Cameron's Staff Pick

Eldering in Times of Transformation

Name: Eldering in Times of Transformation
Start: 2025-10-06
End: 2025-10-11
Location: Hollyhock
Rating: 4.78

4.789 reviews

Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

October 6 - 11, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Identify patterns and insights from their life journey; consider next steps for eldering and meaningful social contributions.
Explore concepts of elderhood across cultures – avoid disrespectful cultural appropriation.
Learn to manage their ego and develop humility - access other internal sources of knowledge and meaning.
Deepen their capacity for compassion; practice open-heartedness in times of stress.
Acknowledge and access their unique internal well of wisdom – become comfortable sharing wisdom.
Begin to make peace with mortality – expand consciousness of death and grief to enhance gratitude for life.
Review and reinterpret a spectrum of complexity leadership skills – commit to their ongoing, relevant development, particularly relevant to elderhood.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Cheryl

Juana

Zhiish

Cheryl Rose

Cheryl Rose is a mother and grandmother, as well as an experienced leadership educator, a systems coach and an accredited death doula and end of life educator. She was one of the principal directors for the national Social Innovation Generation (SiG) partnership. She was the Associate Director of the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation & Resilience (WISIR), the founding Director of the Rockefeller Global Fellowship in Social Innovation, a Senior Fellow at McConnell Foundation and a core member of the design and delivery team for the Getting To Maybe Social Innovation Residency program. Most recently, she co-founded the Wolf Willow Institute for Systems Learning. Cheryl mentors systems leaders and social innovators across the country and is revered for her kindness, her practical wisdom and her capacity to connect and uplift those at the frontlines of change.

Juana Berinstein

Juana Berinstein is an enthusiastic nonprofit leader with a wealth of experience in systems change, policy advocacy, strategic planning, and fostering stakeholder engagement. In 2021-22, she was part of a unique cohort that completed the Positive Deviants Fellowship at Wolf Willow Institute. Her role as the Director of Policy and Communications at the Association of Ontario Midwives since 2007 has been instrumental in driving campaigns for reproductive justice, including the renewal of Indigenous midwifery, equitable healthcare access for 2SLGBTQ, immigrant, and racialized communities, the establishment of birth centers, improved abortion care access, intersectional gender-based analysis, and pay equity. Juana holds a master’s degree in Communication and Culture from York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. She is a published author and public speaker, delivering impactful presentations at national and international conferences. In addition to her professional work, Juana dedicates her time to volunteer initiatives, holding roles as a mentor, trustee, and community advisor. She also maintains an active ceramic studio practice with her work featured in galleries in the US and Canada. Born in Argentina of Jewish ancestry, Juana immigrated to Canada at the age of seven. She resides in Toronto/Tkaronto (Mohawk) and is actively working to engage in actions that gesture towards reconciliation and restitution.

Zhiish McKenzie

Dr. Zhiish McKenzie, M.D. (she/her) is a community member of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, the Deep Water Peoples. Her path integrates clinical medicine with Indigenous ways of knowing and healing. She is also trained as a psychedelic therapist with the Roots To Thrive Program. She feels connected to the spiritual aspect inherent in psychedelic medicine. She trusts that we all have inside of us, the way to heal. Through her presence in this sacred space, she has learned about the importance of intentionally creating safe spaces for others to learn about themselves and practice new ways of being. Zhiish brings twenty five years of experience as a culturally-centered wilderness guide. She connects with the profound power of land-based traditions. Zhiish is a life-long learner of her traditional Anishnabai ways of healing and ceremonies. She is committed to creating vibrant and safe spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ and other marginalized communities. She is an enthusiastic (and amateur) musician, backcountry devotee and parent to two capable, creative and radiant daughters. She loves spending time on her reserve with her family on her traditional territory, N'Daki Menan. Zhiish is well known for being good company to those on deep journeys of healing, learning and transformation.

