plan a FAMILY GETAWAY
away from screens and into nature
intuitively you know it's time
for a different type of family vacation
Even the research supports your nature getaway motivation.
"Expect three main benefits from nature: restoration, contemplation and inspiration. Nature restores us. It gives us physical and emotional health—when it comes to stress relief, breathing fresh air is as close to medicine as you can get. Being in the mountains or near the ocean directly affects our health in a good way. After just 20 minutes in a natural setting, our levels of cortisol, which is a stress indicator, decrease significantly." for the full article click here to read "The outdoors prescription: how nature ignites creativity" by Kate Inglis
"Let children play, it's good for them!" - smithsonian.com
"Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature" - child mind institute
"Why our children need to get outside and engage with nature" - the guardian
"5 Really Good Reasons Why Kids Need Time In Nature" - mindbodygreen.com
slowing down
Modern day family lives can be extremely hectic, full of schedules and screens with limited time to literally just sit to the point of quality boredom. Looking up to watch clouds or stargaze almost feels like an out of reach luxury.
Technology is rapidly altering how individuals are interacting with the world and children have limited time to experience what can be considered an old-school childhood of wandering and exploring either physically in the natural world or in their imagination.
It's even news headlines in 2026 that parents who are allowing their children to explore in their own neighborhoods are being challenged by others including their local legal system. If you are seeking a place that is safe and has the space for the exploring with your children, then Camp Wonder Wander is for you.
If you have children on the spectrum or with sound sensitivities who may never get a chance to attend a large, chaotic summer camp sleepover experience, just ask about adding in a workshop that will provide them with a more intentional 'camp' opportunity, even if you are only able to visit for a weekend. Your host with previous experience as a Girl Scout leader (5 years) and a babysitter/nanny for even longer would be delighted in collaborating with you to develop a customized program for your stay.
This is NOT a resort or rental with an online booking calendar so you can't just click to book or use 24/7 AI agents. Here, your host is most interested in the human to human connections and interactions as well as supporting the human being experience with the natural world. You'll find more information below or click on the START HERE tab if you are ready to make definite plans.
from the start... testimonials
"This is the best birthday ever!"- 4 yrs, Collins 11/21/20
"I want to stay here for 1000 days" - 6 yrs, Carter 11/21/20
"After a tough nine months as a nurse during COVID, I finally decided to take a week off of work. Our older son has been having a hard time with Kindergarten but has started showing improvement academically over the last month, so I decided that we should visit a farm because of his love of animals and nature. Val had posted in a mutual group about availability and I contacted her immediately. This was one of the best choices I’ve made in a long while! She was such a gracious host to us and very cognizant of the importance of distancing and masking during this pandemic. I felt that I and my family were very safe the whole time. We loved meeting and interacting with all of the animals, the coziness of the Lemon Lodge, the clearest stargazing I’ve seen in years, and our absolutely glorious forest therapy which included vivid moss, deep listening to the sounds of the breeze, a glistening funnel spider web, the discovery of carnelian and other amazing rocks at the river, and a closing tea ceremony with the most wonderful homemade mint tea! We plan to go back on a regular basis moving forward, as both boys were very sad to leave after only one night! Take advantage of this amazing place if you can — it’s absolutely worth it!!"
- Allison Stillwell Young, Nashville 12/6/2020
BENEFITS
HUG DONKEYS!
Animals can teach us many things and also provide a really special interaction for kids. Donkeys are especially joyful and mischievous. Recent youth guests fed them 'hay pizzas' through the fence, but age appropriate introductions and supervision are part of the package program. Donkey names include Cupcake and Cookie, Daisy and Dandelion, and Sugar with Cocoa Puffs.
Screen free zone
Some parents tell their kids that there is no wifi, but we can hide the password if needed. There are a few board games and coloring books on hand, but most families will bring their own favorites. Different areas to spread out for games separate from eating spaces. There is a small TV with a DVD player that may shock a young person to think it's ancient tech.
