Restoration Retreats
Shield of Sisters is dedicated to offering transformative restoration retreats and a robust support network for active duty, guard, reserve, veterans, and their families who have endured the harrowing experience of Military Sexual Trauma.
Upcoming 2026 Restoration Retreats:
Sparta, WI • June 17-20
Sparta, WI • June 21-24
Pflugerville, TX • July 11-14
Pflugerville, TX • July 15-18
(Keep checking back – more will be added as they’re finalized!)
Is there a cost for Restoration Retreats?
We require a $150 refundable deposit to reserve your space. Once we receive your application, we’ll send you instructions for payment. Your $150 will be returned to you upon checking in at the Restoration Retreat.
Travel to & from the Retreat location is the responsibility of each attendee. Shield of Sisters understands that travel can be a barrier for some survivors. For those in need of assistance, limited travel support may be available upon request.
Support will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on individual need and available resources. Requesting assistance will not impact your eligibility for the retreat.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with our guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive shared environment for all participants.
What to Expect
Our Restoration Retreats are hosted in an Airbnb-style setting with a small group (generally no more than 10) of fellow Lady Veterans. Each retreat is 2.5 days of restoration, visualization exercises, bonding with other Lady Veterans, and obtaining a positive, new outlook on your future.
Our Restoration Retreats are not therapy or counseling. Think of it as more of developing a personal toolbox of coping skills to aid you in your Journey to Restoration.
You will leave the Retreat with a Battle Angel by your side.
A great way to get the most out of a retreat is to come with an open and positive mindset, ready to learn and grow. You will need to bring your own clothes, toiletries, medications, and any other items you would usually bring for a weekend away. Feel free to be as casual or as dressy as you want – this Retreat is YOUR TIME!
SOS Staff will pamper you all weekend – you’ll hardly lift a finger!
We look forward to seeing you!
When I decided to create Shield of Sisters, I was broken. I had dealt with my trauma for over 30 years. Some would say that I had no issues, I have been fairly successful in my life. I was surviving; I wanted to thrive. I was tired of letting my past dictate my present and future. I contacted various people to see what we could do to change not only my path but the paths of my sisters.
The restoration retreat created a new way of thinking for me. You may ask, how can 2.5 days change years of pain? It does! I went into the retreat a bit skeptical and came out 2.5 days later ready to share this breakthrough with my fellow sisters who have survived MST.
You’re not in this alone. 
– Shannon
My MST took place back in 2014 where I ignored, pushed down, and kept busy to not think about it, to not feel the betrayal and other sad feelings, and to avoid retaliation from the military and my battle buddies. In 2019 numerous life altering events occurred as well as flashbacks. This set me in a downward spiral towards suicide. Thankfully I had a supportive network that provided me resources and real people that genuinely cared. I sought out counseling, therapy, and support groups. I finally was able to get out of my deep hole but I felt stuck. I didn’t want to die but I also didn’t want to live. It wasn’t until attending 2.5 days of the Restoration Retreat where I finally saw my future vision and that I was able to choose to put the weight down and go after what I wanted and needed. Just 2.5 days and I have hope! I have a reason to live and not be in between. I have a focus, goals, and I am so excited for my future.
– Jessica
