9th Vermont Death & Dying Retreat
SEPTEMBER 1 - 4, 2025
CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS, VERMONT
Lake Champlain
Champlain Islands, Vermont
Past Retreats
Event Details
Study & Contemplation
Study & Contemplation
Study & Contemplation
This year we will communing and getting cozy with nature and our studies on death and dying will reflect this. Come together with a group of like-hearted and inspired individuals who desire a more vibrant living through studying death & dying. Ten+ hours of classroom time with multiple teachers.
Adventures
Study & Contemplation
Study & Contemplation
The Champlain Islands in September are breathtaking. We will visit a gorgeous vineyard and partake in local snacks and drinks from the vine (if you desire!) We'll visit an abandoned campground, take cold plunges in the lake, walk in the dark, meander apple orchards... you can bike and kayak on your own time or just lounge on the beach with a book.
Outside Classroom
Study & Contemplation
Outside Classroom
Okay, I love camping, but I do it quasi-glamping. Our classroom is outdoors but sheltered--and it will be decorated beautifully. There will be plenty of food and nice hot showers. We have leantoos and tent spaces reserved and those options are included in the retreat cost. We are at a state campground so it is immaculate with drinking saf
Okay, I love camping, but I do it quasi-glamping. Our classroom is outdoors but sheltered--and it will be decorated beautifully. There will be plenty of food and nice hot showers. We have leantoos and tent spaces reserved and those options are included in the retreat cost. We are at a state campground so it is immaculate with drinking safe water, strong wifi near the office and clean bathrooms. There is a really fun playground and beautiful forested walking trails through the forest.
Eating Plenty & Sleeping Cozy
Housing
Plenty of Food
Plenty of Food
There are several options for housing. Included in the retreat cost is shared leantoo or tent space. Bring your own sleeping bag and pad-- the leantoo is large enough for four people to sleep comfortably. If you would like to bring a tent-- go for it! There are lovely spaces to pitch. You could also choose to stay at a nearby hotel and just join us during the day and evening.
Plenty of Food
Plenty of Food
Plenty of Food
There will be plenty of food, snacks and drinks that are included in the retreat cost. If you have a special diet- see to your own needs but there will be a great variety of vegetarian options-- and not just regular camping food. I take food seriously! Tea & coffee, drinks, all provided just bring your favorite mug!
What to Bring
What to Bring
What to Bring
You'll get a more detailed list after registration as we get closer to the event time, but in the meantime know that you should bring camping basics minus cookware. Everything involving food will be provided. You may wish to bring your own silverware, mug and of course a water bottle. All kinds of layered clothing, journal...
Tuition
What to Bring
What to Bring
This retreat includes four nights of housing (shared leantoos) and all onsite meals.
There are a variety of payment options so click through to register to see~ but in short:
$444 including housing
$399 to join but book your own housing
Join hundreds of others in the Village Deathcare's Circle
HOW TO REGISTER
To register for the 9th annual Vermont Death & Dying Retreat login to our educational and social platform called Circle. Create a "profile" and choose the option "Death & Dying Retreat. And, while you're there, you can take the Free 3 Hour Course on deathcare!
On Village Deathcare's trainings
"When seeking direction related to grief, loss, and even an awareness in how to live life fully, you will find a multi-facet gem in the Village Deathcare Citizen course that Anne-Marie Keppel offers. This course, along with her book Death Nesting: The Heart-Centered Practices of a Death Doula, provides insight, wisdom and skills that are uniquely offered. No other death and dying course touches on the real aspects of how death and grief impacts the living as deeply as this one. Subjects such as ancestry, racism and losing pets was one of the main reasons why this course resonated with me. I highly recommend the VDC course, it will change your life and guide you towards an appreciation of you, your community and the world. As a VDC Apprentice, I have high respect for the energy and work that Anne-Marie so lovingly offers to everyone willing to accept her gift." -Sonya-Prajna Patrick, Ph.D., D. Div., Keeper of the Bones