About
What's the Women Build Retreat?
Women are the builders of life. We build homes, communities, families, bonds, and so much more. Amazing things happen when women come together to support and learn from each other. Life and busy schedules can often make these moments limited, leaving us wishing for more time to connect in meaningful ways......
Back by popular demand, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region is bringing you an unforgettable experience. Escape to the rustic charm of Camp Timberlane for a women's retreat like no other, blending adventure, construction, relaxation, and community.
By joining us for this retreat, you’re not just treating yourself to an unforgettable experience—you’re making a meaningful difference in the community. Each ticket includes a donation to Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, and together, we’ll roll up our sleeves to build a project from start to finish. This year our build project will be supporting Haliburton's Places for People. We are still hammering out the details on this (see what we did there? Hammer pun.) but the project will be announced soon!
From outdoor activities to serene yoga sessions, there's something for everyone! Bond with like-minded women, all while supporting HabitatPKR's upcoming builds.
Join us in this meaningful (and ridiculously fun) journey, and together, let's continue to build a better future for all.
Don't take our word for it! Check out a gallery of pictures from last year's retreat and hear what participants had to say!
Who is this for?
Are you a woman who builds—whether it's businesses, communities, or ideas? Do you thrive on connecting with like-minded women who see potential in everything? Do you want to learn valuable and practical construction skills while giving back to the community?
The Women Build Retreat is designed for women who want to engage in meaningful connections and collaborations, all while having fun and being well taken care of. With meals, accommodations, and programming all arranged, all you need to do is show up and enjoy!
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Details
Date
October 3-5, 2025
Cost
This year we have 3 options based on your choice of accommodations:
Private Room - $550 (closed door private room, bathroom and shower in cabin)
Semi-Private - $500 (two person bedroom, bathroom and shower in cabin - great for sharing with a friend!)
Large Room - $450 (larger cabins shared by a maximum of 6 women, everyone gets their own bottom bunk, bathrooms located in the cabin, not all cabins have showers in them but are a short walk away)
Cost includes: 2 nights accommodation, all meals/snacks, activities, swag, everlasting memories.
Cost does not include: Transportation to and from Camp Timberlane.
What to expect
Experience the enchanting beauty of Haliburton as the leaves transform into a stunning array of colors. Your day begins with a nutritious and hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a series of engaging sessions that you sign up for -- it's a choose your own adventure!
Savor delicious group meals with diverse options to accommodate all dietary needs. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in a variety of evening entertainment and relaxation activities, ensuring a perfect end to your day.
We take care of it all; you just need to show up. Fresh air, fun times.
What to bring
Great question! We've put together a handy-dandy packing list to help you out. Packing List.
Schedule
Schedule coming soon, but sneak a peak of last year's schedule for an idea: 2024 Schedule
Where
Location
Located just 1.5 hours north of Peterborough and 2.5 hours away from Toronto, Camp Timberlane’s 1100-acre site is situated in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands, near the southern boundary of Canada’s famous Algonquin Park.
Nestled in incredible nature on its own private lake with comfortable, clean accommodations and various common and programming areas.
Accommodations
Sure camping is fun, but we're not pitching tents or hopping onto top bunks here. Attendees will enjoy the rustic charm of the Timberlane staff cottages, each equipped with single and queen-sized beds, private showers and bathrooms. Many cottages offer stunning views directly overlooking the lake!
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FAQs
FAQs
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Is there an age limit?19+ please.
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How many people will there be in total?Around 80 women.
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Will there be transportation?If you would like to get a ride with someone or offer to carpool others, let us know on your registration form and we will put you in touch with the right people.
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How much does this cost?There are three options based on your accommodation preference: $450 - Shared room, lower bunks only $500 - Semi-private shared room $550 - Private room
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Is it all-inclusive?Yes! Included in your ticket is your accommodation, all meals and snacks, beverages, and swag. The only thing that is not covered is transportation but if you would like to carpool or offer to carpool others, please let us know and we’ll connect you to the right people!
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Can you accommodate special dietary needs?Yes. The chefs at Camp Timberlane can accommodate all special diets and dietary concerns. Just let us know on your registration form.
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What’s the weekend going to be like?Stay tuned for a full schedule of events!
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What does the “building” element of the weekend look like?As part of the Women Build Retreat, participants will work on a construction project -- we are still nailing out the details for that project and will announce it soon!
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Is there a charitable element?Yes! Portions of the ticket sales will go directly to a Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha projects.
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What’s your refund policy?Tickets for the Women Build Retreat are non-refundable. However, tickets are transferrable to another person up until September 15. After that date, all sales are final and no transfers or refunds will be accepted. In the event that we need to cancel the retreat, all funds will be fully reimbursed.
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Is there going to be alcohol?Guests are welcome to BYOB – but please ensure any glass bottles stay in your cottages as Camp Timberlane has a strict no glass bottle policy.
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What should I bring?We've put together a handy-dandy packing list for you right here!
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Can I bring snacks?Yes, you are welcomed to bring snacks however, Camp Timberlane is strictly peanut/treenut-free facility so please don’t bring anything with nuts. Meals and snacks are all included in your ticket price, so unless you really need that 11am pickle-break, feel free to leave the snacks at home.
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Can I stay with my friends?Yes, of course! Please let us know in your registration form if there are buddies coming that you’d like to be with, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
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Who’s organizing this retreat?Amazing things can happen when women come together. This retreat is coordinated by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region’s Women Build program.
2024 Retreat
Want to know what the Women Build Retreat is all about?
Of course you do!
Take a peek at the magic -- scroll through photos from last year’s retreat and hear straight from the women who lived it! From laughter-filled workshops to quiet moments in nature, every story, smile, and snapshot says it best.
We promise: it’s more than a retreat—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
2024 Reviews
"Opportunities like this that connect women in a fun and meaningful weekend away are extremely hard to find. If I could take one trip a year, this would be it!" -2024 Women Build Participant
"It is a fun, relaxing time spent in nature with like-minded women of all ages. Fun, fun, fun!"-2024 Women Build Participant
"It was so good, we're already talking about attending next year!!!" -2024 Women Build Participant
"A women's chose your own adventure weekend with no responsibilities or expectations!" -2024 Women Build Participant
"This was an opportunity for like-minded women to get together - It turned out to be so much more. A great event overall and I would highly recommend it to anyone who asks!" -2024 Women Build Participant
"It was amazing. Great people, great organization, great location, great activities." -2024 Women Build Participant
"If you’re looking for a place to grow, learn, and connect, I wholeheartedly recommend the Women Build Retreat, fun and growth for a great cause!" -2024 Women Build Participant
Did we miss anything?
Reach out to Natalie at natalie@habitatpkr.ca with any questions.
*Activity Blocks Options
Building Workshops, Yoga and Meditation, Guest Speakers, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Zumba, Tennis/Pickle Ball, Sauna, Art Workshops, Hiking Trails…. And more added daily because we can't resist making this even more awesome!