How to Participate in an AIDS HIV Retreat

HIV/AIDS retreats are intended to provide people affected by the disease with a form of therapy. They can provide much needed reflection and recreation. Some people feel isolated because of having HIV or AIDS, and these retreats help to provide a sense of community for people living with the disease. Through such arrangements, they can come together and share their experiences, fears and goals for the future.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a decision about the type of HIV/AIDS retreat in which you would like to participate. Some retreats are half-day sessions while others last several days. The locations of retreats often vary, as some are held in churches while others are offered at campsites or outdoor facilities.

• 2

  Invite your family members and friends to participate in a retreat with you. Many retreats offer the opportunity for free time that you can spend with your family or friends, enjoying nearby activities. These retreats are often designed with friends and families of patients in mind, providing useful information about coping with the illness and dealing with grief.

• 3

  Ask your local AIDS organization about retreats being held in your area. Attending a retreat is a way to meet other people in your community who are also living with HIV or AIDS. This can provide you with an opportunity to get to know them in a more intimate and protected setting.

• 4

  Help plan a retreat in your community. Ask others who are living with HIV or AIDS to assist you in organizing a retreat for which you can determine the content and structure that best suits your participants. You can also take this opportunity to choose a location that you have always been interested in visiting, but be sure that you pick a place that people in your community will be able to get to easily.

• 5

  Take advantage of the free-time activities available at the location of your retreat. As many retreats are held at outdoor venues, be sure to take a walk around to experience nature and reflect on your retreat experience. Also, sign up to take hikes, play organized sports or go swimming, and participate in any other optional activities that are offered, making the most of your experience.