We’re heading to Costa Rica!

Text-based communication camp, wellness & regulation retreat

NOV 1 -6, 2026 | COSTA RICA

5 nights/ 6 days of fun, love and rest in Costa Rica.

Join us for a first-of-its-kind text-based communication, wellness and regulation retreat. Set in a lush landscape, you’ll be surrounded by a small, intentional community of families and guided by experienced professionals.

Step into a space where you don’t have to explain anything. Where your family is understood. Where you can finally exhale.

Register Now

This is more than a retreat

We believe families should not have to compromise their dreams of adventure, beauty, and rest simply because they are caring for a loved one with special needs.

And yet, for many, the world has quietly become smaller.

This experience is about opening it back up— with the right support, the right environment, and the right people around you.


Safe, welcoming, and accessible — One of the world’s most stable, nature-rich, and inclusive destinations.

Close to the U.S. — Direct flights from major U.S. cities and just a few hours away.

Healing environment — Biodiversity, waterfalls, and the energy of the rainforest create the perfect setting for nervous system regulation and connection.

Wellness culture — Globally known for yoga, eco-living, and holistic therapies.

All-year tropical climate — Warm days, fresh air, and vibrant nature that inspire calm and joy.

Adventure and wonder — A place where spelling, connection, and fun meet through nature, movement, and play.

Learn more

Connection, nature, and restoration.

  • Gentle guided sessions supporting communication and regulation

  • Spacious time to rest, reset, and be together with other families

  • A supportive environment where you will feel comfortable and accepted

  • Nature-based experiences: beach, jungle, wildlife

  • Optional adventures: ziplining, waterfalls, hot springs

This is not an intensive. It’s an experience designed to let things unfold naturally.

What You’ll Experience:

  • Learn how to regulate your own system so you can better support your loved one. You’ll experience guided practices and knowledge to help calm overwhelm, lower stress, and restore a sense of internal safety.

  • Practical instruction from experienced OTs on how to support motor planning, regulation, and communication in spellers, with clarity and compassion.

  • Forest bathing + simple, accessible practices to help quiet the mind and reconnect with inner steadiness — even in the midst of chaos.

  • Breathwork & guided relaxation sessions designed to deeply soothe the nervous system and create a sense of spaciousness and calm.

  • Time by the fire to speak honestly, be heard without judgment, and remember that you are not alone.

Peace Retreat

Meet Casa Leia

Casa Leia was created by Tanya and Dov, and inspired by their 19-year-old non-speaking, emerging speller daughter, Leia.

It is a first-of-its-kind project in Costa Rica dedicated to reimagining care, communication, and community for non-speaking and high-support autistic individuals and their families who communicate through text-based and alternative methods of communication.

We believe families should not have to compromise their dreams of adventure, beauty and rest simply because they are caring for someone with special needs

The Setting

Birdsong Backcountry Retreat offers nature, quiet, and beauty — the kind that makes breathing easier.

This property also has a certified Forest Bathing trail that invites you into deep connection with the magic and nurturing energy of Mother Earth. This environment allows your body to downshift naturally. The work happens not just in sessions, but in stillness, walks, and shared silence.

Details

Location: Birdsong Backcountry Retreat, Warner Springs, California

Dates: Friday April 24 12:00pm – Sunday April 26 12:00pm

Participants: Limited group for intimacy and safety

This weekend is about receiving. We can’t wait to be together.

For more details contact: tanya@integrativecaregiving.co

Registration details

Reset retreat price for 2 night/3 days immersion (limited space available)

Full price $1390 / Early bird price 15% off (please use this code at checkout “EARLY15”) until February 6th at 12 pm PST (Klarna allows participants to split payments into 4 interest-free installments)

*If you would like to save 3% (processing fee) by making a one-time payment via Zelle, please make payment to Kristin, account drkristinmcconnell@gmail.com

This includes all meals, activities, and access to the private 85 acre reserve we will be staying on.

Retreat registration deadline - March 20th

Following registration, please choose and book your accommodation below.

Register now

Accommodation options

The prices below are for two nights.

Bluebird Tiny House (sleeps 2) $405 booked

One full bath, full kitchen, jacuzzi, BBQ grill, sofa bed, and queen bed.

Spartan RV (sleeps 1) $350 booked

Futon bed has a full kitchen and bath

Zen Cabins (2 remaining) $310

There is small loft with a twin and a queen sleeper couch. These off grid 10x12 cabins have power, water and share a bathhouse.

Reserve Zen Cabin

Glamping (sleeps 1-2, *4 bell tents total) $186

Reserve glamping

Camping $42

Reserve camping

FAQ

  • This retreat is designed for caregivers who feel emotionally and physically exhausted, who are collaborating with non-speaking or unreliably speaking children, want both emotional support and practical guidance, and long for a community that truly understands this life.xt goes here

  • Yes — it’s meant to be a gentle and supportive reset, not intense or performance-oriented, and no previous retreat experience is required.scription text goes here

  • Absolutely — the space is intentionally slow, supportive, and restorative, with time built in for stillness, shared silence, and personal reflection in nature.

  • Bring comfortable clothing for nature walks and sessions, personal care items, a journal if you like, and anything that supports rest and reflection. (The retreat team will share a detailed packing list closer to the event.)

  • Participants who choose to camp or arrive in an RV are very welcome. Please note the following important guidelines:

    • No camping or RV equipment is provided.
      Participants must bring all necessary camping or RV supplies, including bedding, lighting, cooking gear (if needed), and personal comfort items.

    • Self-sufficiency is required.
      This option is best suited for those who are comfortable managing their own setup, sleep arrangements, and basic needs throughout the retreat.

    • Quiet hours and group rhythm apply.
      To support rest and nervous-system regulation for all participants, campers and RV guests are asked to respect retreat quiet hours and shared schedules.

    • Limited amenities.
      Access to restrooms and common areas will be shared and may be limited depending on location. Please arrive prepared for a simple, nature-based experience.

    • Weather and terrain awareness.
      Camping and RV areas may involve uneven ground and changing weather conditions. Participants are responsible for assessing whether this option feels supportive for their body and nervous system.

    • Electrical hookups & water.
      Electrical hookups, water, or sewage connections are not guaranteed unless explicitly confirmed in advance.

    • Liability & safety.
      Campers and RV participants assume responsibility for their personal equipment, vehicles, and safety.

    If you have questions about whether camping or RV participation is the right fit for you, we encourage you to reach out before registering.

  • Klarna allows participants to split payments into 4 interest-free installments. If you are having trouble accessing this at checkout, please reach out to Kristin at hello@kristinmcconnell.com

  • Cancellations received on or before March 20, 2026 are eligible for a full refund, with the exception of the 3% payment processing service fee.

    Cancellations made after March 20, 2026 will receive a 50% refund.
    No refunds can be issued for non-attendance or early departure.