‘Each moment is precious. Take time in stillness to listen to the heart’s counsel. Wisdom abides there.’ Nan Merrill
Wisdom is sorely needed in our world today. This silent retreat is based on Nan Merrill’s book ‘Walking with Wisdom’. It seeks to offer time and space to nurture our understanding of Jesus the Wisdom of God in the silence of Campfire in the Heart. The retreat will have a strong emphasis on ways of being present through Christian Meditation and other forms of contemplative silence, including a simple Tai Chi practice. Sessions are tailored to allow participants to engage at whatever level they feel most comfortable. As a praying community, there will also be the opportunity to share in communal prayer using the WCCM Bonnevaux Daily Prayer Book. As a key element of this retreat is Living Silence, how we integrate silence into the daily rhythm of life, a non-residential option is a available for local participants. Opportunities for spiritual accompaniment will be available.
After the Introduction on the first evening, all meals and activities will be conducted in silence.
* Each session will begin and conclude with a time of Contemplative Silence.
* Morning, afternoon and night prayer will be simple using the Bonnevaux Prayer Book with a focus on a combination of psalm and scriptural reading from one of the major traditions and or poetry.
Retreatants can join the prayer prior to meditation or simply join 10 minutes later at the time of Contemplative Silence.
* Morning and evening Tai Chi is optional and refers to a simple set of meditative movements. No prior experience is necessary.
* Personal Prayer suggestions: Meditation, Walking, Dadirri, Labyrinth Lectio Divina with Scripture, Art, Nature or Poetry and Haiku, Art work, Journaling
* This silent retreat is based on the expectation of a digital fast. It is also suggested that you limit your reading to that associated with the retreat theme, or something else agreed on with your retreat guide.
Retreat Guide
Your guide for this retreat is Michelle Vass, Meditator in Residence at Campfire for April – May 2026. Michelle has a wealth of experience in retreat work, particularly silent retreats, and spiritual accompaniment. She is passionate about the recovery and recreation of new ways of meditation and contemplation based on the richness of the Christian tradition and also inclusive of the wisdom of other traditions. Silence and prayer are key elements of life for Michelle and she is keen to share her experiences with others.
Cost: Packages from $450 – $1,095
From Sunday late afternoon until Friday lunchtime.
There will be 3 levels of accommodation offered, numbers are limited in each level, all-inclusive prices for the 5 nights are
* Private room $1,095 per person
* Shared room $775 per person
* Swag camping $635 per person
* It’s possible to come daily (non-residential) $450 for all sessions and meals
To enquire about possible scholarship assistance taylor.judi@outlook.com
Free accommodation (in a caravan) is reserved for one volunteer, in exchange for their assistance throughout the event, ideally arriving a few days before the retreat and staying on afterward to assist with clean-up and preparing for the next guests. Minimum 2-week volunteering stay. More information about volunteering here.
NO. OF PARTICIPANTS Maximum of around 15