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The Return
A One-Day Wellness Retreat to Restore + Realign
Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
Seneca Creek State Park
The Return is Sankofa’s annual wellness retreat, now in its second year. It’s a full day outdoors designed to give you space to step away from the pace of everyday life and settle into something slower — with guided sessions, movement beneath trees, opening and closing circles, shared meals, sound baths and stillness, and space to breathe.
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Last year, it all came together in a meaningful way. People arrived and found their rhythm — some easing into conversation, some keeping to themselves, all sharing a similar energy. There was warmth, laughter, good food, and a steady sense of calm throughout the day. Nothing forced, nothing rushed, just time to be amongst others or on your own, and leave feeling more settled than when you arrived.
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That’s what we’re returning to this year. This is my invitation to you.
The Experience
Set in nature, just 45 minutes from Sankofa at Seneca Creek State Park, The Return invites you to step away from the noise and return to yourself. Through guided practices, shared meals, and intentional stillness, you’ll reconnect with your breath, your body, and your deeper rhythms.
What You'll Receive
Guided Movement + Meditation
You’ll move slowly and breathe deeply under the trees, sunlight creeping through the branches, with water glistening nearby and the ground cool beneath your feet. Breath by breath, the noise fades. What’s left is presence — in your body, in the moment, in the rhythm of nature. You’ll leave lighter, clearer, and more rooted in yourself.
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A Guided Nature Hike + Forest Reflection
This isn’t just a hike — it’s a slow journey through towering trees, sunlit paths, and the quiet pulse of the forest. Guided by local nature experts, you’ll pause to notice, to listen, to breathe. Inspired by the practice of forest bathing, this is an invitation to be fully present in nature’s stillness. With the water beside you and the earth beneath you, every step draws you deeper into yourself.
Sound Healing + Embodiment Practices
Surrounded by trees and sky, you’ll be guided through gentle somatic movement and sound healing designed to help your body unwind and your mind soften. Live drumming and vibration weave through the air, grounding you in rhythm and release. This is a space to feel, to listen, and to reconnect — not just with yourself, but with something greater.
Shared Meals + Spacious Rest
Enjoy nourishing food, community connection, and moments to sit, breathe, and just be.
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... and more!
Retreat Details
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Time: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
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Location: Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)
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Food & Drink: Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided — plus water & hydration stations throughout
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On-site Support: Cooling stations, first aid, and plenty of shaded rest areas
Investment:
Early Registration: $175 (through May 15)
Standard Registration: $199 (May 16 – June 15)
Final Registration: $225 (June 16 – July 4)
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Registration closes July 4, or sooner if the retreat reaches capacity.
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This is a curated, intimate retreat experience—space is limited and expected to fill quickly.
