Announcing Workshops and Final Registration for the Good, The True, & The Beautiful Retreat

Register for The Good, the True, and the Beautiful Retreat.

Join the Rt. Rev. David Reed, Bishop of West Texas, at Camp Capers this weekend, April 22 - 24, for The Good, the True, and the Beautiful Retreat! At this story-telling and spirituality retreat, keynote speakers Darden Smith, Terri Hendrix, and Lloyd Maines join Bishop Reed to explore the restorative power of story-telling, songwriting, and creativity through the lens of faith. 

In addition to keynote sessions, time to relax in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, a worship service Sunday morning, good music, and delicious meals, the weekend will also include workshops with local artists as well as Darden Smith, Terri Hendrix, and Lloyd Maines.

Terri and Lloyd will lead two break-out sessions, titled Creative Approaches to Extract the Art from the Heart. "Whether you want to write or not, it’s important to understand how spirituality fuels the muse and the magic within the process. Doing so will transform your life. We will work individually and as a group while diving into creativity and how it can be better injected into our busy daily lives. We will also discuss breathing techniques that destress and stimulate the creative spirit," Terri shared about the session. 

Darden will also lead break-out sessions focused on songwriting as a means of storytelling and discovery. “Everyone has a story,” Darden shared. “With a roadmap, a few tips and tricks, and practice, you can write songs that communicate, that tell the truth, both to yourself and to others. No topic is too mundane, too challenging, or too anything really, to be off-limits.”

All levels of songwriters, musicians, guitar players, and those wishing to dip their toes into the world of songwriting or poetry will also have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one time with Terri, Lloyd, and Darden. When you arrive at Camp Capers, look for the sign-up sheet to secure your spot. 

Other Saturday workshops will include:

"Mesquite Woodworking" with Gail Hoffman: Seventeen years ago Gail Hoffman's son asked her to help him create a Mesquite wood mantlepiece for a new house. She found a medium that speaks to her and has never been more enthused. Join Gail for a hands-on "Mesquite Woodworking" workshop and learn about basic tools that are used, the qualities of mesquite wood, and how to inlay turquoise. All tools and materials are provided for a simple project but make sure to wear clothes you won't mind getting some sawdust on.

"Saints & Paints" with the Rev. Arnoldo Romero: Take a blank space and create a contemplative piece of art with Father Arnoldo, Rector of St. James' Episcopal Church and School in Del Rio. As a child his mother kept Fr. Arnoldo entertained during his father’s sermons with a drawing pad and crayons. Later in life, he earned a BFA and has used his creative skills as an artist, educator, and priest. Fr. Arnoldo encourages us to, "Think of Genesis 1, 'In the beginning… the earth was formless and empty.' From the emptiness, God created something that was good."

"Telling Stories" and "The Hero Journey" with Rob Schneider: Rob is the founder of George West Storyfest, a story-telling festival that ran for 30 years. He has been involved with the Tejas Storytelling Association and has had the opportunity to tell stories and present workshops on story-telling throughout Texas. His "Telling Stories" workshop will provide tips and hints to help become comfortable telling stories in front of an audience, how to mine the depths of a story and where to find resources. During "The Hero Journey" workshop, you'll go on a traditional hero's journey and learn its relation to rites of passage, what we learn from them and how they are relevant today.

We hope you join us for a weekend of stories and scripture with time for personal reflection, fun, and delicious meals! Currently, there is availability in the cabins at Camp Capers and for weekend or Saturday-only commuters. Click here to register, through Thursday, April 21.

Questions? Contact Johnson Jeffers, Camp Capers Director, at johnson.jeffers@dwtx.org.

For more information about The Good, The True, and The Beautiful Retreat, click here.