SLOW UP One-Day Vitality Retreat
Spruces Campground, BCC
June 13th, 2026 9am - 6pm
Presented by Mindful Essence
Photos from last year retreat
With Chantal Papillon & Jennifer Cottam
As we approach the longest day of the year, we gather in sacred sisterhood to celebrate Life, Vitality, and the Expansive energy of our Hearts. ♥️
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is associated with the element of Fire and the Emperor of our body, our Heart. It houses our Shen—our Spirit—and serves as a portal for our Vitality to flourish and express itself. The Heart is also the energy center where we are invited to cultivate a sense of inner Peace, serene Joy, and profound Contentment. By connecting with the energy of the season, we have the opportunity to fully feel and express our fiery passion, fuel our Qi, and awaken our interconnection with Nature.
This one-day retreat is dedicated to balance, embodiment, and Vitality. It is an invitation to ignite your inner spark through Qigong, pilates, hiking, breathwork, meditation, creativity, and mindful presence in nature. Together, we will nourish body, heart, and spirit.
Welcome to the Vitality Retreat.
Retreat Schedule & Details
** Schedule is subject to change to attune to the flow of the group and provide the most meaningful experience for participants.**
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Check In: Arrive between 8:45am and 9:00am
9:00am - 9:45am: Opening Circle
9:45am - 12:00pm: Hike
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Pilates with Jennifer
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Nourish your Qi: Community Lunch
2:00pm - 3:30pm: Nourish your Qi: Solo Time in Nature
3:30pm - 4:00pm: Breathwork with Chantal
4:00pm - 5:30pm: Creativity Project - Uncovering our Heart
5:30pm - 6:30pm: Qigong Flow with Chantal
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Nourish your Qi: Community Dinner
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Story time with Chantal - sing with Sterling
8:00pm - 8:30pm: Sound Bath with Jennifer
8:30pm - 9:00pm: Closing Circle
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Check Out: Depart after Closing Circle. Spruces Campground offers opportunities to pursue your Nature immersion into the night. If you wish to sleep with the starry sky above your head, check their website for availability here.
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Spruces Campground is located in Big Cottonwood Canyons. Details on our precise location and directions will be provided with your ticket purchase.
Meet Your Hosts
Chantal Papillon, MQP
Chantal is the creator of the Slow Up program and founder of Mindful Essence. She teaches Qigong and offers Healing Qigong and Vitality Coaching sessions. She is passionate about sharing the wisdom of Qigong and Chinese Medicine and has developed her own personal approach to empowering people with practical strategies, self-care practices and tools to restore Balance and Vitality to their lives, enabling them to Embody who they truly are, Embrace their Essence, and Unleash their Potential.
Jennifer Cottam
Jennifer is inspired by the beauty of the mountains and the genuine connection she feels with those around her to creating welcoming and restorative spaces where connection and healing can happen. She thrives to bring people together and help them reconnect, reset, and feel more grounded. After 20 years of calling Cottonwood Heights home, she's grateful to now have the time and space to give back to the community she loves.
Our Refuge
Big Cottonwood Canyon
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WHAT TO BRING
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Your curiosity and a beginner's mind
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A journal and a pen
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A water bottle (healthy snacks would be provided)
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Clothing adapted to weather including:
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Cozy clothes that you can easily put on and take off to better adapt to the variation in your body temperature depending on our activities.
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Sunglasses
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Sunhat
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Sunscreen
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Good shoes for walking
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Optional:
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A shawl, wrap or blanket to keep you warm and cozy
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A mat to practice Yoga and Qigong
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A meditation cushion or a camp chair ... even a hammock
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Questions?
For any other inquiries, please email ME at chantal@mindfulessence.net
All Included Day Vitality Retreat
$178
Refund Policy
All payments are non-refundable.
In the rare case that the event is canceled, you will receive a full refund.
Photos & Videos
We love to capture the essence and beauty of our gatherings through photos and videos, which may be used to share the spirit of future events.
By attending, you give your consent to be included—unless you let us know otherwise. Just speak with us before or during the event, and we’ll gladly honor your preference with care.
Nature & Responsibility
This retreat includes time outdoors, where we may encounter uneven ground, wildlife, insects, or weather shifts.
By participating, you acknowledge the inherent risks of being in nature and agree to care for your own well-being.
Please let us know about any medical conditions, allergies, or needs you’d like us to be aware of.
By joining, you agree to take personal responsibility for your experience and release the organizers and facilitators from liability for any injury or adverse effect that may occur.