Her Power Retreat FAQs
Everything You Need to Know
Welcome, Future Her Power Community!
We’re excited about your interest in the Her Power Retreat for Leaders, Mentors & Changemakers. This FAQ guide will help answer your questions about this transformative opportunity to join our community of women with disabilities who are passionate about mentoring and empowering teen and middle school girls with disabilities (ages 11-18). Her Power’s definition of women- and girl inclusive programs includes cis-women, trans-women, femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer, and non-binary folks. Her Power does not use federal funding.
💰 Financial Information
Retreat Deposit: $25 A $25 deposit is required to secure your spot at the retreat. This deposit will be fully refunded on the last day of the program (July 27, 2025). The deposit helps us ensure committed participation and will be returned to you in full upon completion of the retreat (Sunday at checkout).
Continuing Participant Stipend: $300 Participants who complete the retreat and choose to continue with the year-long leadership journey will receive a $300 stipend for their participation in the Zoom training calls and ongoing mentorship activities. This stipend recognizes your valuable contribution to building the future of Her Power
Eligibility & Application
Q: Who can apply for the Her Power Retreat? A: Women with disabilities ages 18 and older who have a genuine interest in mentoring and supporting teen and middle school girls with disabilities (ages 11-18). We welcome all disabilities – apparent and non-apparent. The most important qualification is your passion for empowering young girls with disabilities to find their voice and power.
Q: Do I need prior experience working with teens? A: No prior mentoring or youth work experience is required! We’re looking for women who are enthusiastic about supporting teen and middle school girls with disabilities and willing to learn. Your lived experience as a woman with a disability and your desire to make a difference in young lives are what matter most. You will be required to complete a background check.
Q: Why focus on teen and middle school girls? A: This is a critical age (11-18) when girls with disabilities face unique challenges around identity, self-esteem, and navigating societal barriers. Your mentorship can help them develop confidence, disability pride, and leadership skills during these formative years.
Q: How do I apply? A: Complete our registration form [link to be provided]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but spots are limited, so we encourage you to apply early!
Retreat Details
Q: What’s included in the retreat? A: The retreat includes all meals, lodging in shared cabins with other participants, program materials, and 24-hour nursing support. Transportation to/from Camp Fishtales is the participant’s responsibility. Please note this is a camp atmosphere with SHARED Cabins.
Q: What will a typical day look like? A: Days will include engaging with the core Her Power topics through interactive workshops and discussions on:
- Disability Pride – Exploring and celebrating our identities as women with disabilities
- Media Literacy – Analyzing how disability is portrayed and challenging stereotypes
- Leadership Development – Building our own leadership skills while learning to foster them in teens
- Disability History – Understanding our heritage and the disability rights movement
- Community Building – Creating connections with fellow women leaders with disabilities
You’ll experience these topics personally while also sharing your own insights into why these topics are important to girls with disabilities.
Q: Is this just training to work with teens, or is it more? A: It’s so much more! While you’ll learn mentorship skills, the retreat is equally about YOUR journey as a woman with a disability. You’ll build deep connections with other women, explore your own disability pride, develop your leadership voice, and engage with topics that matter to our community. It’s both personal growth and preparation to support the next generation.
Q: Will we actually go through the Her Power curriculum? A: Yes! You’ll experience modified versions of Her Power activities and discussions, allowing you to understand the program from a participant perspective while also considering how to support teens through these experiences. Topics include challenging media stereotypes, exploring disability history, and finding your power and voice.
Q: What accessibility accommodations are available? A: Camp Fishtales has accessible facilities, and we provide individualized accommodations based on participant needs. Please indicate your access needs on your application, including dietary restrictions, mobility aids, communication supports, or other accommodations.
Q: What should I bring? A: We’ll send a detailed packing list upon acceptance. Generally, bring comfortable clothes for three days, toiletries, any medications or medical supplies, bedding (or sleeping bag), and an open mind ready to learn and connect!
Q: Who cleans up after me? This program is held at a camp and is looking for more individuals to participate, mentor, and support Her Power. Due to this, all participants will support the flow of the retreat within their physical abilities. This will include taking a turn, wiping the table down, setting up activities, and making sure the environment is left in the same state that it was when we came to it.
Community Building & Personal Growth
Q: How does the retreat focus on building community? A: The retreat creates a unique space for women with disabilities to connect authentically. Through shared meals, cabin conversations, camp fires, group activities, and structured discussions about our experiences, you’ll form lasting bonds with women who understand the intersection of disability and womanhood.
Q: Will I grow personally from this experience? A: Absolutely! Participants often report that exploring disability pride, leadership, and our shared history in a supportive environment is transformative. You’ll leave with deeper self-awareness, stronger disability pride, and connections to an amazing community of women changemakers.
After the Retreat
Q: What happens after the July retreat? A: Participants who wish to continue will engage in 5 Zoom training sessions throughout the year. These sessions dive deeper into:
- Disability justice and pride
- Media representation and literacy
- Disability history and activism
- Leadership development
- Teen mentorship strategies
- Building inclusive communities
You’ll continue growing personally while preparing to support young girls with disabilities.
Q: What’s the time commitment for the Zoom trainings? A: The 5 Zoom sessions are typically 2 hours each, scheduled on evenings, lunch breaks or weekends to accommodate various schedules. These sessions balance personal exploration of topics with practical applications for youth mentorship.
Q: Will I directly mentor teens after the retreat? A: The retreat and training prepare you for potential opportunities to work with teen and middle school girls through Her Power 2026. While direct mentorship positions are not guaranteed, you’ll gain valuable skills and connections to support young girls with disabilities in various capacities.
Q: What if I’m nervous about working with teenagers? A: That’s completely normal! Many adults feel unsure about connecting with teens. Our training will give you tools and confidence to build meaningful relationships with young girls with disabilities. Remember, your shared experience of disability creates a powerful connection that transcends age differences.
Q: Can I participate if I can’t commit to all Zoom sessions? A: We understand that life happens! While we encourage attendance at all sessions, we can work with participants who may need to miss one session due to unavoidable conflicts. The important thing is your overall commitment to the journey of personal growth and supporting teen and middle school girls with disabilities.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact Sara Squires for more information: 📧 Email: herpower@mymdrc.org 📱 💜 We look forward to building the future of Her Power with you – growing as leaders ourselves while empowering the next generation of teen girls with disabilities!