Details of this retreat

“A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species.” - Carl Jung

There comes a time when you find yourself, perhaps to your surprise, in a new land which is unlike any part of the long life journey you’ve made so far. You enter into “the third third of your life” and you’ve got some big questions. What does it mean to grow fully into the elderhood phase of our lives with both deep humility and brave fierceness? After decades of initiation through life’s triumphs and losses, what are our most pressing questions, our strongest intuitions, and our boldest desires for our world as we journey into our 60’s, 70’s, 80’s? And how might exploring those offer us insights into contributions that we might still make, that we must make, as systems of all kinds collapse and are reimagined?

Join with a group of peers to explore questions together, to challenge ourselves with continued growth and development, and to prepare to move forward now in distinct, heart-centered ways for a future that is not ours but one that belongs to those that come after us.
Participants will be invited to:

Identify patterns and insights from their life journey; consider next steps for eldering and meaningful social contributions.
Explore concepts of elderhood across cultures – avoid disrespectful cultural appropriation.
Learn to manage their ego and develop humility - access other internal sources of knowledge and meaning.
Deepen their capacity for compassion; practice open-heartedness in times of stress.
Acknowledge and access their unique internal well of wisdom – become comfortable sharing wisdom.
Begin to make peace with mortality – expand consciousness of death and grief to enhance gratitude for life.
Review and reinterpret a spectrum of complexity leadership skills – commit to their ongoing, relevant development, particularly relevant to elderhood.

Who will benefit:

Family leaders, community leaders and system leaders who hear a call to grow into roles as mentors, guides, advisors and sages
Adults 50 – 90+ years, curious about their own human development potential in life’s later years
Older adults interested in contributing to a better world for planet and people
Social change agents who want to explore how to most relevantly stay involved as they age
Anyone interested in the concept and potential of positive elderhood in society

Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.

Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

Directions

Our address is: 445 Highfield Road, Manson’s Landing
Cortes Island, B.C. V0P 1K0 Canada

There are a variety of ways to get here. They include:

Seaplane:
1 hr from Vancouver
2 hrs from Seattle

Fly & Water Taxi:
2 hrs from Vancouver
3 hrs from Seattle

Roadtrip
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Public Trnsport (Ferry)
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Other ideas:

Rideshare:
Lighten your footprint and cost by sharing a ride with a fellow Hollyhock traveler – you might make a new friend! Create a free account on our secure Ride Share Board.

Electric Charging Station:
We are proud to offer an electric vehicle charging station on campus. Plan your stops with PlugShare.

Hollyhock Shuttle:
Complimentary for Onsite guests to and from ferry, seaplane, water taxi and ferries.

Accommodation

A variety of accommodations are located throughout our lush campus, ranging in price to suit most budgets. Choose from private, beachfront or ocean facing rooms, dorm-style lodging or cabins that nestle in the quiet seclusion of the forest. Our beautiful campsites are also available, with a cedar bath house conveniently located for your use. Room fees include all Hollyhock basics, like stimulating presenter evenings, delicious, organic meals, morning yoga/meditation classes, guided naturalist walks and tours of the garden, as well as luxurious soaks in our ocean-view hot-tubs. Telephones and wireless Internet are centrally located. Room Options Include: Single: 1 Person Twin: Couple or Friends, 2 beds. Couple: Couples or Friends sharing 1 bed. Family/Friends: 3 or more adult friends or family /2 beds Dorm: Up to 6 people/bunk beds Tenting with full-service bath house (bring your own tent and bedding) Roommates can be assigned, upon request, in twin and dorm rooms only.

Private Cabin Oceanfront

This prized cabin includes one queen bedroom, a common area with fireplace and couch, mini-kitchen, private bathroom, and deck overlooking the ocean. Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. We have property wide complimentary WiFi.

Single w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These rooms include a queen bed and your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Single w/ensuite

Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Single w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.

Couple w/ensuite

These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.

Couple w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.

Twin w/ensuite oceanfront

This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Twin w/ensuite

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Twin w/shared bathroom

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Three-share w/shared bathroom

These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.

Women Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.

Men's Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.

Mixed Dorm

Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.

Tent Site Single

For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature. Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost. Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest. Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.

Tent Site Couple

Commuter

Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Hollyhock sits on the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, Homalco Nations. We are committed to renewing our relationships with the First Nations peoples on whose territories we are guests.

