Download a PDF Brochure for one of our Cloud Dancer Retreats:

Parkinson's Disease

Cloud Dancer Retreat program is a weeklong (5 days-4 nights) camping experience for people in the early to midstages of a progressive neurological disease. There will be three separate programs one for person’s with; Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Cloud Dancer Retreat program will employ a senior staff which is comprised of a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Nurses, Social Workers, Music Therapists and Physicians. Each senior staff member will serve as a preceptor for 4-5 students from their respective disciplines, as well as a mentor for all of the student volunteers. One student from each discipline will be placed onto a team, totaling a number of 7 students. The each team of 7 students will be given 6-7 retreat attendees to comprise the full team. The students and the retreat attendees will travel as a cohort for the next 5 days doing all activities together. The students are responsible to assure that every member with the progressive neurological disease participates safely in all activities, and maximizes their potential.

Prior to attending the retreat, the healthcare professional student volunteers will undergo a two day training seminar to teach them about to assist the retreat attendees and the nature of their disease process. The purpose of this training is to start to develop transdisciplinary team behavior. In addition, this process will ensure that each student team members has a baseline understanding of how to provide the full compliment of therapeutic interventions in a safe manner.

Within the 5 days each group will attend an exercise group, a speech and language pathology group a social work group and a occupational therapy group. In addition the retreat attendees will go to relaxation group and music therapy sessions. Retreat Attendees will also participate in a variety of sporting events such as baseball, kickball and volleyball. There are nighttime activities such a hayrides, ice cream parties and a dance.