Herbal Retreat

After the retreat

I'm never sure how to properly sum up a weekend like the one that just came to a close. Because so much unfolds in such a short space of time - where can I even begin?

Planning and preparations melt into excitement and nerves, which soon give way to ease as friendships begin and connections are made. Stories are told, experiences are shared, and strangers quickly become friends. 

And then, as suddenly as it began our time together came to a close.

If pressed, I would sum up our weekend like so: nourishment and rest, connection and conversation, tears and laughter, learning and play, refilling and recharging. 

Our group was a just right mix of (brave!) introverts and at ease extroverts, all learning and sharing side-by-side. A community of women coming together from places as far flung as California, Colorado and Indiana; and from all corners of Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

The weekend began with a bang and a crash when a pair of spruce trees came down in a fierce storm, blocking the driveway but sparing our cars by just a few feet. Once that excitement passed the relaxed weekend energy unfolded and everyone found ample time to craft and make art, relax by the fire, eat glorious food, explore the Northwoods and the lake shore, and - of course - learn about and make herbal remedies. 

I am so grateful to share the weekend with this amazing community of women. Fifteen joined me here (fourteen pictured above, on account of an early flight), and I daresay many new friendships were forged.

My summary? 100 belly laughs, 15 brave women, over a dozen herbal recipes, 9 organic meals, 4 glorious days, 1 beautiful barn, and 1 big lake.

And what a wonderful weekend it was! 

Thanks for this wonderful few days, ladies. You are beautiful souls - each and every one. 

 

 

Green Magic Summer Camp

I realized today I never posted this update from Green Magic Summer Camp. Here is my post from August!

Last weekend, Lupine and I gathered with a delightful group of 21 parents and kids for four days of crafting, play, and medicine-making. 

And what fun we had!

Over the course of the weekend these 10 moms and 11 kids hiked together in the woods, did copious amounts of crafting, forged new friendships, and explored 9 common backyard plants. Then each family learned how to make salves, syrups, tinctures, and more - and brought home more than a dozen new remedies, made by their own hands. 

The kids, ranging in age from 6 to 13, didn't miss a beat in connecting and sharing with one another, regardless of age. Coming from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and even North Carolina, there was much of that new-friendship magic unfolding throughout the weekend as the kids (and parents) got to know one another better with each passing day.

Before we knew it our remedy and craft project stashes were adding up, and our weekend together was drawing to a close. By the time Sunday rolled around addresses and pen pal promises were exchanged and enthusiastic goodbye hugs were given.

And while I came home profoundly tired, I also returned profoundly grateful.

Grateful for these 21 beautiful souls that I was honored to share and connect with for four wonderful days in the woods. Grateful for their passion, curiosity, and willingness to try something new. Grateful that these kids (and their moms) are going home just a little more confident and a little more aware of all that plants can do.

And grateful that Lupine and I got to play along, too.

Green magic indeed.

Last weekend, Lupine and I gathered with a delightful group of 21 parents and kids for four days of crafting, play, and medicine-making. 

And what fun we had!

Over the course of the weekend these 10 moms and 11 kids hiked together in the woods, did copious amounts of crafting, forged new friendships, and explored 9 common backyard plants. Then each family learned how to make salves, syrups, tinctures, and more - and brought home more than a dozen new remedies, made by their own hands. 

The kids, ranging in age from 6 to 13, didn't miss a beat in connecting and sharing with one another, regardless of age. Coming from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and even North Carolina, there was much of that new-friendship magic unfolding throughout the weekend as the kids (and parents) got to know one another better with each passing day.

Before we knew it our remedy and craft project stashes were adding up, and our weekend together was drawing to a close. By the time Sunday rolled around addresses and pen pal promises were exchanged and enthusiastic goodbye hugs were given.

And while I came home profoundly tired, I also returned profoundly grateful.

Grateful for these 21 beautiful souls that I was honored to share and connect with for four wonderful days in the woods. Grateful for their passion, curiosity, and willingness to try something new. Grateful that these kids (and their moms) are going home just a little more confident and a little more aware of all that plants can do.

And grateful that Lupine and I got to play along, too.

Green magic indeed.

Autumn Women's Herbal Retreat

We're heading back to the breathtaking south shore of Lake Superior for the 2017 Autumn Women's Herbal Retreat. We gathered here for our first retreat and were smitten by the accommodations, the forests, and Lake Superior just beyond our door.

The best part, of course, was the community of kindred spirits who gathered here for a long weekend of connection, rejuvenation, and herbal medicine making.

And it's time to do it again.

Created with beginners in mind, no prior experience with herbs or herbal remedies is needed. Pack your sketch book, your journal, or your knitting and get ready to refill your cup. The Women's Herbal Retreat is a weekend you won't soon forget.

Details follow. I do hope that you can join us! 

