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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View new cottage

Fill Your Cup Retreat

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Silence Retreat

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Self Guided
Reflective Walks

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Nature Based Retreat

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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, January 14th, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Full. Add name to waitlist

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Full. Add name to waitlist

Future Dates:

April 8th

July 9th

August 12th

September 10th

October 7th

Writing Retreats

Writers Retreat
In February and June our retreats offer 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 dinner conversation with other writers add to the experience. This always proves to be a wonderful weekend for creativity, productivity, and connection.
In November our Writer's Retreat features a guest writer with a specific expertise. We have had a focus on poetry, publication, memoir and fiction. During this session we offer time with the author for instruction and conversation over meals. This weekend we also offer workshop for more guests to join for a class on Saturday morning.
During both styles of retreats our guests will spread throughout the Nancy Nelson Lake House for their writing and spend time enjoying the inspiration of nature.
Day of Writing
New in 2026 we are offering a day set aside for writers to come enjoy the Nancy Nelson Lake House and time of the land while they work on their own writing projects. This event has been requested for years. This is your chance to come create at Charlson Meadows.

Upcoming Events

Weekend Writers Retreat

February 20th - 22nd, 2026

Friday after 4 pm - Sunday at 12 pm

$150

Registration Full. Add name to waitlist

Future Dates:

June 26th - 28th

November 13th - 15th

Day of Writing - a new offering in 2026

June 10th

November 5th

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

January 23rd - 25th, 2026

Friday after 4 pm- Sunday at 12 pm.

$150

Full. Add your name to the waitlist

Future Dates:

April 17th - 19th

July 17th - 19th

September 25th - 27th

October 23rd - 25th

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

 

Day of Silence, March 5th

Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

$30

Register

Future Date:

May 7th

 

Weekend Retreat, March 13th - 15th

Friday after 4 pm - Sunday at 12 pm.

$150

Full. Add name to the waitlist

Future Dates:

May 15th - 17th

December 11th - 13th

 

Nature Based Retreats

Check back for information for events this Spring.

Upcoming Events

 

Future Dates:

Day Event: May 21st

Weekend Event: August 7th - 9th

Day Event: September 29th

Self Guided Reflective 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, January 19th

10 am - 12 pm

Register

Monday, January 19th

2 pm - 4 pm

Register

Monday, February 9th

10 am - 12 pm

Register

Monday, February 9th

2pm - 4 pm

Register

Monday, March 9th

10 am - 12 pm

Register

Monday, March 9th

2 pm - 4 pm

Register

Futures Date:

April 13th

May 11th

June 1st - With Guest Artists

July 13th

August 9th

September 13th

October 11th

November 8th

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