Rise and Shine Youth Retreat highlights and responds to the voices, emotional needs, creativity and well being of Black, Indigenous, People of Color.R&S started as a day retreat for teen girls. The retreat was hosted at SMCC where a diverse group of girls gathered to discuss wellness, participate in teamwork activities, practice yoga and dance, arts and crafts and girl empowerment journaling.In 2015, R&S started hosting annual over night camping retreats called "Rise and Shine Youth Retreat's Annual Weekend Getaway".At the getaway, each participant receives and uses a DIY self care kit that consists of supplies to make (deodorant, toothpaste, body scrub, hair/body oil), a toothbrush, a tongue scraper, dental floss, an oral cleaning kit, pads, and a body brush.R&S co-created the Affinity Wellness Club at Lewiston Middle School in 2017. The group meets weekly and participates in wellness activities and field trips.In 2018 R&S acquired a permanent home at a farmhouse in Bowdoin, Maine. R&S now provides year round cooperative Iiving, retreats for children and adults, and other accessible community programming.Our mission is to foster meaningful relationships between Black people and nature through cooperative living, wellness retreats, residences, and outdoor exploration/celebration.