Included in your retreat:

• 3 nights lodging at the beautiful Lake Superior Barn, all linens provided
• Home-cooked, organic meals and snacks
• Guided plant walk
• Hiking trails through 300 acres of private forest and the Lake Superior shoreline
• Outdoor wood-fired hot tub and campfire circle (weather permitting)
• Relaxed, casual classes to learn about and handcraft herbal medicines
• Herbs, ingredients, and packaging for the remedies you will create and bring home
• Recipes and instructions to make the remedies again

Though food and beverages will be included in your stay, alcohol is not provided. However we invite you to bring along a favorite bottle of wine to enjoy in the evening around the fire!

Location:

We will gather together near Maple, WI on the shores of Lake Superior. The Barn will be our home for the weekend, providing ample space for classes, meals, and relaxing. 

The Barn is approximately 1 hour from Duluth, 3 hours from Minneapolis, and 5 hours from Madison. If you will be flying to the retreat please email me and we will arrange affordable transportation from Duluth International Airport to the Barn on Thursday and a return trip on Sunday.  

Meals:

Meals will be simple, nourishing, and home-cooked. Most ingredients will be organic and many will be local. Some will even be herbal! If you have special dietary restrictions do let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Activities:

Our schedule is relaxed, providing plenty of time to hike in the woods, sit by the fire, or soak in the bath. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, outdoor clothing, and any handwork projects you enjoy like knitting, sketching, or journalling.

And - of course - we will have ample time to learn about herbs.

Each day (Friday through Sunday) we will explore herbs and making remedies. These sessions are designed with beginners and advanced beginners in mind. Don't be deterred if you have limited experience working with herbs! Weather permitting we'll also take a guided plant walk, exploring the woods and field for medicinal plants. 

At the end of the retreat each participant will bring home a collection of their own hand-crafted remedies including tinctures, teas, syrups, salves, oils, and more. (Pictured below is most of what each participant created and took home from the Spring 2017 gathering.)

Arrival and Departure:

Arrive on Thursday October 26 between 5:30 and 6 PM. Depart on Sunday October 29 by 1 PM.

Accommodations:

There are four different room options for your stay. (The more affordable options tend to sell out most quickly, so don't delay if that is your preference!)

TS: Twin bed in shared bunk room (five guests per room): $675 per person  sold out!

QB: Queen-sized bed in shared bunk room (five guests per room): $700 per person (one bed remaining)

QD: Private room, queen sized-bed, double occupancy: $750 per person sold out!

QS: Private room, queen sized bed, single occupancy: $925 per person sold out!

About your hosts: 

Rachel Wolf has a background in Environmental Education and spent her career-before-motherhood working with children and adults both in the classroom and out in the natural world. More recently Rachel's time has been divided between interest-led homeschooling her two kids, freelance writing about herbs and plant remedies, and running her herbal body care company, LüSa Organics. Rachel is a passionate teacher who delights in making topics accessible to a wide age range and hands-on learning is her specialty.

After a decade owning her own business, Kate Zomboracz is finally willing to admit she is, in fact, a cook.  Her devotion to local, organic food came from a strong environmental ethic developed while studying philosophy, environmental biology & sustainable agriculture and has evolved into her family's Community Supported Kitchen.  She works, lives and learns side by side with her three (wild and free) kids and husband.

How to Register:

Registration is now open! If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP via email at your earliest convenience. 

As we anticipate all of our slots filling quickly, please reply with your first choice bunk option and any acceptable second choices using the codes above (TS, QB, QD, QS).

50% of payment is due at time of registration, with the remaining 50% is due on October 1. Registration is non-refundable but we'll certainly do our best to fill your spot if life gets messy and you find you can't make it.

Some words from past retreat participants:

"This retreat was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Because how often do your dreams become reality? Rachel's warm and gentle spirit permeated the whole experience. Her wisdom is priceless. We shared an amazing fellowship, phenomenal food, and learned lifelong skills as well as took away a remarkable amount of herbal remedies! So grateful for the experience and cannot wait to do it again!"

and...

"The herbal retreat was incredibly relaxing and fulfilling and the food provided was amazing, wholesome, and nourishing. The herbal information provided was invaluable. This is the information your grandmother and mother would have given you centuries ago, but here you are, in a company of beautiful women, learning it midway through life. It is wonderful, uplifting, freeing, and will forever be in your heart and mind."

 

Green Magic Summer Camp

Imagine a weekend where you can focus on your relationship with your child while exploring plants and nature with an herbalist and naturalist. 

Imagine a weekend where nourishing meals are prepared for you, and each day is filled with the just right balance of hands-on learning and relaxation.

 

Imagine a weekend that ends with you and your child carrying home the knowledge of how to safely use some of the plants that grow in your own backyard - plants for teas and tinctures, salves and syrups, and more.

