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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Silence Retreat

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Self Guided
Reflective Walks

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A Day with Nature

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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

Wednesday, June 11th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Register

Thursday, July 10th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Register

Future Date:

Tuesday, August 5th

Writing Retreats

This retreat offers 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 Weekend Retreat

June 27th - 29th, 2025

Friday 4 pm - Sunday noon

$150

Full, add your name to the waitlist

Future Date:

November 21-23 with Julie Schumacher, guest Writer. This retreat will be limited to those working on novels.

November 22nd Writer's Workshop with Julie Schmacher

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

July 25th - 27th

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

$150

Full. Add your name to the waitlist

Future dates:

September 26-28, 2025

October 24th-26th,  2025

Silence Retreat

In the depth of silence, we hear the irresistible call of Life. -Unknown

Silence is a gift.  Allow your soul to catch up with your life by giving yourself time in silence.  This gentle silence retreat offers a wide open structure to give you space to explore silence.
Weekend Retreats:
After dinner on Friday night, silence will begin, then continue until we will meet for a wrap-up conversation on Sunday morning.
Optional activities will be offered including: a Saturday community dinner, time on the land with reflective practices, and guided meditations. Art supplies and suggested projects are available in the Gathering Room. Spread out throughout the Nancy Nelson Lake House, or enjoy your private bedroom.
Day Programs:
Please bring lunch and a beverage. We have coffee and tea available. Dress comfortably. Silent times along with brief guided meditations, gentle movement, and facilitated conversations to open and close the day.
Facilitated  by Nicole Rasmussen
“Today walking the labyrinth slowed my head down. I want to take time to be SILENT in such a way that I don’t have to schedule it—it becomes part of my life.” Guest

Upcoming Events

Silence

Weekend Retreat December 12th - 14th, 2025

Friday after 4 pm - Sunday at 12 pm.

$150

Registration opens October 1st.

A Day with Nature

Did you know that experiencing wonder in the natural world creates a deeper connection to the earth and one another? Join Sarah Palm, Program Specialist from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Renee Levesque, Facilities Operations Manager at Charlson Meadows, to learn and experience the science behind the healing power of nature. Spark your sense of wonder while learning to calm your mind, open your heart and relax your body. In the morning we will gather for a discussion on biophilia to understand how a connection with nature is essential for our health and wellbeing, after which we will:
  • Enjoy a guided sensory stroll to restore a connection to the sights, smells, and sounds in our surroundings
  • Learn techniques to connect to your senses and nourish your relationship to the earth
  • Create a take-home memento to document your experience and learn ways to continue to practice the healing power of nature beyond our time together
The afternoon is set aside for an introduction to the art and practice of creating nature mandalas and a deepening of relationship with nature through the senses and curiosity.  Guests will enjoy independent time on the land to discover natural treasures from which you will create your own impermanent mandala to leave behind in nature.  

 

Upcoming Events

July 16th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Full, add name to waitlist

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. The Life Journey was designed for you to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

A map and guided reflection prompts will be provided. Beverages and treats are available in the Chalet.

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 time slot fills, we will add another session. Check back at a later date.

Select your preferred date and time.

Monday, June 16th

10 am - 12 pm

Full due to parking constraints

Monday, June 16th

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Full due to parking constraints

Monday, June 16th

2 pm - 4 pm

Register

Monday, June 16th

5 pm - 7 pm

Full due to parking constraints

Monday, July 14th

10 am - 12 pm

Register

Monday, July 14th

2 pm - 4 pm

Register

Monday, June 16th

5 pm - 7 pm

Register

Futures Date:

August 11th

September 15th

October 6th

November 10th

 

Volunteer Opportunites

Join us in the garden as we grow food for area food shelves.

To Volunteer in the Giving Garden, email Renee@Cmeadows.org