Moving westward from Saskatoon, over the Rocky Mountains, we come to the Okanagan Valley with its amazing fertility along Okanagan Lake and desert like conditions further back. Because of irrigation, it has become one of the premier wine producing areas of the country. On the east side of the lake lies Naramata Centre, 15 km north of Penticton, the western Canadian retreat centre of the United Church of Canada. It is a large centre (things in the west tend to be large), capable of facilitating up to 400 participants in its summer programme. The staff is renowned for their sense of hospitality and inclusivity. Creativity is another one of their gifts. We have enjoyed wonderful walks and swims when we have been offered the opportunity to give retreats during their summer programme. It is difficult to believe but, in the summer, they often host up to 400 people at one time, staying in different residences and camping on the spacious grounds. There are many facilitators so there is an extensive choice of workshops/retreats. It is one of the few retreat centres that welcomes families. Facilities and programmes are offered for young people and child care is provided so that parents are able to have a rest and participate in the programmes by themselves during the morning. In the afternoon and evening, families are able to enjoy the beach, visit the orchards, and check out some of the excellent wineries in the neighbourhood. We would invite you to look at their web site www.naramatacentre.net to see the amazing offerings, both during the fall, winter, spring period, and the quite famous summer programme that draws hundreds from Ontario to British Columbia.
