Reflections on Retreat 2024 in Baltimore, MD

By Christine Clinton

This year the Children’s Craniofacial Association held their 34th Annual Family Retreat and Educational Symposium in Baltimore, MD from June 27th-June 30th. I had never been to Baltimore prior to the retreat, so I was very excited to attend this retreat with CCA. This was my twelfth retreat that I have attended with CCA, so I was so happy to be able to be in Baltimore this year. Some of the highlights that I was looking forward to attending was the Baltimore Orioles game, they played against the Cleveland Guardians, and going to the National Aquarium in Baltimore as well. My friend Melissa and I also went to a seafood restaurant for lunch on Thursday afternoon, and the food was good. I went to the symposium on bullying, and how to manage bullying, on Thursday morning before I registered for the retreat, and got to see what special goodies CCA had for us. I had hoped to be able to go to Evan Wolkenstein’s Keynote as well, but unfortunately, Melissa and I did not make it back to the hotel in time. On Thursday night I went to the retreat kickoff, and entertainment. On Friday morning we had the welcome breakfast, and on Friday afternoon, I was able to see the Power of the Bucket List that Evan also did. After the Power of the Bucket List, I enjoyed baseball bingo. We had a very special surprise with the mascot from the Baltimore Orioles coming to visit us. I got to take a picture with him, which was cool. On Friday night, there was Family Night, with dinner, the hometown raffle baskets, and entertainment. Evan was at dinner on Friday night, and he autographed his book Turtle Boy, for anyone who had their copy of the book with them, and who wanted him to autograph their book. He autographed my copy of Turtle Boy for me, and I got to take a picture with him as well; that was very special. I was able to spend a lot of time with my friends, and meet some of the new families as well. I always enjoy being able to catch up with my friends who I already know, and meeting some of the newer families too. I always feel bad because there is never enough time to meet all the new

families; but I always do my best with meeting as many of the newer families as I can. On Saturday morning, we had breakfast, and then we took the annual group photos. Each of the craniofacial syndromes that were at the retreat took a group photo, and then we took a big group photo with everyone, which was fun. On Saturday afternoon, after lunch, was the CCA’s Got Talent Show. I took part in the talent show this year, I just was not in the audience, I was a participant. I read the Fearless Poem, which I dedicated to the memory of Francis Smith, who passed away last year in October; and I also wrote something that I read as a dedication to CCA. Saturday night was the dinner/dance, and there was a photo booth for anyone who wanted to take their pictures with friends. I always enjoy the dinner/dance, but it is always so bittersweet for me, because I know it indicates the conclusion of a wonderful weekend. On Sunday morning, we had our farewell breakfast, and then on Sunday afternoon, I went to the Richmond Family’s home for a pool party. I had a wonderful time at the pool party, catching up with some of the retreat attendees who were there, and just enjoying the afternoon. I always enjoying taking so many pictures, and enjoying everyone’s company. As always, I am very much looking forward to next year’s retreat. The retreats have become a way for me to connect with others who have had similar life experiences, with having a craniofacial condition. I truly believe that we all need people in our lives who understand what we are dealing with, and going through, and for me, the retreats do just that. Thank you to the Children’s Craniofacial Association for all that you do, for the families and individuals that you serve with craniofacial differences.