2026 Queer Family Retreat
With Rev. LeAnn Blackert, Eric Hamlyn, Katherine Brittain and James Cawkwell
Flexible Dates
Monday July 6 – Friday, July 10, 2026. All Ages Welcome It’s back!
The Queer Family Retreat is back at Naramata Centre this summer and it’s going to be the best summer ever! Mark your calendars for a week that will feature friends and family, amazing workshops, lots of time to play at the beach, wander the village, and hang out with some amazing humans and perhaps a few more than human beings!
Imagine a week of safe space to live fully into who you are – or maybe who you hope to be. During this week we will experience morning and evening gatherings as a community, the wisdom of our workshop leaders, an opportunity to share your superpower in the talent show, opportunities for healing practices, the Naramata Slow Market and food trucks, and the most excellent dance party finale!
Each day will hold lots of open space for making new friends, playing on the beach, hiking local trails, visiting local wineries/distilleries, or whatever your heart and soul need! Thanks to grants, we are able to offer this amazing week for only $175 for program registration and no fee for those 17 years and younger and that includes four evening meals!
Accommodation cost is separate and you can choose what fits best for you – camping, or simple indoor accommodation with cooking facilities.
For information about the retreat please contact LeAnn at revleann@gmail.com For assistance with registration contact Jacquie at bookings@naramatacentresociety.org $175 for people 18+ – kids and youth are free!
About the Program Leaders
Rev. LeAnn Blackert
LeAnn Blackert is recently retired from her ministry with Wild Church plants in Kamloops and Kelowna. Now that she’s no longer in ministry with the church she finds herself shepherding grandchildren – or being shepherded by them! When she’s not out wandering the land or sitting under a favourite tree, she can be found at her […]
Learn more about Rev. LeAnn Blackert
Eric Hamlyn
Eric lives in West Vancouver with his partner Thomas, and is the Minister of Faith & Families at Lynn Valley United Church in North Vancouver. Eric loves road trips, coffee, sushi, and long walks on the seawall! He has a gift for hospitality which he credits to his Newfoundland upbringing and loves to create brave, […]
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Katherine Brittain
Katherine currently lives, works and ministers in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. She is passionate about creating engaging and experiential ways of encountering the Spirit, exploring rituals and experiencing the Divine in the everyday. She delights in creating community and exploring the "something more" of life, especially in cross-generational communities. Katherine is an alum of Winter […]
Learn more about Katherine BrittainJames Cawkwell
James currently lives and teaches in Thompson, Manitoba on Treaty 5 with his cat Mango. He had many wonderful summers at Naramata growing up and is excited to share and help create that magic! James is passionate about queer children’s books, all things creative, and capybaras.
Learn more about James CawkwellCategory : Queer Family Retreat