a creativity retreat center
Storytelling Retreat
September 29 - October 6, 2023
venture to the rural rolling hills
of the Western Highland Rim
in mid-south Tennessee
Camp Wonder Wander encourages 'wonderlost' + wanderlust.
Join a maximum of 12 storytellers in this week-long nature immersion retreat where you can wonder and wander on the camp's 17 acres as you write and practice your craft in preparation for the Jonesboro Storytelling Festival or opt to perform at the Hohenwald Fall Festival sponsored booth for storytelling.
Ideally located in the foothills of Appalachia where the practice of storytelling is a rich and unique part of the culture. You'll be in a special space that is a progressively rare in the region with little light pollution. The camp features a variety of 'farm' animals including donkeys (some mini's) and chickens to interact with or be inspired by.
star-gazing in one of the best spots in the state of Tennessee
DETAILS
This retreat includes:
Access - to the land, interactions with the animals, campfires, sitting areas, porches and hammocks
Meals - all meals are included will be procured to be organic and as healthy as possible with special attention to any dietary needs (no junk food here, please) - daytime meals are continental so you can go with your own flow and evenings will be group meals
Forest Therapy Guided Walk - a special nature immersion experience as an introduction to the land on your first morning at the camp you'll be able to settle in with this sensory interaction with the natural surroundings including our special private access to the Buffalo River.
Creative activity workshops - Take a brain break by participating in creative workshops including creating cyanotypes (traditional photography without a camera) and collage as strategies to allow for the a-ha moment as you process your story and scripts.
Group Practice Time - a storytelling retreat would not be complete without some stories in the round from campfire to a site you may have found for your sharing.
Lodging - choose from a variety of room options single, double, or dorm style loft
Parking - a parking area designated for guests
Not included: transportation (but travel from the BNA airport can be coordinated), personal items, travel insurance. This is a non-refundable, no cancellation event so please procure your own travel insurance that also covers any health issues that may prevent your participation at the last minute.
Co-coordinated by our friends in Dickson, TN.
Forest Therapy
Connect to the land in a deep way in this guided session as an introduction to the camp and your retreat experience. Embrace being in the moment and the benefits of this attention. Forest Therapy is inspired by Japanese "Forest Bathing" otherwise known as "shinrin-yoku" which developed in Japan in the 1980s. In the research with focus groups after seeing an increase in many health issues across society, they found significant benefits when spending time in forests and natural surroundings. They discovered that trees emit phytonocides which benefit humans by increasing NK cells. It makes sense to realize that humans are not intended to live in so much constructed environments with artificial lighting and that being in nature is extremely beneficial. This could be inspirational for you as you look at the details as we meander through the various terrain including some time at the river.
Registration & Lodging Info
This inclusive 7 night retreat includes all access to the camp land, nooks, and crannies to support your reading passion; organic and fresh meals with consideration for any special dietary needs; yummy teas and coffee as well as a soda stream with fresh ingredients if you prefer bubbly beverages; dinner with a local author; and comfortable lodging all creatively designed with housekeeping before and after your stay. Lodging includes local/state sales and hospitality taxes. Transportation, travel insurance, personal items, and materials not included.
Retreat fee: $1249 plus your lodging choice below:
Book your favorite room knowing that most often the group will meet in the Lemon Lodge, but all lodging options are fully furnished houses with all of the typical rooms/features.
LEMON LODGE:
Private Single room / Full bed / shared bath = $ 490
Double room / King & Twin / ensuite = $ 332/person
Triple room / Loft (twin beds, requires walking up stairs) = $ 299/person
RASPBERRY RESIDENCY HOUSE:
Private Single Room / twin bed / shared bath = $ 440
Double room / Full & Twin / ensuite = $ 299/person
CAMPHAUS:(it's a pseudo cat cafe so you must not be allergic to our lovable rescues, but they will adore your reading time.)
Private Single room / Queen bed / shared bath. = $ 535
Double room / Queen & Twin / ensuite = $ 315/person
