R&R
Your Brain Needs a Break and Your Body Needs a Change… of Scenery
We all need “downtime” to function well. We all know this, yet we push ourselves hard. Too hard. We need rest to survive. Unless we recharge regularly, we can’t function – and we certainly won’t be happy.
But we rarely rest enough.
“The most restorative kinds of rest — the things that recharge our mental and physical batteries most effectively — are the things that are active rather than passive. Going for a long walk or hike can give us more [energy], rather than less energy, and leave us feeling mentally more rejuvenated.” ~ Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less.”
So, be good to yourself and book time to go away and do something different.
About the Lead Facilitator
Jane-Michèle Clark , founder of The Q Group, is a business strategist and keynote speaker who writes frequently on personal growth and business development topics.
She has +25 years running various types of seminars and workshops; she has a similar tenure as Adjunct Professor at the Schulich School of Business.
Her personal mission statement: “To have fun while enriching the lives of those around me.”
“I didn’t realize how much I truly needed a weekend away from everyone and everything – kids, electronics, housework, work work – the works, until I got away. I highly recommend it for anyone who’s feeling like they need something, but don’t know what.” ~ Fatima A. ~ Fatima A
“Thank you for showing me how to put myself first in a way that will actually make me a better mom partner, and leader and a better role model for my daughters.” ~ Marjorie Williams
Where You’ll Stay
Optional Accommodations
- Shared rooms (separate men’s and women’s rooms) with bunk beds and common unisex bathrooms for $25/night (6 per room) or
$35/night (4 per room) - 2 Suites with Queen bed (max 2/room) and private
3-piece bathroom for $95/ night - Towels & amenities included
Where You’ll Play
All retreats include at no additional cost
- Yoga (when part of the course) and mindfulness instruction
- All meals & snacks, even if staying offsite
- Unlimited tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
- Use of all water toys (paddle boards, pedal boat, kayaks, etc.) in summer, and toboggans in winter
Restore and Revitalize
Well, it’s official. Canadians are STRESSED and BURNING OUT!
Canada ranks as the 3rd most stressed country in the world, according to a February 2026 report produced by Statista Consumer Insights (Global research: 2025–2026).
According to an April Gallup 2025 report, even though +50% of us are thriving, “Canadian employees report staggering stress levels. Nearly 60% experience stress “a lot of the day,” 18 percentage points above the global average of 42%.” (see CTV news article).*
*Implicit: That we’re talking about people living outside war zones
The most stressed? Adults aged 24 – 44, living in Ontario. That’s scary – especially when you consider the toll stress takes on your body, mental health, relationships and overall enjoyment. The impact it has on your life.
Equally frightening is that we now rank 25th in the globe in terms of happiness.
Psychology Today Canada ups the ante. An article espousing the need for people to take regular 2-3 day breaks, found that with dual income couples, over 70% work at least one day a weekend. If one of the people works remotely for some of part of the time, that number climbs to +90%. And blood pressures are climbing, too.
It’s no wonder Canadians are among the most stressed people in the world – and the most guilt-ridden about taking time to rest, relax and rewind.
Studies show that by taking even 2 full days of “me time”, at lease once a quarter, can be enough to help people cope better. Vegging in front of the TV for the weekend doesn’t count. Binge watching your favourite show is like an anaesthetic for your mind. You’ll likely end the weekend more tired emotionally, than before you settled into the sofa in your sweats.
To feel happier, and actually recharge your internal batteries and improve your resiliency you need to get out and do something – preferably something different in a new environment. Join us for a weekend away. All you’ll need to do is to get here. We’ll take care of the rest (pun intended – smile)
Program Fee: $950 (includes meals and materials)
This program includes:
- Quiet time to bond and share experiences with others
- Guided meditation, focus on what’s important to you
- Yoga
- Workshop 1: How to Make You a Priority
- Mini Workshop 2: Getting to “No” – How to carve out more time for you
- Creative paint activity to unleash your imagination
- Sun or shade by the lake to play, nap, chat with like-minded people, chill with a beverage and a book, or do nothing
- S’mores on the Campfire
- Local Outing option
- Arrival: Aim for midday Friday (lunch will be served); check out Sunday afternoon at your leisure.
