Hollyhock's renowned events help to resolve the leadership deficits of the modern world. These cross-sectoral and multi-generational gatherings work to support and catalyze progressive leaders through strengthening skills, expanding capacity, and building peer-to-peer networks and knowledge.
Tackling the largest issues of our time and promoting social and environmental justice requires that we come together to not only learn hard skills and share lessons, but also to rejuvenate our passions and recharge. Joining our conferences opens up access to like-minded networks and community that support one another throughout the year.
Past events include: Social Venture Institute, Activate: Digital Leadership, Creating a Climate for Change, and Run for Office
Khari Wendell McClelland is an award-winning musician and sought-after facilitator who uses the arts and experiential activities for transformational learning.
Originally from Detroit, Khari made his way to Canada over a decade ago and is currently based in Vancouver, BC. Khari’s passion for community service is clear, both in his musical life and in his facilitation work. He balances his time each year performing and working with communities as a facilitator. He has worked throughout Canada and internationally in Africa, Australia, Europe, The United States, and Jamaica.
Recently, Khari received critical acclaim for his Freedom Singer project, recreating the music fugitive slaves carried on their journey north into Canada. He also performs with the beloved gospel group, The Sojourners. Whether on stage or in community, Khari’s passion for equality and justice is palpable, as is his belief in the redemptive power of music
khariwendellmcclelland.com
[embed]https://youtu.be/XunCS7S9j2U[/embed]
Details of this retreat
Thank you so much for your help in making Activate 2024 a success! Mark next June in your calendars for Activate: Digital Leadership 2025.
In this digital leadership training conference, we bring together the sharpest digital minds from political and advocacy campaigns, labour unions, creative agencies, and causes for four days of hard-skills training in digital leadership, strategy and tactics.
Gain bold clarity on how to intelligently activate your organization from the inside, and crack the code to engaging your target audience to win campaigns, raise money, and hit your goals.
"For those looking to lead the charge in progressive campaigns, Hollyhock is a game-changer. The workshops on campaign strategy were top-notch. The connections I made with fellow campaigners will be instrumental in driving our cause forward. Hollyhock equips you with the tools needed to lead with impact.” - 2023 Activate participant
Why Activate?
There are enough conferences to talk about the problems we need to solve, but there aren’t a lot of places to get in a room and learn how to use the tools to win.
Activate is all about practical training. Selecting the right combination of tools, designing and executing a strategy to win.
Who is Activate for?
Activate is for progressive digital practitioners. You might be a digital director at an advocacy organization, a content writer at a political party, an organizer at a labour union, or a senior leader who tries to bring all these pieces together. You might work with clients to deliver great digital campaigns, or build new technology.
Activate participants come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds with varying amounts of digital experience. But we share a commitment to building digital capacity among progressives in Canada, sharing our learnings with each other, and lifting each other up.
“Activate 2023 Hollyhock was like a week of masterclasses in life. The knowledge and skills I gained were invaluable. I'm taking home a refreshed mindset, a deeper understanding of the world, and a notebook full of ideas. This is education reimagined” - Daniel, 2023 Activate Participant
Hollyhock is working to make sure our conferences and events are accessible and valuable to diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applicants who will bring diversity to Activate, including but not limited to diversity of gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and class. We know that important, exciting, and innovative digital work is happening on the margins. At Activate, we will hold up, support, and provide a platform for / share this work.
Schedule
Visit here for the 2024 agenda and speaker details. A detailed schedule will be available 1-2 weeks in advance of the program.
Terms & Conditions
You may find our terms & conditions here.
Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Single w/shared bathroom
These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront
Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/ensuite
These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/shared bathroom
These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Twin w/ensuite oceanfront
This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/ensuite
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/shared bathroom
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Three-share w/shared bathroom
These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know.
This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Women Dorm
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Men's Dorm
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Mixed Dorm
Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Tent Site Single
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
Tent Site Couple
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Commuter
Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339
Customer Reviews
4.78 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Tantra: Living Presence and Prana
I really enjoyed the course. I felt a great release and opening in my body, calming of the mind and a new awareness of holding patterns in my body. Thank you Maitreyi Yogacharini and Hollyhock! I am looking forward to the recorded session as I would like to follow the practice again.
4.0
Verified
Profoundly grateful!
Hollyhock's virtual Activate Summit was a much needed breathe of fresh air. The program gave me the chance to harvest and claim the long-forgotten power I have within, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders to emerge - as an individual and as part of a community - able to shape the future, inwards out. The depth of knowledge and understanding of workshop leaders and plenary speakers made the program that much stronger - I only wish it was longer!
5.0
Verified
The Healing is Part of the Journey
Do not let the planes, ferries, shuttles, or taxis required to reach Hollyhock deter you. This is part of the magic of the place. By the time you arrive much of what you need to leave behind has been untethered into one of those named transportation devices. The setting is astounding. The overall vibe is that everyone is happy to be there, and happy to have you among them.
5.0
Verified
seriously funny, in writing and in life
Great session! Not too large, not too small. Our group came together with just the right energy and the retreat centre provided the serenity and safety to let us be both serious and crazy.
Hollyhock is well known for its beauty of location, but even better known for the delicious dishes its amazing staff serve up. And equally famous for its bread...both gluten and gluten free.
Best of all...inter conversations between everyone attending concurrent sessions. Just pick a table and jump in. This is where lifelong friendships happen.
In this crazy world it's reassuring to know that Hollyhock is there.
Thank you.
Did I mention the view from the outdoor Hot tub? Or the oyster roast on the beach? Yum!
5.0
Verified
connection, skill building
The Podcast from Hear was an audio storytelling program at Hollyhock. How much honesty and strength a circle of women can have, multiplied by the setting. We shared and grew, our group of diverse identities and experiences. Young empowered women and courageous professionals and artists of decades of expertise. Poets, scientists, Indigenous artists, sound engineers, soundscape artists, audio storytellers, professors of journalism and writing~ we had it all, we shared openly and with great heart.
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/
Select your options
Early Bird Discount: 10% Off Until Mar 1
Available Dates
June 4 - 8, 2025
Select a Room
Single w/ensuite
CAD $2,749.60
CAD $3,004.00
Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Single w/shared bathroom
CAD $2,443.60
CAD $2,664.00
These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront
CAD $3,536.00
Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/ensuite
CAD $3,220.00
These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/shared bathroom
CAD $2,904.00
These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Twin w/ensuite oceanfront
CAD $2,386.00
CAD $2,600.00
This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/ensuite
CAD $2,242.00
CAD $2,440.00
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/shared bathroom
CAD $2,098.00
CAD $2,280.00
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Three-share w/shared bathroom
CAD $1,950.40
CAD $2,116.00
These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know.
This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Women Dorm
CAD $1,774.00
CAD $1,920.00
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Men's Dorm
CAD $1,774.00
CAD $1,920.00
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Mixed Dorm
CAD $1,774.00
CAD $1,920.00
Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Tent Site Single
CAD $1,756.00
CAD $1,900.00
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
Tent Site Couple
CAD $1,940.00
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Commuter
CAD $1,630.00
CAD $1,760.00
Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339
Refund & Cancellation Policy
The full payment of the reservation’s balance is due 30 days before arrival and is automatically charged to your credit card.
Cancel more than 30 days ahead of your program your deposit is held as a credit, minus a 15% cancellation fee. Cancel within 14 days of arrival: forfeit your payments.
Cameron's Staff Pick
Verified
Relationship & Community
Health & Wellness
Meditation
Leadership & Social Change
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