Rooted: A Journey of Self-Discovery through Nature and Creation

Volunteer Retreat 2025 is an invitation to reconnect — with ourselves, with one another, and with the Earth. Through touch and step, we use our hands and feet to learn presence. As we walk with the Earth, nature becomes a mirror, reflecting who we are. In creating with intention, we honour the spirit of the Creator. And by slowing down to listen, we begin to hear the quiet wisdom spoken in silence.

In the Volunteer Retreat 2025, we will have workshops and reflection time hosted by guest speakers and discussion among volunteers.

Objectives

  1. Reconnect with the Earth
    Experience a grounded connection to the land by engaging in mindful, sensory-rich, and physical interactions with nature.
  2. Rediscover the Self through Creation
    Explore personal insights and inner stillness by using your hands to co-create with natural elements — transforming raw materials into nourishing, beautiful, and purposeful things.
  3. Reflect on the Creator through the Act of Making
    Experience the sacred rhythm of creation mirrored in the cycles of the Earth — shaping, nurturing, and sustaining life.
  4. Embody Slowness, Simplicity, and Presence
    Practice slowing down, being present, and listening deeply — to the Earth and to your own inner voice.

When?

Date: August 23 & 24, 2025
(Saturday & Sunday)

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Deadline for Registration:
August 20, 2025 (Wednesday)

Where?

Location*:
Goodwood, Township of Uxbridge
(exact address to be provided after registration)

* Please note that the retreat takes place on a working animal farm, participants should consider this if they have upcoming overseas travel plans.

Who?

  • Youth and young adults aged 20-35
  • Previous and current volunteers and friends of Across U-hub

Language: Cantonese
Capacity: 20 participants

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Choi
(Please refer to the Guest Speaker section below for Dr. Choi’s biography.)

How Much?

Fee: $50 for two days

Note:

  1. Please bring a cold lunch or a simple meal as no reheating facilities will be provided.
  2. Limited parking onsite, car pool will be arranged

If you are interested to join, please reach out by email at: [email protected]

Guest Speaker

Dr. Jonathan Choi
Dr. Choi has studied clinical psychology and theology in Fuller Theological Seminary and obtained his PhD degree in clinical psychology in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Dr Choi has extensive clinical experience in adolescents and family therapy. His focus is on youth addiction and trauma recovery. Dr Choi is currently focusing on mobilising youth and youth workers from different cultural backgrounds and equipping them to become global citizens. Dr Choi has developed an inclusive community sharing platform for multi-cultural youth in Kam Tin, a suburb village prized for its rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. It explores new ways of living through innovative attempts such as social enterprise, heritage preservation, upcycling and community building.

Facilitators: Kay Chan and Nicole Wong

Content & Activities

The following content and activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors, as the retreat will take place outdoor.

August 23 (Day 1): Creating with Our Hands
Theme: “The Sacred Act of Making”

  • Handmade natural Insect spray
  • Understand milk-byproducts
  • Stack wood for campfire
  • Steeping tea tasting
  • Quiet reflection time with music

Discussion:
The creative process — what it reveals about ourselves and our beliefs about purpose and productivity

Reflection Writing:
“What do I create in my life, and why?”

August 24 (Day 2): Cultivating & Letting Go
Theme: “Nurture and Surrender”

  • Sunday Worship
  • Soil and land protection: Experience rhythm, breath, and care in work
  • Stack wood for campfire
  • Nature arts creation
  • Quiet sketching time
  • Final circle: Blessing the land and self

Discussion:
The creative process — what it reveals about ourselves and our beliefs about purpose and productivity

Closing barefoot walk with journaling:
“What do I want to nourish or release?”

Final circle:
Blessing the land and self

Things to Bring

  • Cold lunch or simple meal
  • Water
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • Towel
  • Hand sanitizers / Wet wipes
  • Camping chairs