Reflecting and Reimagining: Our Annual Board Retreat
This year, our Annual Board Retreat brought together 10 of our core team members to discuss the future of Trek Relief and how we can resume our international trips in a thoughtful and conscientious way during these pandemic times.
After the challenges of 2020 and the cancellation of last year’s retreat, this gathering was an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine how we can continue to fulfill our mission while prioritizing safety and responsibility.
A Balance of Purpose and Play
Our retreat wasn’t just about brainstorming—it was also about embracing the values that Trek Relief stands for. Between productive discussions, we strengthened our bonds as a team through meaningful activities:
Volunteering at the PATH homeless shelter, contributing to local community needs.
Visiting the farmers market to embody our ideals of sustainability and connection to nature, inspired by our Patagonia projects.
Relaxing with a picnic in the park accompanied by live music, celebrating the joy of community and shared experiences.
Conscious Travel: A Thoughtful Approach to Resuming Trips
One of the central themes of the retreat was how to resume our international trips conscientiously. We carefully weighed the risks and benefits, discussing ways to:
Minimize potential risks and liability while ensuring meaningful travel experiences.
Align our travel practices with the values outlined in our Conscious Travel framework, which emphasizes safety, sustainability, and respect for local communities.
The retreat left us feeling connected, thoughtful, and optimistic. Together, we’re charting a path forward that stays true to Trek Relief’s mission of adventure and service, even in the face of change.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey with care and purpose.
Photo Credit: Candice Young