The International Primal Association will hold its annual convention and summer retreat August 25–31 at the rural Linwood MacDonald YMCA Camp and Conference Center, 1 Flatbrook Road, Sandyston. The event will feature educational experiences for those pursuing emotional growth through various techniques ranging from meditation to movement therapy. Registered participants are entitled to receive a free half-hour massage from a bodyworker of their choice.

Featured workshops include Internal and External Support, withNew York Hakomi therapists Stuart Friedman and Laurie Schwartz. This day-long event promotes the gentle release of stored tensions and even deeper post-traumatic stress.  Schwartz will also lead a community dance and tribal drumming event. Tricia Wassel, a massage therapist and Shalom Mountain facilitator, will offer techniques from core energetics.  Author Thayer White elaborates on Improving Your Personal Growth Results.Jim Crosby, J.D., biographer for Metallica, will speak on the influence of primal in the arts.  Artist and editor Julie Eliason will lead a discussion on how graphic arts help heal. Other events include Primal Theater, poetry, improv, a cabaret open mic on Friday night, and dance on Saturday night.  

Introduction to Primal training for therapists (and CEUs for social workers) will be offered by Barbara Bryan, founder of thePrimal Integration Center of Michigan, and social worker Dianne Arman on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.  In addition to daily workshops, men’s and women’s groups, peer groups, and Mat Track feelings-release groups, the week offers swimming and boating. Meals are included for those who preregister, and there is dormitory space available.   

For more information, email [email protected] or call 1-877-PRIMALS.  For special-needs registration arrangements, call 240-707-7668. To register online via PayPal, visit Primals.org/pay.html.