From January 8-12, Thrive Retreat welcomed 18 young adult burn survivors to a new location for 2026, the mountain community of Silver Star Resort.
Designed as a next step for Burn Camp graduates, Thrive supports young adults as they navigate the transition into adulthood. A time often marked by independence, responsibility, and self-discovery. The retreat offers both emotional support and practical tools, while centring connection, shared experience, and personal growth.
This year’s theme focused on the masks we wear in everyday life and the courage it takes to explore who we truly are beneath them. Through guided art therapy and open dialogue, participants were invited to reflect on identity, self-expression, and authenticity in a space that prioritized trust and understanding. These sessions created room for vulnerability, creativity, and honest conversation, allowing each individual to be seen and heard without judgment.
Alongside this reflective work, Thrive provided tangible skills to support young adults as they step into new stages of life. Workshops included S.M.A.R.T. goal setting, meditation practices to manage stress and uncertainty, and a hands-on cooking class aimed at building confidence and independence. Together, these sessions addressed both the emotional and practical realities of adulthood.
One of the most powerful moments of the retreat came through the reflections of the participants themselves. In a video shared from the weekend, one young adult burn survivor spoke openly about what Thrive has meant to her and how the Burn Fund has shaped her journey.
She shared that through the people she has met and the community she now has in her life, she has learned to love her burns and would not change anything about her path. Her message was simple, honest, and deeply affirming.
“Be you. Be proud. You’re amazing. Everything about you is awesome. And just continue finding the strength within yourself.”
Her words reflect the heart of Thrive. Not a place to fix or change what has happened, but a space to recognize resilience, build confidence, and move forward supported by people who understand.
The Burn Fund extends a sincere thank you to Silver Star Resort for their generosity and partnership in making this retreat possible. From tubing and ski lift passes to providing a stunning and welcoming location, their support helped create an environment where participants could relax, connect, and create lasting memories.
Thrive Retreat continues to be a meaningful milestone for young adult burn survivors. A place where growth is nurtured, authenticity is celebrated, and no one walks forward alone.
