Unbound
Unbound is a retreat for people of all abilities, who come together to create a community of self-expression, affirmation, and understanding.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Unbound will not meet in person in 2020.
Attend as a Sojourner Companion.Sojourner companions arrive on Thursday evening for training on how to provide safe and respectful care for people with disabilities. For the weekend each Companion is paired with a Sojourner to be their helper, friend, and to assist with care needs.
Companions stay in accessible, dorm-style cabins along with Sojourners. |
Attend as a Sojourner.Unbound Sojourners are adults (19+) who have disabilities that impact their means of functioning and connecting to the world around them. Sojourners may require varying levels of assistance from another person in their day to day lives.
Sojourners arrive on Friday evening and stay in accessible, dorm-style cabins along with Companions. |
Attend as a support staff person.Program staff members arrive on Thursday evening for training on how to provide safe and respectful care for people with disabilities. Program staffers support Sojourners and Companions and ensure that program activities are set up, cleaned up, and run smoothly.
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Questions and Answers
Who should come as a Sojourner?
Unbound Sojourners are people age 19 years and up with disabilities. The types of disabilities our Sojourners have include physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Sojourners might need help with basic care needs (dressing, eating, etc.), use a mobility device (wheelchair, walker, etc.), and/or use a communication, hearing, and/or seeing device (talk board, hearing aids, white cane, etc.).
Who should come as a Sojourner Companion?
Sojourner companions are people aged 19 years and up who are paired on a 1:1 ratio with a Sojourner for the weekend. Our Companions provide dignified and respectful care for our Sojourners if or when they need it (dressing, eating, etc.) and get to know one another through uplifting and empowering group activities.
Companions undergo training on the morning of Nov. 15, where they learn about things like wheelchair transfers and safety precautions.
What activities will we do?
We have a number of fun, uplifting, and empowering activities that we’re excited about. Some of them include completing an art project, being in nature, making music in a drum circle, doing yoga, preparing a meal, and star gazing, all while drinking hot chocolate and coffee together at beautiful Camp McDowell.
What time do we arrive and depart?
Support staff members and Sojourner Companions must be at camp by 8 AM on Friday, Nov. 15, to begin training, though staff and Companions may arrive the afternoon prior to help set up (3 PM, Thursday, Nov. 14).
Sojourners must arrive by 5 PM on Friday, Nov. 15.
Everyone will leave after lunch by 1 PM on Sunday, Nov. 17.
What is the cost to attend?
The cost to attend Unbound 2019 is $160 per person, which covers food and lodging. We know that some cannot afford this cost, so we offer a sliding scale price from $50-250. We ask ALL who want to attend to name and pay what they are able in order to cover their own costs, and to help cover the cost of others if they are able. If you’re able to pay $50, that’s great. If you’re able to pay $250, that’s also great.
Please know that no one will be excluded from Unbound because of inability to pay.
Is there financial aid available for me?
Yes. No one is excluded from Unbound because of inability to pay. Please email Lindsey Mullen, executive director, at lmullen@dioala.org if you have questions about payment.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register for Unbound 2019 is October 22, 2019.
Is this a Christian thing?
Yes: Unbound is a ministry of the Episcopal Church, and there is a Sunday chapel service. You do not have to be Christian or believe any particular thing to attend Unbound; we welcome and respect people of all beliefs.
Where is Camp McDowell?
Camp McDowell is in Nauvoo, Alabama. You can learn more at campmcdowell.com
I have extensive medical needs. Will you be able to handle them?
We hope so! We have nurses on staff who will attend to you throughout the weekend, and we want you to come. We recommend that you go ahead and fill out an application. Our head nurse will contact you with questions.
More questions?
Email these people:
Lindsey, executive director: lmullen@dioala.org
Kelly Watson, co-director: kellyatcamp@gmail.com
Sam Herman, co-director:
samherman87@gmail.com
Unbound Sojourners are people age 19 years and up with disabilities. The types of disabilities our Sojourners have include physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Sojourners might need help with basic care needs (dressing, eating, etc.), use a mobility device (wheelchair, walker, etc.), and/or use a communication, hearing, and/or seeing device (talk board, hearing aids, white cane, etc.).
Who should come as a Sojourner Companion?
Sojourner companions are people aged 19 years and up who are paired on a 1:1 ratio with a Sojourner for the weekend. Our Companions provide dignified and respectful care for our Sojourners if or when they need it (dressing, eating, etc.) and get to know one another through uplifting and empowering group activities.
Companions undergo training on the morning of Nov. 15, where they learn about things like wheelchair transfers and safety precautions.
What activities will we do?
We have a number of fun, uplifting, and empowering activities that we’re excited about. Some of them include completing an art project, being in nature, making music in a drum circle, doing yoga, preparing a meal, and star gazing, all while drinking hot chocolate and coffee together at beautiful Camp McDowell.
What time do we arrive and depart?
Support staff members and Sojourner Companions must be at camp by 8 AM on Friday, Nov. 15, to begin training, though staff and Companions may arrive the afternoon prior to help set up (3 PM, Thursday, Nov. 14).
Sojourners must arrive by 5 PM on Friday, Nov. 15.
Everyone will leave after lunch by 1 PM on Sunday, Nov. 17.
What is the cost to attend?
The cost to attend Unbound 2019 is $160 per person, which covers food and lodging. We know that some cannot afford this cost, so we offer a sliding scale price from $50-250. We ask ALL who want to attend to name and pay what they are able in order to cover their own costs, and to help cover the cost of others if they are able. If you’re able to pay $50, that’s great. If you’re able to pay $250, that’s also great.
Please know that no one will be excluded from Unbound because of inability to pay.
Is there financial aid available for me?
Yes. No one is excluded from Unbound because of inability to pay. Please email Lindsey Mullen, executive director, at lmullen@dioala.org if you have questions about payment.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register for Unbound 2019 is October 22, 2019.
Is this a Christian thing?
Yes: Unbound is a ministry of the Episcopal Church, and there is a Sunday chapel service. You do not have to be Christian or believe any particular thing to attend Unbound; we welcome and respect people of all beliefs.
Where is Camp McDowell?
Camp McDowell is in Nauvoo, Alabama. You can learn more at campmcdowell.com
I have extensive medical needs. Will you be able to handle them?
We hope so! We have nurses on staff who will attend to you throughout the weekend, and we want you to come. We recommend that you go ahead and fill out an application. Our head nurse will contact you with questions.
More questions?
Email these people:
Lindsey, executive director: lmullen@dioala.org
Kelly Watson, co-director: kellyatcamp@gmail.com
Sam Herman, co-director:
samherman87@gmail.com