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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Intuition Retreat

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Self Guided
Reflective Walks

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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

Coming again November 8th.

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 Retreat

Writer in Residence - David J. Sluka

November 17th-19th

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday 12 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

October 27-29th

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Intuition Retreat

Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn’t lie.

-Oprah Winfrey

Intuition fosters aliveness, purpose, creativity, and enhanced relationships. Insights bring a smile to your face. Intuition also gifts your creative projects with ‘Ah Ha’ moments, your purpose with ‘Yes’, and your connections to self and others with awe and wonder. Together and individually, we will:

  • Explore heart opening keys to relaxation and joy.
  • Discover expanded awareness.
  • Nature’s direct contribution to aliveness.
  • Collaborative intuition in relationships.
  • Play with time.
  • Enjoy beauty.
  • You are welcome to bring something with you, e.g., journal for notes, creative projects, or other inspirational materials.

Join us for a fun and enriching weekend. 

 Facilitated by Sharon Franquemont, Intuition Author, You Already Know What To Do, Penguin/Putnam, & Intuition: Your Electric Self, Sounds True,  Facilitator & Consultant  

 

Upcoming Events

No events planned at this time.

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. 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

“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 Weekend Retreat

September 29-October 1st

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

Forest Bathing and Life Journey Day Retreat

Wednesday, October 11th

Time: 9:00 am - 4 pm

Cost $30

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, September 25th

Time: 10:00 pm - 12:00 pm

Monday, September 25th

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday, September 25th

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Monday, October 16th

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, October 16th

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Monday, October 16th

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Futures Dates:

Monday, November 6th

Monday, December 4th Open House

Volunteer Opportunites

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

Open House Monday, December 4th, 2023.