April 2010 Alumni Retreat Relax, Refresh, Restore... Join us April 23 to 25, for the third annual Orchard Alumni Retreat. Enjoy adventure, fellowship and spiritual discovery at the Wolfe Creek Lodge. Reconnect with The Orchard and make new friends while enjoying yoga, guided meditation, wholesome meals and daily 12-step meetings. Richard Osler, one of The Orchard's most dynamic and inspirational guest facilitators will lead an extended poetry workshop Saturday, April 24. Click here for more information about the retreat and early bird pricing (early bird pricing available only until March 15th).

12th Annual Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine Conference

The Orchard will be participating in the Providence Regional Medical Center's 12th Annual Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine Conference, March 4 to 5, 2010. Conference topics include trends in the availability, use and consequences of illicit prescription drugs, cannabis, opiods, the use of atypical antipsychotics and adolescent brain development. More information can be found on the conference website.

Honour a Life Twice a year The Orchard puts together a very moving ceremony entitled 'Honor a Life' where clients, alumni and staff take a moment to honor the lives of those we have lost through the disease of addiction. Please join us for this special ceremony during Alumni Day on Thursday, November 26, 2009.

2009 St. Paul's Hospital Continuing Medical Education Conference

The Orchard will be participating in St. Paul's Hospital Continuing Medical education Conference for Primary Physicians, November 19 and 20, 2009, at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (East). This annual conference in primary care medicine focuses on an evidence-based review of practical information, new trends and discusses controversial topics useful for primary physicians practicing in urban and rural areas. More information can be found on the conference website.

Making Gains in Mental Health and Addictions Conference

The Orchard will take part in Making Gains in Mental Health and Addictions - The Future is Now - November 2 to 4, 2009, in Toronto, Ontario. This educational forum is being presented by Addictions Ontario, Canadian Mental Health Association, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Ontario Association of Patient Councils, Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs and the Ontario Peer Development Initiative. More information can be found on the conference website.

Hallowe'en Dance The Orchard is hosting a clean and sober Halloween Dance Friday, October 30, 2009, in the Spirit Room of the West Vancouver Community Center (2121 Marine Drive). The night will feature special appearances by DJ Outrageous and DJ Extreme; Prizes for best costumes; Refreshments; and Tons of fun! Doors open at 7:00 pm. AA meeting from 7:30 to 8:30. Dance 9:00 to Midnight. Join our Facebook group and order tickets here.

Alumni Creative Arts Day The Orchard is hosting an extra special celebration of the creative arts on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Many of our talented alumni will be showcasing and sharing their creative talents. Highlights of the day will include music, poetry, painting, jewelry and other arts and crafts. All Orchard Alumni are invited to join us at 12:30 pm at our Bowen Island location.

ISAM/CSAM Annual Conference 2009

The Orchard was one of fifteen sponsors of the joint conference of the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) and the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM), September 23 to 26, 2009, in Calgary, Alberta. The conference featured a number of simultaneous tracks of symposia and a series of lectures by renowned speakers - Celebrating the Past ... Shaping the Future. More information on this conference can be found on the ISAM website.

June 2009 Spirituality Retreat

"Learning to be Human: The Spirituality of Emotions" hosted by Angela Hryniuk utilized meditation, discussion and teachings to explore where spirituality can be practiced in our everyday lives. Angela has been counselling and advising people on spiritual matters for the past 28 years. She is a practitioner and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism who uses a 12-step Recovery Model. She is also a tax accountant who provides a spiritual perspective in financial matters helping people use the laws of Abundance and Prosperity to attract what they want.

Honour a Life

Twice a year the Orchard puts together a very moving ceremony entitled 'Honor a Life' where clients, alumni and staff take a moment to honor the lives of those that we have lost through the disease of addiction. Please join us for this special ceremony during Alumni Day on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

September 2008 Spiritual Retreat

The Orchard hosted its annual Spirituality Retreat on September 27 & 28, 2008. This year's workshop facilitator was Kathi Bentall. Participants explored concepts of spirituality and learned how to deepen their current practices.

Kathi has an incredible ability to take her participants on a journey of self-exploration; utilizing several prayer and meditation techniques to connect with spirit, and explore meaning in one's own life.

Kathi Bentall is the Spiritual Director at Rivendell Retreat Center on Bowen Island. She is also co-founder of 'The Listening Post', a centre on the corner of Main & Hastings where those in the neighbourhood can escape the chaos of the streets, and further their spirituality.

June 2008 Alumni Retreat RockRidge Canyon Retreat is beautifully situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains near Princeton BC, and was host to the Orchard alumni party of the year. The crew of Orchard alumni, staff and other 'friends of the Orchard' really partied it up sober-style. There were games, swimming, ZipLine - and who could forget Lorinda and Daryl dancing the 'Hustle' at the 70's dance party, complete with costumes.

Sunday, April 20, 2008 "Writing the Past: Creative Exploration of Ourselves" at The Orchard on Bowen Island For anyone interested in examining themselves, creative writing, recovery, poetry, growth, and fun! 10am - 4pm (lunch included) $100+GST Patrick Lane has been called, by many writers and critics "the best poet of his generation." Over the past 45 years, Patrick has authored more than twenty books of poetry, for which he has received most of Canada's top literary awards, including the Governor General's Award, the Canadian Authors Association Award, and two National Magazine Awards. In 2006, he won the prestigious BC Book Award, followed up by the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence in 2007. He has appeared at literary festivals around the world and has published his work in many countries including England, France, the Czech Republic, Italy, China, Chile, and Russia. Today, his poetry and fiction appear in all major Canadian anthologies of English literature. REGISTRATION: Call The Orchard at (604) 947-0420 during regular business hours to reserve your space or sign up directly by clicking here.

