Adoptive Parents' Retreat

Join the Post Adoption Resource Center for our 7th annual weekend retreat for adoptive parents. For this year's retreat, we are heading back to Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI. The retreat includes lodging for two nights, training, and three meals (Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch, and Sunday breakfast. Friday and Saturday dinners not included.)

Space is limited. Registration opens Tuesday, September 3 and will be open until Monday, September 9. Registration does not guarantee attendance for the retreat. ATTENDEES WILL BE SELECTED BY A LOTTERY SYSTEM AND WILL BE NOTIFIED BY SEPTEMBER 20, IF SELECTED. IF YOU ARE NOT AWARDED A SPOT AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL, YOU WILL BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST.

SPEAKER, Tracy Kapusansky, LMSW

Tracy has worked in the field of supporting foster and adoptive youth and their parents for the last 14 years. She has worked with the Post Adoption Resource Centers, Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange, the Parent Partner program, the Adoptive and Foster Parent Recruitment and Retention program, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and as a therapist. Tracy is also an adoptive parent of 22 years with six amazing children.

TRAINING, Supporting Families Through the Realities of Adoption

Learn what works, and what doesn’t, in adoptive family life. Tracy will bring a better understanding of the core issues of adoption and how to overcome many of the challenges that you face. She’ll focus on therapeutic parenting, mental health, suicide concerns, understanding behaviors and behavior modification. Tracy will share many resources and ways to advocate for your family. She’ll build a sense of perseverance to help you build and maintain the family dynamics you’re hoping for in your household.

FAQs

Q: Is registration “first come, first serve”?

A: No, we will be handling registration similar to the past retreats. Due to how quickly the spots filled up when we have done “first come, first serve” in the past, we want to give everyone an equal opportunity to attend. We will keep registration open for one week, and then will select attendees by a lottery system. Registration will open on Tuesday, September 3, and will remain open until Tuesday, September 10. You will be notified by Friday, September 20, if you have been selected to attend.

Q: If I am not notified by September 20, does that mean I cannot attend?

A: In the past, there have been a number of people that have had to back out leading up to the retreat. If you are not selected in the first round, your name will be added to our wait list, and we may still contact you if a spot becomes available.

Q: I got the message “You’re going to Adoptive Parents’ Retreat!” after completing my registration. Does that mean I can attend?

A: Unfortunately, this is an auto-generated message sent after anyone completes the registration process through Eventbrite; we cannot remove this message. As mentioned in the first FAQ, you will need to wait to hear back from your PARC office to find out if you have been selected.

Q: If I am not selected for a weekend spot, can I still attend the training on Saturday?

A: We are not offering a “day only” option for those not selected for the full weekend.

Q: Who can attend?

A: If you are an adoptive parent with a finalized adoption, and you reside in PARC Regions 2, 3 or 4, we invite you to register for a chance to attend.

Q: Can I bring my children?

A: As much as we love children, this is a children-free weekend for all parents. Exceptions will not be made.

Q: What does the lodging look like at Treetops Resort?

A: Treetops Resort has standard hotel rooms. The resort has two guest accommodations – The Treetops Lodge and The Treetops Inn. We will be staying in The Lodge. Each room comes with a microwave and small fridge. Linens and towels are provided. Free WiFi is available throughout the resort.

Q: What time should I arrive on Friday, and when do I need to leave on Sunday?

A: At this time, there are no scheduled activities on Friday, so you are welcome to arrive any time between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. If you would like, you can check in, and then leave for the evening. We just ask that you check in before 8:00 p.m. If you will be later, please let us know. You need to be out of your room by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Q: What does check in look like?

A: When you arrive at Treetops Resort, you will check in at the front desk and receive the keys to your room. You will need to present your credit card when you check in. You will not be charged for your 2-night stay. However, your card needs to be kept on file in case of any incidentals, or if you charge anything to your room. PARC is not responsible for those charges. After checking in at the front desk, please meet with PARC staff in the Juniper Room so that we know you have arrived, and we can give you more information about the weekend.

Q: Will everyone at Treetops Resort be part of our group?

A: No, we only have a select number of rooms. Treetops Resort will have other guests staying at the resort that are not part of our group, and not attending the PARC-hosted events.

Q: What meals are included?

A: Three meals are provided. On Saturday, breakfast and lunch will be served. At check in, each parent will receive a voucher for breakfast at Legends on the Hill, an on-site restaurant, for Sunday morning. Guests are responsible for their own dinner both Friday and Saturday evening. There are a couple restaurant options on-site, or you can drive 4-5 miles to the town of Gaylord where there are many options for dining.

Q: I have a food sensitivity or allergy. Can Treetops Resort accommodate this?

A: We will do our best to accommodate any food sensitivities or allergies when planning food for Saturday. You are also welcome to bring your own food and keep it in the fridge in your room.

Q: What about snacks and beverages?

A: Coffee and water will be available throughout the training on Saturday. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages and keep them in your room.

Q: What other activities are available?

A: The Treetops Lodge features a gift shop, indoor/outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs, fitness center, fire pit area just outside the Lodge, the Treetops Spa, and golf. It is unknown, at this time, whether any of the golf courses will still be open at the time of the retreat as they are weather dependent. There are trails for biking (you would need to bring your own bikes, fat tire bikes recommended) and hiking, as well. Spa services and golf are available to guests; however, guests are required to pay for these on their own.

Q: Will I receive a training certificate for this?

A: Yes, certificates will be available for 6 hours of training credit.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord, United States