Relaxing, Yet Empowering - The First Annual Cinnamongirl Empowerment Retreat

As a first time get-away for the organization, we decided to retreat to Asilomar State Beach & Conference grounds in beautiful Monterey, California. It was a peaceful weekend of getting along without TV, the telephone, household chores and homework.

After a late night arrival, we awoke early Saturday morning. After an organic breakfast, we couldn’t wait to see the ocean. After a brisk short walk, the girls were in awe as they saw the clear blue sky meet the vast ocean. We quickly noticed the waves were abnormally busy. The high tide was so exciting to watch that we enjoyed the water from afar. We took in a relaxing meditation that the girls enjoyed far more than the mentors expected.

Later, we dialogued about how others see us verses how we see ourselves. The girls realized that not very many people truly know our dreams, feelings and fears. Cinnamongirl, Estefany De Santiago revealed, “For the first time in my life I felt comfortable sharing my dreams.”

Throughout the weekend, we wrote notes of appreciation to each other, recognizing how each girl’s contribution was helpful to us. After reading her appreciation notes, Junior Mentor, Sparkle Williams realized how much the cinnamongirls look up to her. Cinnamongirl Destiny Brown wrote to filmmaker and Mentor, Anya Booker, “Anya, you don’t talk much, but I can tell, you’ve got a lot to say.”

We shared a roaring bonfire, sipped hot chocolate and roasted huge marshmallows. The mentors and cinnamongirls talked, laughed, sang songs and made friendship bracelets for one another. It was the most fun. The girls didn’t want to leave and asked if we could do this again in the spring.

Sunday afternoon, as we drove away watching the waves end their journey and the sun dip below the ocean, the cinnamongirls realized that they weren’t quite ready to begin their trip back to the hustle and bustle of Oaktown; but we reassured them that they were as ready as they were ever going to be!

Estefany wrote: “My most favorite activity was going on the retreat. The cinnamongirls and I had lots of fun. I have never been to a beautiful place like that. It was great.”