A Family Nature Retreat: Carrying The Light
August 15–17, 2025
Creative Expression, On Land Retreats, The Natural World, Yoga & Wellness
Program Start Date & Time: August 15th | 5:30 pm
Program End Date & Time: August 17th | 1:00 pm
Carrying the Light: A Family Nature Retreat before the School Year Begins
As the summer wanes and the new school year begins, join us for a rejuvenating weekend immersed in nature designed to help families reconnect, recharge, and root themselves in the calm.
“Carrying the Light” is a gentle, family-centered retreat where mindfulness techniques, expressive art, and nature activities all interconnect to remind us how to shine our lights into the world. Guided by experienced Montessori/ Forest School educator, Laura Goodrich, will illustrate her storytelling magic to instill a deeper sense of gratitude of this earth and our miracle to be part of its story. This retreat is designed for children and their caretakers to tune their nervous system into the pace of nature, finding their own family’s rhythm before a new year begins.
Together, we will:
- Begin each day with family-friendly yoga and meditation, cultivating mindfulness and presence together. A great way for families to learn simple yoga to practice at home, whether it is to help one wake up or wind down from the day.
- Engage in expressive arts activities that invite inner light to shine through, reminders of our power and how to slow down when the days become full.
- Spend unhurried time in nature, fostering curiosity, connection, and a sense of wonder as the changes of seasons.
- Close the weekend with a ceremony of light, embodiment of peace and inspiration to carry your glow into the school year ahead.
This is an invitation for your family to unplug, breathe deeply, and ignite the inner spark of authentic joy to carry with you as you intentionally prepare for the new school year and busier days.
All ages are welcome, most activities will be designed for children 3 and older. No yoga or meditation experience is needed. Meals and materials will be provided. Bring your open heart and walking shoes.
Program Sample Schedule
Friday, August 15
3:00-5:00 pm | Registration, Welcome!
5:30-6:00 pm | Orientation to the land
6:00-7:00 pm | Dinner
7:00-9:00 pm | Opening Circle, Intention Settings, calming breath techniques
Saturday, August 16
7:00-7:45 am | Morning Family Yoga to awaken
8:00-9:00 am | Breakfast
9:00-10:30 am | Storytelling, Nature Walk, and Sensory Mindfulness
10:30-12:00 pm | “Light Within” Expressive Arts Activities
12:00-2:30 pm | Lunch and Rest Time
2:30-5:30 pm | Program Session, reflective circle, collaborative art
6:00-7:00 pm | Dinner
7:00-8:30 pm | Evening Ceremony with “Light the Path” ritual and gentle walk with lights
8:30-9:00 pm | Quiet integrative time
Sunday, August 17
7:00-8:00am | Optional Morning Family Yoga, Dance, and breath 8:00-9:30am: Breakfast, Check out of rooms
9:30-12:00pm | “Carrying the Light” Closing Circle & Blessing
12:00-1:00pm | Lunch, Hugs and Goodbyes
Retreat Faculty
Laura Goodrich
Welcome, my name is Laura Goodrich (she/her) and I am here to guide others, especially children, to connect to their most authentic selves through nature, movement, art, and self-expression. I received my Masters in Education in 2016 and wrote my thesis on creative expression and its positive benefits on metacognitive awareness and social behavior. I […]