 

Imagine Green Magic Summer Camp.

 

 

Green Magic Summer Camp (female parent/guardian & child)

August 17-20, 2017

Osseo, WI

 

Green Magic Summer Camp is designed for children ages 6 and up and their female parent or guardian. Kids and adults will work together on projects and crafts and create herbal remedies while exploring, playing, and learning alongside other families.

 

Lodging is in shared bunk rooms, though families who prefer more privacy are welcome to bring a tent and camp out beneath the stars! 

 

Included in the Green Magic Summer Camp:

• 3 nights lodging 
• Home-cooked meals and snacks 
• Guided plant walk
• Herbal medicine-making activities
• Nature crafts and games

All supplies for herbal medicine making, crafts, and other projects are included as well as a recipe book for each family to bring home of the remedies that we create.

Location:  

We will gather together near Osseo, WI at Orchard House Retreat, located on a small biodynamic CSA/family farm. 

Orchard House is located approximately 2 hour east of Minneapolis and 4 1/2 hours from Madison, WI. If you will be flying to the retreat please email me and we will arrange affordable transportation from Minneapolis/St. Paul airport on Thursday and a return trip on Sunday. 

Activities:

Our schedule is relaxed, providing plenty of time for kids to play and adults to refill their cups. Be sure to bring your hiking boots, outdoor clothing, sunscreen, and any handwork projects you or your child enjoy like knitting, sketching, or journalling.

Each day parents and children will learn and create together as we explore the green magic of our plant allies. Plantain, mullein, burdock, and elderberry are among the plants we'll get to know (and craft remedies with) throughout the weekend. And what is summer camp without games and crafts? We'll include plenty of these activities as well.

At the end of the retreat each family will bring home a collection of their own hand-crafted remedies including teas, balms, syrups, and more - along with the recipes to create them all again. 

Accommodations:

Green Magic Summer Camp is held in a simple farmhouse in western Wisconsin. All families will be housed in multi-family bunk rooms that include top bunk, bottom bunk, and trundle bed accommodations. (If you or your child have accessibility needs please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.) Participants provide their own pillows, sleeping bags, and bath towels.

Because parents will room with their children, all bunk rooms will be co-ed, housing both mothers or female guardians, girls, and boys. Bathrooms are available for privacy when dressing if desired. 

Meals:

Meals and snacks will be simple, nourishing, and home-cooked. Most ingredients will be organic and many will be local. Some will even be herbal! If you have special dietary restrictions do let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs. Feel free to bring a cooler with snacks that you and your child enjoy.

About your hosts: 

Rachel Wolf has a background in Environmental Education and spent her career-before-motherhood working with children and adults both in the classroom and out in the natural world. More recently Rachel's time has been divided between interest-led homeschooling her two kids, freelance writing about herbs and plant remedies, and running her herbal body care company, LüSa Organics. Rachel is a passionate teacher who delights in making topics accessible to a wide age range and hands-on learning is her specialty.

After a decade owning her own business, Kate Zomboracz is finally willing to admit she is, in fact, a cook.  Her devotion to local, organic food came from a strong environmental ethic developed while studying philosophy, environmental biology & sustainable agriculture and has evolved into her family's Community Supported Kitchen.  She works, lives and learns side by side with her three (wild and free) kids and husband.

 

Cost:

The cost of the Green Magic Summer Camp is $450 per adult and $350 per child. Multiple children per adult are welcome, but at least one adult is required to attend per family.

How to Register: 

Registration is now open! If you are interested in joining in the fun, please email me at your earliest convenience. There has been an unprecedented response to this gathering, so I expect it to fill quickly!

In your email please Include the number of adult women in your group and the number, ages, and genders of children who would like to attend.

April 7 Update: Green Magic Summer Camp is now full. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, please email me and I'll happily add you! 

Payment:

50% of payment is due at time of registration, with the remaining 50% due on July 15. Registration is non-refundable but we'll certainly do our best to fill your spot if life gets messy and you discover you simply can't make it.

Registration is first-come, first served! We'd love to have you and your children join us at camp. Don't wait!

Some words from past retreat participants:

"This retreat was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Because how often do your dreams become reality? Rachel's warm and gentle spirit permeated the whole experience. Her wisdom is priceless. We shared an amazing fellowship, phenomenal food, and learned lifelong skills as well as took away a remarkable amount of herbal remedies! So grateful for the experience and cannot wait to do it again!"

and...

"The herbal retreat was incredibly relaxing and fulfilling and the food provided was amazing, wholesome, and nourishing. The herbal information provided was invaluable. This is the information your grandmother and mother would have given you centuries ago, but here you are, in a company of beautiful women, learning it midway through life. It is wonderful, uplifting, freeing, and will forever be in your heart and mind."