Our Programs

About Charlson Meadows Programming

Nature has much to teach us if we are only willing to observe, linger, and listen. Our programs are designed to connect our guests with nature in each glorious season. Following nature’s lead, we focus on different elements of self care throughout the year.

We offer two main types of programs: day events and weekend retreats.

*Due to the limited spaces and long waitlists for our weekend retreats, we kindly ask that you only register for one every three years.  You are welcome to check back two weeks before the event to see if space is available.  Thank you for helping us welcome more guests.

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Day for the Heart

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Writers Retreat

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Fill Your Cup Retreat

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Silence Retreat

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Self Guided
Reflective Walks

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Forest Bathing

If we want a wholehearted life, we have to be intentional about cultivating sleep, and play and letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self worth."

-Brene Brown

Day for the Heart

Above all guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverb

Come away to spend time focusing on self-care through brief facilitated conversations, and self care practices in the morning. After lunch optional activities inside and out.
We will use reflective writing, gentle physical movement, and stillness to tend to our physical and emotional heart.
Bring a nourishing lunch, and clothing for outdoor exploration.

Facilitated by Nicole Rasmussen

I leave with precious memories of woods, nature and the awareness of God’s presence everywhere" 

-Previous guest

Upcoming Events

Wednesday April 24th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, June 13th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Writing Retreats

We offer two types of retreats for writers. Each year our November Writer's Retreat features a guest writer with a specific expertise. It could be poetry, publication, or memoir.

The other two retreats offer time for personal writing projects in the company of other writers. It is designed with wide-open space to make time for moving a project forward. Brief optional writing activities and time to share our work over dinner conversation add to the experience. This always proves to be a wonderful weekend for creativity, productivity, and connection.

Guests will spread throughout the Nancy Nelson Lake House for their writing and spend time enjoying the inspiration of nature.

 

Upcoming Events

Writer's Weekend Retreat

June 21st - 23rd

Friday 4:00 pm until Sunday 12:00 pm

Fill Your Cup

Self Care for Women

We invite you to come experience rest, reflection, recreation, and encouragement as you connect with your heart in a beautiful setting.  We provide space for you to come away to fill your cup and introduce research-driven tools you can use to nurture your heart all year long.

Facilitated by Nicole Rasmussen

If we want a wholehearted life, we have to be intentional about cultivating sleep, and play and letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self worth."

                                                        -Brene` Brown

Upcoming Events

Fill Your Cup, Self-care for Women

April 19-21, 2024

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Silence Retreat

In the depth of silence, we hear the irresistible call of Life. -Unknown

Silence is a gift.  Allow your soul to catch up with your life by giving your self time in silence.  This gentle silence retreat offers a wide open structure to give you space to explore silence.
Weekend Retreats:
After dinner on Friday night, silence will begin, then continue until we will meet for a wrap-up conversation on Sunday morning.
Optional activities will be offered including: a Saturday community dinner, time on the land with reflective practices, and guided meditations. Art supplies and suggested projects are available in the Gathering Room. Spread out throughout the Nancy Nelson Lake House, or enjoy your private bedroom.
Day Programs:
Please bring lunch and a beverage. We have coffee and tea available. Dress comfortably. Silent times along with brief guided meditations, gentle movement, and facilitated conversations to open and close the day.
Facilitated  by Nicole Rasmussen
“Today walking the labyrinth slowed my head down. I want to take time to be SILENT in such a way that I don’t have to schedule it—it becomes part of my life.” Guest

Upcoming Events

Silence Weekend

May 17-19th, 2024

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Forest Bathing

Join us as we celebrate the season!

Nature heals. Nature restores. Gift yourself with a nature immersion weekend.  Time in nature automatically enhances contentment, balance, and aliveness. It effortlessly reduces stress, depression, or anxiety. You are restored. Together and individually, we will:
  • Relax surrounded by nature’s beauty, ease, vitality.
  • Explore Nature and Forest therapy to slow time down in order to open life up.
  • Discover your unique Life Journey.
  • Learn techniques that will serve you throughout your lifetime.
Today physicians can prescribe nature walks to combat depression and/or anxiety. Join us. Please take the nature activities and the things you learn home with you to share with your family and friends. It’s fun!
Facilitated by Sharon Franquemont
Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide

Upcoming Events

Forest Bathing

Returning August 2024

Self Guided Reflected Walks

The gates to Charlson Meadows are opening for self-guided time on the land.  Explore solo or bring a friend for a walk on the trails through the woods.

Meet at the chalet to collect a map with guided reflection questions, optional activities, and finish up with beverages around the fire.

Dress for the outdoors.

Guided tours of the Lake House are available.

Allow nature's peace to flow into as sunshine flows into trees.

-John Muir

Upcoming Events

Reflective Walk

Free

If a day fills, another session will open at a different time.

Select your preferred date and time

Monday, April 8th

10 am - 12 pm

Monday, April 8th

2 pm - 4 pm

Monday, May 13th

10 am - 12 pm

Monday, May 13th

2 pm - 4 pm

Monday, May 13th

5 pm - 7 pm

Futures Dates:

Monday, June 3rd Artist Walk

Monday, July 22nd

Sunday, July 28th

Monday, August 18th

Volunteer Opportunites

Join us in the garden as we grow food for area food shelves. Email Renee@cmeadows.org

More opportunities are coming Spring 2024