For many families, the Annual Retreat is the first time their child has ever met someone who looks like them. For adults, it's a gathering of people who truly understand. For parents, it's three days of not having to explain anything.
The Symposium component brings in leading craniofacial specialists, surgeons, psychologists, and educators for panels, workshops, and interactive sessions.
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Formerly known as the “Cher’s Family Retreat,” Cher's performance in the movie, Mask (1985), sparked her interest in children and families affected by facial differences. In the film, she portrayed the mother of a child with a craniofacial condition. A few years later in 1990, she formalized her involvement with CCA, participating in Craniofacial Awareness Week in Washington, D.C. and signing on to become our national spokesperson.
Cher spent every available moment she had visiting with the children and their families. They became friends and vowed to make a change in how the world sees and accepts appearance diversity. Shortly after the special time these families spent together, Cher conceived the idea of a camp for the whole family. Cher’s Annual Family Retreat was born. Since 1991, Retreats have been held annually throughout the country. They provide opportunities for the entire family to visit, share ideas, discuss problems and solutions and, most importantly, develop deep and lasting friendships with others.
Held annually on the last full weekend of June. The Retreat brings together families from across the country for three days of connection, education, and community.
Registration is only $150 per family. Travel scholarships are available on a limited basis. We make every effort to ensure that cost is never a barrier to attending, so let us know if you would like to apply for a registration fee waiver or scholarship.
Families attended from 42 of the 50 states
Coutries represented: Canada (2 provinces), Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom
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