Since 1982 Hollyhock has built upon the history of this land as a place of gathering, a pioneering homestead, and the site of an important human potential education centre. On this foundation of gathering, pioneering and learning, Hollyhock’s founders dreamed of creating a lifelong learning and leadership curriculum to inspire, nourish and support people intent on service to a better world.

Hollyhock became a not-for-profit in 2006 to strengthen carrying out our mission into the future. With your help we can keep this as a thriving centre for skill-building, lifelong learning and stewardship of the natural world, inspiring, nourishing and supporting people making the world better for another 30+ years.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

A feast for the senses! Renowned fresh, sumptuous food has made our Hollyhock kitchen famous. Our French-Intensive garden supplies vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers to each meal, gracing your table with food that is nourished with care every step of the way. Our healthy, organic, vegetarian fare features ingredients from our abundant gardens located just outside our kitchen door, and well as local BC foods. Meals at Hollyhock are globally-inspired and prepared with love and skill in our Hollyhock kitchen. Enjoy weekly wild seafood dinners and beach-side oyster appetizer barbecues. We serve organic grains and organic produce sourced locally, whenever possible. Organic herbs, flowers, greens, and vegetables are harvested daily from the Hollyhock garden. Our orchard produces many beautiful fruits featured on the dessert menu seasonally and served in our 24/7 fruit bowl offering. Our meals are created and served “family style”.

What's Included

Standard program tuition
Room
Meals
Access to hot tubs, sauna, and Hollyhock activities

What's Not Included

Travel costs
Healing arts
Bodywork
Store purchases
Optional additional excursions (kayaking, SUP, sailing)

Customer Reviews

4.78 out of 5.0 average rating

Elizabeth • Nov 21, 2021

5.0

Verified

Tantra: Living Presence and Prana

I really enjoyed the course. I felt a great release and opening in my body, calming of the mind and a new awareness of holding patterns in my body. Thank you Maitreyi Yogacharini and Hollyhock! I am looking forward to the recorded session as I would like to follow the practice again.

Natalie • Jun 27, 2021

4.0

Verified

Profoundly grateful!

Hollyhock's virtual Activate Summit was a much needed breathe of fresh air. The program gave me the chance to harvest and claim the long-forgotten power I have within, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders to emerge - as an individual and as part of a community - able to shape the future, inwards out. The depth of knowledge and understanding of workshop leaders and plenary speakers made the program that much stronger - I only wish it was longer!

S.Portico • Sep 24, 2019

5.0

Verified

The Healing is Part of the Journey

Do not let the planes, ferries, shuttles, or taxis required to reach Hollyhock deter you. This is part of the magic of the place. By the time you arrive much of what you need to leave behind has been untethered into one of those named transportation devices. The setting is astounding. The overall vibe is that everyone is happy to be there, and happy to have you among them.

Leslie • Sep 22, 2019

5.0

Verified

seriously funny, in writing and in life

Great session! Not too large, not too small. Our group came together with just the right energy and the retreat centre provided the serenity and safety to let us be both serious and crazy.
Hollyhock is well known for its beauty of location, but even better known for the delicious dishes its amazing staff serve up. And equally famous for its bread...both gluten and gluten free.
Best of all...inter conversations between everyone attending concurrent sessions. Just pick a table and jump in. This is where lifelong friendships happen.
In this crazy world it's reassuring to know that Hollyhock is there.
Thank you.
Did I mention the view from the outdoor Hot tub? Or the oyster roast on the beach? Yum!

Odette • Sep 04, 2019

5.0

Verified

connection, skill building

The Podcast from Hear was an audio storytelling program at Hollyhock. How much honesty and strength a circle of women can have, multiplied by the setting. We shared and grew, our group of diverse identities and experiences. Young empowered women and courageous professionals and artists of decades of expertise. Poets, scientists, Indigenous artists, sound engineers, soundscape artists, audio storytellers, professors of journalism and writing~ we had it all, we shared openly and with great heart.
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/

Eldering in Times of Transformation

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Cheryl Rose

Juana Berinstein

Zhiish McKenzie

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions