are ADA compliant.

 

Fidler’s Grove Cabins

Log cabin style lodging situated in a wooded area just steps from the retreat center. Rustic feel with all the comforts including climate control. A mix of single and bunk beds with a total of 42 beds among all 5 cabins. Each cabin has a sitting area, private bath and kitchenette with microwave and mini fridge. The largest cabin has all that with a full kitchen.

 

 

Eco Cabin

Lovingly nicknamed the “Mud Mansion”, this cabin is designed and constructed using sustainable and recycled materials, with clay plaster walls and recycled denim & newspaper insulation. The two-story 1260 ft2 building has 4 bedrooms with 1 queen bed and 2 full bathrooms (2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on each level).

 

Registration and Pricing: All prices include full room and board and full program. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!   Inquire here: info@eshelonline.org

 

Register Today!