OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The fifth annual Survivor’s Outdoor Experience, a retreat for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and a companion of the person’s choice, is set May 20-22.
The free program will be at Olympic NatureBridge campus at 111 Barnes Point Road on Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
Space is limited, and participants can reserve space now.
“It’s exciting that this will be our fifth year of providing programs,” said Jack Ganster, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Survivor’s Outdoor Experience.
“It’s been great to see how much people enjoy themselves,” Ganster added.
“We hope this to be a meaningful experience for everyone.”
Ganster, a mountaineer, founded the weekend after surviving brain cancer. He was diagnosed 11 years ago.
Ganster describes the weekend as a “healing adventure” in a setting that “allows survivors to relax in this natural location while enjoying and learning from the speakers.”
The retreat features presentations, indoor and outdoor activities, good food and, “most of all, good times and memories.”
During the weekend
Presentations and activities will include:
■ “Who is a Survivor?” by Ganster.
■ Relating to nature with John Gussman.
■ “From Surviving to Thriving” by Dr. Heath Foxlee.
■ “What’s the Altitude of Your Attitude?” by Linda Klinefelter.
■ Healthy cooking with Kia Armstrong of Nash’s Organic Produce.
■ “Exercise is Good Medicine.”
■ Hiking and canoeing with NatureBridge staff.
“I am pleased and honored to have such a great list of presenters for our flagship program,” Ganster said.
The program was developed to provide cancer survivors of all ages with an opportunity to learn about the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle.
“The goal is to assist participants in gaining strength, hope and a sense of the future,” Ganster said.
For more information, see www.survivorsoutdoorexperience.org.
To sign up, contact Ganster at 360-477-1619 or jhgisjack@yahoo.com.