October 2007 The Buddhist Path of Rebellion... A Workshop with Noah Levine, author of "Dharma Punx" and "Against the Stream" At The Orchard- Sunday, October 21st, 2007- 10-4:00pm The Buddha referred to his Awakening as having been "Against the Stream". The spiritual path is one of revolutionary acts of non-violent rebellion against greed, hatred and delusion. In this day-long meditation group and discussion Noah will speak about his own person journey of both positive and negative forms of subversion of the dominant paradigm and elucidate the Buddhist path of wisdom and compassion that lead to Freedom. The workshop is offered to anyone – you need not be in a 12-Step Program or have a Buddhist practice of meditation to learn from Noah's insights, wisdom and experience. $80.00 for the day, lunch included. To register, call The Orchard 604.947.0420 Click here for more info.

September 2007 SPIRITUALITY through CONNECTION with Derek and Maureen Lacroix This interactive workshop provides teaching and practices to help participants connect to themselves, others, nature and their higher power. Through a mixture of didactic and experiential learning we will explore a variety of spiritual philosophies, prayer and meditation practices, and ways of experiencing Spirit through connection. For people wanting a deeper meaning in life seeking direction in life searching for a spiritual path and personal practices looking to deepen their current spiritual practices in addiction recovery and interested in exploring Step 11 Maureen and Derek will discuss spiritual concepts such as Beauty as Truth; Truth as Beauty; Panentheism, Creation Spirituality, Eco-Spirituality Developing an intimate relationship with Spirit 12 steps as a spiritual practice Cost: $200 for the weekend workshop- lunches included- Reduced rate accommodation for participants Call The Orchard to register- 604.947.0420 Click here for more info.

June 2007 Sobriety is living and we're going to prove it with a weekend of fun, fellowship, adventure and memories. Enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the natural hotsprings, sharing fellowship and adventure including your choice of white-water rafting, horseback riding and maybe even a little dancing! June 1,2,3, 2007 Click here for more info

February 2007 Dr. Allen Berger Weekend, Clinical Director at Cumberland Heights Treatment Center in Tennessee, conducted a weekend recovery workshop at The Orchard, Feb 17th and 18th. Using both didactic and experiential techniques, Dr. Berger lead training sessions for addictions professionals on how to conduct group therapy on Saturday. Dr. Berger also facilitated a full day workshop on Sunday for individuals and couples on emotional sobriety and healthy relationships in recovery. The workshop at The Orchard was hands-on with Dr. Berger, using examples of couples interaction and group dynamics to help us strengthen and deepen our relationships in recovery. Due to the positive experience with Dr. Berger, he will continue to consult with The Orchard on clinical matters. Dr. Berger began his private practice in Los Angeles more than 20 years ago when he established the Center for Counseling and Recovery. The Center provides a variety of outpatient clinical services for individuals and families who have completed the initial stages of recovery. Additionally, Dr. Berger works with the Entertainment Industry Council providing media briefings on the science of addiction and recovery. Dr Berger consults with screenwriters to ensure they accurately portray alcoholism and drug addiction in television and film. Dr Berger trains counselors on how to conducts group and multiple family therapy for some of the nation's leading treatment facilities.Dr. Berger's pamphlet,"How to Get the Most Out of Group Therapy," has been used nationwide, and he has published a series of audio programs on recovery and relationships. His book, Secrets of Successful Relationships - Revealed, is scheduled for release in September. Dr. Berger received his bachelor and master's degrees from California State University, Long Beach. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of California, Davis in 1986.

November 2006 The 1st of a series of Orchard Spiritual Retreats was held with Catherine Jennings explored Steps 1-3 of the 12 Step Program. The retreat was held over the weekend of Nov 3-5th at The Orchard and looked at spirituality from different perspectives through prayer, meditation and self-reflective exercises that helped deepen the understanding of recovery spirituality. Catherine Jennings, B.Ed, MA is a spiritual director, counselor and group facilitator in private practice in Vancouver. She received her Masters Degree from the Vancouver School of Theology and is currently a teaching assistant in their Spiritual Direction Program. Catherine also facilitates spirituality courses at the UBC Life and Career Centre. Her experience, training and studies in multi-faith and secular spiritualities shaper her counseling work.

August 2006 James B. Nelson conducted a Sunday workshop in August 2006 at The Orchard examining Sexuality, Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction. James explored our culture of pandemic addiction using the profound wisdom he has gained through his own struggle with alcohol and his wisdom around theology and sexuality. James helped us understand the mistaken spiritual quest of addiction and our fundamental longing for the holy that is at the heart of addiction. James also brought into light the complex theological, spiritual and sexual issues involved in addiction and recovery. James B. Nelson is Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. A Yale Graduate, he is the author of many books in the areas of sexual theology, bioethics, and Christian ethical theory, including The Intimate Connection, Body Theology and Moral Nexus. He is coeditor of Sexuality and the Sacred. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

June 2006 The Buddha said craving is the cause of suffering. Twelve Step programs work with the deepest forms of craving. How can these two traditions come together to deepen our spiritual life? In June, 2006, The Orchard sponsored a sold-out workshop with our clients as well as members both in and outside the 12 Step Community interested in both Buddhism and Recovery. Through a combination of traditional and contemporary Buddhist meditation practices, interactive exercises, lecture, and discussion, Kevin Griffin helped us explore the ways that Buddhism and the Steps complement each other as well, he gave us simple Buddhist meditations and self-reflective exercises to take with us from the workshop into our recovery.

Kevin Griffin is the author of One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps (Rodale Press, 2004). A longtime Buddhist practitioner and Twelve Step participant, he is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader program. A musician, writer, and father, he has taught Buddhist meditation since 1996.