Program Dates – Women Only
- Fri, March 27 – Sun, March 29, 2026
- Fri, June 19 – Sun, June 21, 2026
- Fri, Oct. 2 – Sun, Oct. 4 , 2026 (and enjoy the changing leaves)
- Fri, Dec. 4 – Sun, Dec. 6, 2026
- Fri, March 26 – Sun, March 28, 2027
- Other 2027 dates not yet been released; please email retreats@theqgroup.com if interested
Mixed Program Dates
- Fri, July 31 – Mon, Aug. 3, 2026 (with supplement for 3rd day)
Program Dates – Mixed Group
- Fri, July 31 – Mon, Aug. 3, 2026
- If interested in mmid-week R&R retreats, please email retreats@theqgroup.com
Mom and Me “Camp” (formerly known as “Summer Soul & Sprout”)
$1,500. This includes:
- All program materials, meals, snacks, unlimited tea, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages
- Wi-Fi and on-site parking
- Guided meditation and mindfulness sessions
- Multiple workshops, including “Learning to Say No, Without Guilt”, “How to Make ME a Priority”, etc.
- Arts & Craft and other creative activities.
- Use of all water toys, books, board games, etc.
- Lifeguard services at specific times each day
- Waterskiing exhibition, in season
- This fee is for one adult and one child; there is a supplementary fee of $250 per child
Optional Add Ons:
- A visit from a “Snake and Other Critters” to give the children lots of time to interact with the animals.
- Muskoka Steamship Cruise
- Cranberry Marsh visit (a short drive away)
- A high (and low) ropes course, a short drive away. This can be for moms only, or an outing with your kids.
Remaining Dates
- Mon, July 6 – Fri, July 10, 2026
- Wed, Aug. 5 – Sun, Aug. 9, 2026
- Note: If there is sufffiencet interest, we will add another Wed – Sunday week. Please email: retreats@theqgroup.com if interested
Looking for something to do with your kids this summer, yet need some downtime and pampering for you, too?
“Summer Soul & Sprout”, more fondly know as “Mom & Me “Camp, may be the answer for you.
The “Mom & Me Camp” is a five-day retreat for moms to go away with their kids (ages 4 – 10), without having to do anything other than pack your bags (and make a reservation with us, of course – smile).
This all-inclusive experience removes the friction of daily life—no meal planning, no cooking, and absolutely no dishes. And no hearing: “Mom, I am bored”, “I have nothing to do” or any of the other all too familiar refrains of summer.
From the moment you arrive, the program is crafted to ensure that there is plenty of time for moms to relax and recharge, along with ample time to play with your kids. The program has been developed to provide a balance of family fun with self-care for mom, to help restore balance and reduce any feelings of burnout.
Mornings are defined by a tranquil start to the day, puttering at your own pace, while sipping freshly brewed coffee. You’ll be able to sleep in because the kids, who sleep in their own rooms, will have been whisked outdoors for breakfast and morning activities.
Throughout the day there are organized activities for the kids, such as Arts & Crafts (and, of course, mom can join in anytime desired), swimming and playing by the beach (there is a lifeguard on duty at specific times), and giant versions of Connect 4, etc.
For moms, there are optional mini workshops/discussions on topics such as “Learning to Say No, Without Guilt”, guided meditation, sound bathing and mindfulness sessions. Most important, it’s time for you to connect with other moms, journal, relax in the sun, nap down by the lake, go into town to explore.
There are times set aside in the morning and the afternoon for families to have fun together. There are, books for all ages, arts and crafts materials, and plenty of board games for indoor activities. Outdoors, there are lots of water toys, pedal boats, kayaks (including a couple of small ones), paddle boards to play with – and yes we do have plenty of lifejackets.
Evenings at the retreat wrap everyone in the warmth of a classic summer camp atmosphere. After dinner you and enjoy s’mores by the campfire, stargazing (you can really see the stars up here without the city’s lights getting in the way) and sparklers wrap up the day before the kids go down. If it’s raining, there’s always movie night with popcorn. Afterwards, some moms like to return to the fire to ponder the flames, while sipping a special beverage.
Numbers are limited, which means intentional ebb and flow and flexibility of the program, that you have become one of a vacation with friends – without the work. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and restored. Your kids will have had a great time, and you will all feel closer, having made some great summer memories.
Effective Stress Reduction & Mindfulness Tools + R&R
$950 fee Includes:
- All program materials, meals, snacks, unlimited tea, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and parking.
- Guided meditation, sound baths and mindfulness sessions to help you to relax and reconnect with your own needs.
