ECOCAMPSGather with family and friends and observe the ways of nature. Gain knowledge of the Earth and ecosystems. Feel a deeper connection to the wild world. Discover unexpected kinships. Take time to play, swim, hike and relax.
Time Structure: Arrive 4 p.m. the first day and depart 2 - 4 p.m the third day. (exception: Day Programs arrive 9 a.m. depart at sunset.) One adult must accompany each child under 12. For fees see registration page.
April 25-27 Camp Renewal: Each year we come together to prepare Elemental Earthcamp for the season. If you've never been here, this is an opportunity to see the land and the facilities at no cost. Veteran Earthcampers reconnect with the land and old friends. Activities include trimming trails, gathering firewood, planting the garden, cleaning the camp kitchen, clearing flood debris and repairing flood damage. Bring a pair of work gloves. We appreciate your kindness and willingness to help.
June 6-8 Reunion with Nature: Summer is at its peak and alive with color, light and sound. Get the kids away from electricity and explore the natural world. Let nature fill your senses with wonder of sky, trees, water and fire. Practice nature awareness, observe animals, recognize useful plants, learn about fire, identify stars, build a bender tent. Know the directions and navigate the terrain. Learn how to not get lost and what to do if it happens. Read the sky for changes in weather patterns from our special guest Bill Triola, severe storm chaser and weather spotter for the St. Louis Weather Bureau for 30 years. Bill will teach us about the meaning of clouds, types of storms and the anatomy of a thunderstorm. This is a real opportunity to learn about weather and develop keen observation skills. Read more about Wild Weather, Survival Skills and Observing Kids in the Wild here.
June 20-22 Wild Plant Intensive - Food and Medicine: I have walked this land for thirty years and will share my intimate knowledge of its medicinal wildflowers and edible plants. Prepare tinctures and infuse oils for your personal medicine chest. Become confident in identifying, gathering, drying and using weeds. Learn survival foods and first aid plants. In this comprehensive ecocamp, you will develop a working partnership with plants. Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the blooming plant. Read more about Wild Plant Medicine here.
July 19 Blackberry Pickin' and Creek Swimmin': Spend a long lazy summer day splashin' in the creek and slurpin' blackberries off the vine. Take a nap in the hammock, eat fresh tomatoes out of the garden, wander the trails. Harvest your own berries to take home. Special price: $45 per adult; $25 years 12-15; kids under 12 free.
Aug 22-24 Instinct, Memory and the Nose Explore the power of your sense of smell and how scents awaken memories and connect you to your emotions and instincts. Our ancestors had a highly developed sense of smell and relied on it for their basic survival. Animals depend on their nose to hunt for food, alert to danger and gather information about their surroundings. Reawaken this dormant sense and let your nose be your guide. Trust your insights as you refine your sense of smell to track down vital information about the world around you. Scents ride the wind and help you see yourself as part of everything. Claim your own personal essence, breathe deep and embrace life. Study the basics of aromatherapy and the healing qualities of essential oils.
Oct 31-Nov 2 Halloween: The time of the thinning veil between the worlds, the roaming spirits, the candlelit jack-o-lantern. We will carve pumpkins, wander the woods, hike hidden hollows, visit stone formations. Drum round the fire, revel in costume and honor the souls of the dead. Read more about drum circles here.
CLAY DAYS
Sunday July 20
Sunday August 3
Sunday August 17
from 11 am to 4 pm.
Experience the ancient cure of clay. Spend the day on the Crooked Creek swimming, sunning and receiving the gift of crystal healing clay. With a full body clay mask, feel physical and emotional toxins being removed. Revive your body and spirit! Clay is harvested from the crystal mines in Arkansas and prepared by Dick Schmidt, our good friend and neighbor, (clayplay.com). Bring: lunch, drinking water, towel, swimsuit, folding chair. Fee: $45
Contact Dick Schmidt 636.274.5196 to sign up. These clay days are conducted by Dick. Pat may or may not attend. The Barn facilities will not be available. You can wander the trails and the creek banks.
Bring everything you will need for the day. Enjoy the cures of earth and water.
June 6-8 Reunion with Nature: Summer is at its peak and alive with color, light and sound. Get the kids away from electricity and explore the natural world. Let nature fill your senses with wonder of sky, trees, water and fire. Practice nature awareness, observe animals, recognize useful plants, learn about fire, identify stars, build a bender tent. Know the directions and navigate the terrain. Learn how to not get lost and what to do if it happens. Read the sky for changes in weather patterns from our special guest Bill Triola, severe storm chaser and weather spotter for the St. Louis Weather Bureau for 30 years. Bill will teach us about the meaning of clouds, types of storms and the anatomy of a thunderstorm. This is a real opportunity to learn about weather and develop keen observation skills. Read more about Wild Weather, Survival Skills and Observing Kids in the Wild here.
June 20-22 Wild Plant Intensive - Food and Medicine: I have walked this land for thirty years and will share my intimate knowledge of its medicinal wildflowers and edible plants. Prepare tinctures and infuse oils for your personal medicine chest. Become confident in identifying, gathering, drying and using weeds. Learn survival foods and first aid plants. In this comprehensive ecocamp, you will develop a working partnership with plants. Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the blooming plant. Read more about Wild Plant Medicine here.
July 19 Blackberry Pickin' and Creek Swimmin': Spend a long lazy summer day splashin' in the creek and slurpin' blackberries off the vine. Take a nap in the hammock, eat fresh tomatoes out of the garden, wander the trails. Harvest your own berries to take home. Special price: $45 per adult; $25 years 12-15; kids under 12 free.
Aug 22-24 Instinct, Memory and the Nose Explore the power of your sense of smell and how scents awaken memories and connect you to your emotions and instincts. Our ancestors had a highly developed sense of smell and relied on it for their basic survival. Animals depend on their nose to hunt for food, alert to danger and gather information about their surroundings. Reawaken this dormant sense and let your nose be your guide. Trust your insights as you refine your sense of smell to track down vital information about the world around you. Scents ride the wind and help you see yourself as part of everything. Claim your own personal essence, breathe deep and embrace life. Study the basics of aromatherapy and the healing qualities of essential oils.
Oct 31-Nov 2 Halloween: The time of the thinning veil between the worlds, the roaming spirits, the candlelit jack-o-lantern. We will carve pumpkins, wander the woods, hike hidden hollows, visit stone formations. Drum round the fire, revel in costume and honor the souls of the dead. Read more about drum circles here.
CLAY DAYS
Sunday July 20
Sunday August 3
Sunday August 17
from 11 am to 4 pm.
Experience the ancient cure of clay. Spend the day on the Crooked Creek swimming, sunning and receiving the gift of crystal healing clay. With a full body clay mask, feel physical and emotional toxins being removed. Revive your body and spirit! Clay is harvested from the crystal mines in Arkansas and prepared by Dick Schmidt, our good friend and neighbor, (clayplay.com). Bring: lunch, drinking water, towel, swimsuit, folding chair. Fee: $45
Contact Dick Schmidt 636.274.5196 to sign up. These clay days are conducted by Dick. Pat may or may not attend. The Barn facilities will not be available. You can wander the trails and the creek banks.
Bring everything you will need for the day. Enjoy the cures of earth and water.