Guided Forest Walk
Families may opt to book the guided Forest Therapy walk which is geared to a sensory immersion rather than science. Maybe you've seen the recent studies/lawsuits about the addictive qualities of the screens and social media. In a recent book about this, the author states that it can take weeks to wean from that dopamine rush. For younger kids, this guided wandering is more natural, but it may be beneficial for older ones if they can learn how to embrace 'airplane mode'.
Unscheduled free time
You may even need extra days to unwind from the habits of super scheduled lives. Give yourself the opportunity to rest and reboot while the kids can embrace the wonder and wander energy of their childhoods.
A variety of creative activities can be arranged for various ages. Teens may want to try cyanotypes or collage with instruction, while younger kids may just want time to doodle.
star-gazing in one of the LAST LIGHT POLLUTION FREE ZONES in the state of Tennessee
disconnect to reconnect
Customize a family getaway with a minimum of 2 nights lodging and add-on activities.
PRIMARY LODGING: there's something sensational about the "Lemon Lodge" beyond just a furnished house in the rural foothills of mid-south Tennessee.
Approximately 2000 sq feet with a main living room that has multiple comfortable chairs and two couches with moveable bench/footstools. This completely furnished vacation rental style space has two private bedrooms (king and full beds) one with an ensuite. The large multi-purpose "pine room" has two twin beds, a trundle, and a large table with bench seating for games. The loft has 7 twin beds which is super popular with the kids for their own private camp experience. The three-season enclosed room also has a daybed for a camping inside opportunity. The kitchen features all of the standard items including pots/pans, dishes/utensils, and a gas stove/oven. There are outside spaces to sit and observe the donkeys at close range. SEE PICTURES ON HOME PAGE.
If you have a larger group and require additional private rooms, please mention this on the inquiry form as the Raspberry Residency House offers another living room and kitchen with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.
EACH BASE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Exclusive access to the Lemon Lodge (pictures on the home page) featuring your private quarters with a king size bed and ensuite bathroom. A home away from home with living room, kitchen, and dining area as well as a front and back porch. The back porch overlooks the donkey zones. (please note that there may be participants in the artist/writer residency program residing elsewhere on the homestead acreage or other guests reserving primitive campsites closer to the river.)
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An introduction to the donkeys and a tour of the garden including a discussion of what may be wild in bloom that could be edible flowers or 'weeds'.
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Enjoy free time to wander the property, take a dip in a small swimming hole area of our Buffalo River access, spend time with the donkeys, find a quiet space to read, take a nap in a hammock, or even bring your own craft project. There are puzzles, cards, a few board games, and a dvd player if you want to rent an old favorite flick to bring along.
Most families have their own routine for meals, so this would not be included unless you want to do something special that we can coordinate.
Add-on activities that can be adjusted for age level include:
You probably want a guided Forest Therapy walk adjusted for age and mobility. Please inquire about adding on snacks or a picnic.
Arts options include:
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Collage instruction
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Nature cyanotypes - original photographic process using sunlight
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Photography basics with an instant camera (or bring your own film/digital)
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Painting rocks - basic supplies available
NEED MORE THAN 2 (TWO) NIGHTS?
Sometimes you just need a bit more time to sink into having no routine and to digital detox. Just ask while coordinating your schedule and the additional night rate will be considered on how many people and nights.
Is this a special event?
Start the conversation to discuss the potential of customizing your time.
Are you planning on a multi-generational reunion and need additional space to spread out?
Would you like to set up one or more of the various tents - including a glamping style bell tent (circular like a yurt with a point) - for a special birthday party or a 'camp headquarters' for your special needs child to earn their own camp badge as an alternative to the chaos of group summer camps?
Need a spot to park your camper and have use of the Lemon Lodge for our retreat family getaway?
Yes, there's a spot with electric hookup.
Coordinate your family getaway
minimum 2 night stay starting at $500 for four
please inquire about any add-ons including the guided Forest Walk, meals or snacks, or additional people charge
families of all persuasions including LGBTQ+ are welcome.
start now
TENTS
FOR RENT
various sizes
available
For kids
birthday parties
or a hang-out spot