- Multiple workshops, including “How to Reduce the Impact of Stressors in Your Life”.
- Creative activities and experiential exercises
- Quiet time to bond and share experiences with others
- In summer: Sun or shade by the lake, paddle on the water, swim, nap, chill with a beverage and a book, or do nothing
- In winter: It’s pretty much the same chill vibe (literally) – but with toboggans instead of canoes
Program Dates
- Fri, May 15 – Mon, May 18, 2026 (Long weekend, slightly higher fee)
- Fri, July 24 – Sun, July 26, 2026
- Fri, Nov. 20 – Sun, Nov. 22, 2026
- Fri, Dec. 11 – Mon, Dec. 14, 2026
- Other 2026/2027 dates have not yet been released;
please email retreats@theqgroup.com
if interested
Bad Name; Great Course – and one that is really needed today.
Stress getting you down? Feeling overwhelmed? You are NOT alone!
Bad name; great course – and one that is really needed today.
Repeating part of what it says in the course description above, Canada ranks as the 3rd most stressed country in the world, according to a February 2026 report produced by Statista Consumer Insights.
The most stressed? Adults aged 24 – 44, living in Ontario (45% feel daily stress). The havoc that extra cortisol is placing on our bodies, and the impact on our relationships, is frightening.
Other studies suggest that less than 20% of us are able to reduce stress on a regular basis, and many are finding their normal tools no longer effective. It is not surprising then, to learn that Canada now ranks 25th in the globe in terms of happiness.
Is this make you feel the need to escape for a bit? Or learn tools to help you cope [better]? Then step away from the constant demands of your daily life, and please join us to learn some effective stress reduction tools… and enjoy some much-needed R&R (Rest & Relaxation), too.
Set in a tranquil, nature-rich lakeside environment, this three-day residential retreat offers a true offering a true digital detox and a carefully curated balance of structured learning and restorative downtime – with emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Throughout the retreat, experienced facilitators guide you through evidence-based practices including mindfulness meditation, sensory sound sessions, artistic expression and nature-based experiences such as outdoor reflection and fully-clothed forest bathing. Interactive workshops focus on practical, skill-based learning, to give you tools you can use at home. Sessions will also help you to build self-compassion and learn healthy boundary setting – yes, it is okay to put yourself first sometimes and to say no!
Equally important is the R&R experience itself. You’ll have the time and freedom to rest, reflect, or explore at your own pace—whether that means reading by the water, taking a quiet walk to admire the changing leaves, or strolling in the snow (all season-bound, of course). Or simply doing nothing at all.
With spots limited to provide a calm, supportive atmosphere, you’ll also be able to connect with like-minded people and, perhaps, meet people who will become friends for life. Regardless, you’ll return home feeling grounded, refreshed, and empowered with practical tools to support your well-being in everyday life.
- Arrival: Aim for midday Friday (lunch will be served); check out Sunday afternoon.
- There are some on-site accommodations available, as well as hotels and motels in Gravenhurst (5 minutes away) offering special TQG rates
Become the Leading Lady in Your Life
Program Fee: $950 (includes meals and materials)
Program Dates
- Fri, May 29- Sun, May 31, 2026 FULL
- Fri, Feb. 5 – Sun, Feb. 7, 2027
- Other 2026/2027 dates have not yet been released; please email retreats@theqgroup.com if interested
Download brochure
Today’s women have it tougher than ever. We demand, rightfully so, high performance of ourselves at work. Over 80% of North American women also set the bar high at home. It’s as though we need to prove we can do it all – and do it all well.
If we’re in a relationship, we still do most of the housework, social calendar coordination, child rearing, cooking, shopping, caring for aging parents, paying the bills, booking appointments. etc. If your partner is a woman, studies show that one of you will usually take on more than the other. It can be overwhelming.
In this three-day program, you will…
- Learn ways to put yourself first, without feeling guilty, and without having to let any of your home tasks slide.
- Connect with other women facing similar challenges – and create new friendships in the process.
- Take part in games and creative activities designed to help you reflect on what is going right in your life and what may need to change.
- Figure out how to have fun again, and to enhance all your relationships.
- Eat well, relax and have time to reflect during the mindfulness sessions.
In short, you will end the weekend feeling happier, relaxed and recharged.
CONTACT US
We would be happy to share more information about our unique “Be the Leading Lady in Your Life” program. We’d also welcome the opportunity to speak with you to get a better understanding of your needs.