Women in
Agricultural Communities
Well-Being Retreats
Retreat Content and Objectives:
This retreat was created to bring together women in agricultural communities from across Montana for a chance to take a break from the busy-ness of typical life. We know that life can be challenging: running a business, a family or both… working the ranch, tending the garden, living in rural communities, and navigating the complexity of community relationships comes with its own benefits and costs. We believe that we are all stronger together as we attempt to navigate the overwhelm.​​​​​​​​​​​
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Well-being: “the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous.”
Overwhelm: "the all-too common feeling that our lives are somehow unfolding faster than the human nervous system and psyche are able to manage well.”
​​​​​​​​​Over the course of the retreat we use writing, solo reflection, small and large group discussion, structured activities, and shared meals to help participants achieve the following objectives:
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Connect with other women in ag communities and reconnect with yourself;
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Reflect on the challenges you have overcome and the strengths you have used to do so;
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Restore your capacity for resilience through learning concepts and practicing tools known to support your nervous system;
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Reclaim your sense of purpose as you embark on the year ahead.​
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Food and Lodging
Lodging is NOT included with the registration fee. Some meals including one dinner, one lunch, two breakfasts and snacks will be provided. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
Please visit our Local Information page for more about available accommodations.
WHEN
2025 Retreat Dates:
May 14th- 16th, 2025
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November 12th- 14th, 2025​
WHO
This retreat offers an intentionally built, supportive learning environment for anyone who identifies as a woman. Participants must be 18 years or older.
WHERE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Amy Coseo
Memorial Scholarship
In honor of one of our longtime dear friends, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has established the Amy Coseo Memorial Scholarship to underwrite participant expenses for our Women in Agricultural Communities Well-Being Retreats. We have such deep love and appreciation for Amy for sharing all of her hard work, heart, and kindness with all of us and our collective efforts to live out our mission. Amy served on the Red Ants Pants Foundation board since its inception and shared valued ideas and suggestions on every piece of our programming. Gathering people together - providing tools for resilience, reflection, and above all connection - will continue paying forward the light that Amy brought to this world.
We recognize that we are all juggling a lot these days and just making time for ourselves is hard enough. If for any reason a payment plan or partial scholarship to cover the registration fee, accommodations, or travel would make attending this retreat possible, please contact us for more information.
If you would like to directly support the women attending these retreats through our scholarship program, please consider making a donation and name the Amy Coseo Memorial Scholarship.
COST
2025 rate: $250 per person. The retreat fee covers materials, provided meals, and professional facilitation.
Scholarships and payment plans are available! Contact us for more info.
PAYMENT
Payment is required prior to retreat start.
Check or Credit Cards accepted. Details provided upon registration.
Registration
This retreat is limited to ten participants.
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Spring 2025 retreat registration will open in February.​​​​​
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Join our mailing list to be notified when the application for our Spring 2025 retreat will open!
CANCELLATION
Registration fees, minus a $50 cancellation fee, will be refunded if cancellation is made prior to 30 days before the start of the retreat. Fees are nonrefundable if cancellation is made within 30 days of the start of the retreat. In the event that the retreat is canceled by the Foundation, full refunds will be issued.
For questions or additional information,
please feel free to contact us.
Retreat Facilitators
Courtney Lowery Cowgill
Courtney Lowery Cowgill is a writer, editor, and teacher who lives and works on a small farm on the central Montana plains in the shadow of the Rocky Mountain Front. She teaches writing and journalism at the University of Montana School of Journalism and is pursuing her master's degree in non-fiction at Johns Hopkins University. Her first published poem will be included in an anthology this spring from a thousand flowers books. She is also currently working on a collection about loss, land and longing.
Ellie Martin
Growing up in the mountains of Colorado, Ellie developed a passion for exploring our world. While in college, she studied Environmental Science to gain a greater understanding of the science within our ecological systems. Her continued curiosity about how people engage with each other and the larger world prompted Ellie to seek out opportunities to work with others in wilderness-based programs, including adventure camps, expeditionary learning programs, and wilderness therapy. Through observing the power of place-based learning and the capacity for healing while immersed in nature, Ellie sought greater understanding of why people do what they do and how people change through obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work. Throughout her years working in community mental health, Ellie cultivated her skills as a mental health clinician, systems-oriented change-maker, and collaborator with individuals and organizations in the pursuit of wellbeing. Now, through Routefinder Consulting, Ellie applies these skills through consultation, facilitation, and innovative workshops across Montana.