Student Veterans Retreat

"Making Connections, Developing Skills, Discovering Peace of Mind." 

 

The Student Veterans Retreat is one of the University's proudest veteran resources. Donations to the Student Veterans Retreat Fund allow student veterans to attend for a minimal fee, and our students surely appreciate it! If you have any questions, you may contact the retreat director, Dr. Peggy Spencer, through pspencer@unm.edu. The upcoming retreat dates are given below with their application deadlines. We hope to see you there! Follow the links below to their applications. This retreat is for military veterans who are currently attending an institution of higher education in New Mexico.

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 Sample Retreat Schedule:  Click Here

Retreat Images 

 

Using these three interwoven components, the Student Veterans Retreat assists military veterans in the transition from military life to student life and enhances the students' success: 

  •  Mindfulness training. Mindfulness has been defined as “present moment awareness without judgement.” Using simple breath and body awareness, you will learn to quiet your mind and focus your attention. Mindfulness practice has been shown to improve health, mitigate pain and manage stress. We use meditation, movement and creative arts to teach and practice this vital skill.
  • Camaraderie. Veterans have unique experiences not shared by the traditional college student, and going to college as a veteran can be a lonely venture. We offer a forum for meeting and getting to know other veterans, through group discussions and simply by being together. It takes a veteran to know a veteran. Make new friendships and help each other navigate the post-military and university landscape.
  •  Nature. Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center comprises 130 acres in the Tusas Mountains, surrounded by 300,000 acres of Carson National Forest. We have group hikes and time for individual exploration. The natural beauty is stunning. Here you will get away from city noise and e-bombardment. Without traffic, cell phones or Internet service, you can experience the healing power of the wind in the trees, the sun on your face and a million stars at night.
 
 

"I’ve never been so at peace inside. I’m so thankful to have gone on this retreat."

 

"The retreat was amazing! Everything was well-thought out, the accommodations were exceptional, and the hosts very hospitable. Thank you, thank you!"

 

"Thank you so much for this opportunity. It has changed my life in ways that I cannot express." 

 

"This was an incredible experience and I hope to return and continue to practice."

 

"Extremely eye opening experience that I will cherish and share with my family!"

 

"It was an amazing retreat, thank you! Keep doing what you are doing."

 

              Vallecitos Mountain Retreat           Student Veterans Retreat