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.

IMG_2748

Day for the Heart

IMG_1560

Writers Retreat

View new cottage

Fill Your Cup Retreat

MeadowOpenArms

Silence Retreat

heart

Self Guided
Reflective Walks

Charlson-Drive_0086

Forest Bathing
and Life Journey Retreat

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

Day for the Heart

Tuesday, April 18th, 2023

Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: $30

Writing Retreats

Our Writers Retreat offers time away for your personal writing project in the company of other writers.

This weekend 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

April 28th - 30th, 2023

Friday 4 pm - Sunday 12 pm

$150

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

June 23rd - 25th

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Silence

How beautiful it is to do nothing and rest afterwards."

-Spanish Proverb

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. Saturday night dinner will be break silence and enjoy a meal together. Then silence will continue until we will meet for a wrap up conversation on Sunday morning.

Optional activities will be offered including: time on the land with reflective practices, and art supplies 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 a refrigerator for your use and a kitchenette with coffee and tea available. Dress comfortably. Silent times along with brief facilitated conversations to open and close the day.

Facilitated  by Nicole Rasmussen

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

“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

Day of Silence

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: $30

Silence Retreat

May 12th - 14th

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Forest Bathing and Life Journey

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown for going out, I found, was really going in."

-John Muir

Nature heals. Nature restores. Time in nature automatically enhances contentment, balance, and aliveness. It effortlessly reduces stress, depression, or anxiety. You are restored. Together we will:

  • Relax surrounded by nature’s ease and 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!

Days: Please bring lunch and a beverage.  We do have a refrigerator for your use and a kitchenette with coffee and tea available. Dress comfortably.

Facilitated by Sharon Franquemont

Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide

I am going home with skills, e.g. slowing down, observing, enjoying flowers, and knowing flowers have something to tell you. Guest

“I’m so grateful to be with loons, trees, clear waters, and stunningly beautiful people and conversations. This has opened a window into the next phase of work in the world.”                                            -Previous guest

Upcoming Events

Forest Bathing and Life Journey

Returning Summer 2023

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 and 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

Select preferred date and time:

Monday, April 10th, 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, April 10th, 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday, May 22, 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, May 22nd, 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday, May 22nd, 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday, June 5th, 2023

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, June 5th, 2023

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Futures Dates:

Monday, June  12th

Monday, July 17th

Monday, July 24th

Monday, August 7th

Volunteer in the Giving Garden

If you would be interested in volunteering in the Giving Garden, email Renee@cmeadows.org to be added to her email list to be informed of opportunities to be part of the fun!

Check back for future events and ways to be involved at Charlson Meadows!