Shout out to METRO for the 2025 grant that supports TLC R3, Aug 28-31, 2025.
A safe space to "just be" creative in nature & community.
4th Annual BIPOC R3 Family Camping Retreat, 2024
Exclusive for Black, Indigenious, People of Color.
Special Guests & Activities
Afrovivalist: This is A Drill!
J'Reyesha Brannon: Field Guide Nature Hike
J'Reyesha Brannon: Field Guide Nature Hike
Join Afrovivalist for a challenge to prepare for emergency evacuation. During this session you will be invited to prepare for this camping trip as if it were an actual emergency. Would you have what you need? Would you know how to get there? What obstacles might you face getting to your emergency base camp? This survival contest will test your readiness, or at the very least reveal what you need to be ready when the time comes. Download the activity guide below. Prizes will be awarded!
Afrovivalist has been preparing for a catastrophic disaster and practice wilderness survival skills. She is also preparing to live an off-grid, a self-reliant lifestyle. Afrovivalist wears many hats. She has held the title as Incident Commander for the State of Oregon Radiological Emergency Response Team, Emergency Preparedness Instructor at Saturday Academy, a Preparedness Consultant and Founder of deCamp Outdoors, an online Preparedness Camp.
It is her mission to share information with those who are interest in preparing for a man-made or natural disaster. She encourages others to be prepared for any emergency by having emergency kits, a food pantry Bug Out Bags (BOB) and Bug Out Locations (BOL) for unexpected situations.
J'Reyesha Brannon: Field Guide Nature Hike
J'Reyesha Brannon: Field Guide Nature Hike
J'Reyesha Brannon: Field Guide Nature Hike
J'reyesha is the artistic mind that helped design our BIPOC Nature Field Guide. She will facilitate a hike using this guide to explore and wonder about nature and our relationship with the natural world.
J’reyesha is a born and raised Portlander. She is a University of Portland alumni (’15), where she graduated with a degree in civil engineering with an environmental focus. She is a licensed Environmental engineer and currently works as a designer/project manager. She is passionate about environmental justice, civic engagement, and diversifying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Outside of work she is a lifelong volunteer, currently holding roles in a variety of community organizations - President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Portland Professionals, Good in the Hood Planning Committee, etc. Past commitments include Multnomah County Charter Committee Member and NAACP Portland's Environmental Justice Chair. In her spare time she manages a small vintage resale business and is an artist.
Women Writing In Wellness Workshop Series
Session 1: Women in the Wild
(NOTE: This is the first of a three-part series. Session II: Women in the Garden is scheduled for September 26-29th, 2024 during the Fall R3 Retreat. Session III: Women at Well (W@W) is scheduled for the Winter R3 Retreat, December 7-8th, 2024.)
Join us for this two-hour session dedicated to centering the relationships between ourselves, the spirit of creation, and nature. This workshop is designed exclusively for BIPOC women to feel safe to explore healing and empowerment through the written word.
In this intimate gathering, we will delve into the rich tapestry of our identities, reclaiming narratives often silenced or marginalized. Through guided writing prompts, group discussions, and supportive feedback, participants will explore themes of identity, personal growth, and spiritual connection.
Together, we will honor the wisdom of our ancestors and the resilience of our communities, weaving our individual stories into a collective narrative of strength and beauty. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore your voice, this workshop welcomes you to embrace your authenticity and find solace in the power of storytelling.
Come ready to cultivate connection, celebrate your uniqueness, and embody the essence of divine presence as we journey together towards self-discovery and liberation. Let your words be the vessel that guides you home to yourself.
TLC R3 2024 Event details
What should I bring?
What can I do once I'm all set up?
What should I bring?
That's really up to your comfort level. Last year we sent out a newsletter that shared some basics.
It still applies this year.
You are responsible for your own camping supplies, including food and water. Fridieoutdoors.com is a BIPOC site that provides great information to help prepare, whether you are new to camping or a seasoned camper.
If you do not have camping gear, we have a limited supply of basic equipment. Reserve your spot early and let us know what you need from our equipment library.
Other than the very basics (tent and sleeping bag,) think about what you value most for your comfort at home and consider ways to scale that down into a backpack or two. Whatever you pack, don't forget the mosquito repellant. We've had lots of rain this year and those buggers are gonna be hungry for sweet people.
What's happening?
What can I do once I'm all set up?
What should I bring?
Afrovivalist will be coming back to facilitate our own version of "Survival". This is an Emergency Evacuation Drill. Will you be ready? Prizes will be awarded!
We will also present the "Heal & Grow BIPOC Northwest Field Guide" to be used on a facilitated nature hike with Jreyesha Brannon, co-creator of the field guide.
New this year is the BIPOC "Women Writing in Wellness" workshop facilitated by Erica Briggs, founder of TLC, Int'l (Transformative Living Community, International) and R3 (Relax, Relate, Release) Retreats.
All campers are able to sign up for one or more of these activities for free! Some may require advance participation in preparation for the R3 activity. Be sure to reserve your spot for more information.
What can I do once I'm all set up?
What can I do once I'm all set up?
What can I do once I'm all set up?
Sit down, take a breath. Make a new friend. Grab some water and go on a hike. Listen to the birds down by the river. Sing. Dance. Whatever you like!
There will be some activities led by volunteer campers. Check back on this webpage or the on-site board to see the "in the moment" schedule.
Usually we depend on every day folks stepping up to offer their passion. Spades or dominoes? Maybe referee a soccer game. Facilitate a fireside storytelling session. Outdoor cooking lesson? Go for it! Share your gifts and talents with the community
We also have an equipment library: check out a soccer ball or frisbee, a set of dominoes or deck of cards. Feel free to bring your own equipment - yoga mat, binoculars, that book you haven't had time to read.
How do I get there?
Where can I set up my camp?
What can I do once I'm all set up?
Driving is the best option to get to Oxbow Regional Park. We encourage carpools. We will have parking passes at check-in. Once you enter the park, look for our signs to Eagle Shelter, Group Camp 1. Click this link for directions to the park.
From downtown Portland it's about a 45 minute drive (without traffic.) There is no phone signal once you turn off Troutdale Road so you may want to print out the directions, though there is pretty good signage to get you to the park.
If you would like to help coordinate a carpool for a couple folx who don't have transporation, please let us know at sanctuary@healgrow.org
How do I check-in?
Where can I set up my camp?
Where can I set up my camp?
Thursday VIP check-in
is for returning campers or by invitation only.
Friday-Sunday General Check-in between 2:00-6:00p.
The park gate closes at 7:00p.
If you don't arrive on your confirmed date by 6p, your spot will be opened to folks on the waiting list.
Once you arrive, find a parking spot, then come to the check-in tent:
- sign the waiver, community agreement, and media release.
- fill out an emergency contact form.
- get your parking pass.
- sign up for activities
That's it! Grab your gear and go set up your camp!
Where can I set up my camp?
Where can I set up my camp?
Where can I set up my camp?
We've divided the camping area under the trees into 3 zones:
- groups with children/youth
- general for adult groups & individuals
- solo folks who have requested a bit of distance to support specific needs.
Once you've identitifed a zone, find a spot; it's first come, first pick of ground available. Fires are only allowed in designated areas with pits (and depends on the fire risk level set by the county.)