















Fernwood Mindfulness in nature camp
Drawing from yoga, mindfulness meditation and art techniques (drawing, painting, print-making and collage etc.), Fernwood’s Summer Camp invites children to restore themselves in Nature. Each day we’ll immerse ourselves in ecological learning (reading the forest and weather patterns or studying bird alarms and animal tracks), build focused attention skills (journaling from our sit spots, creating nature mandalas) and have the chance to practice mindfulness and soothe anxious or overstimulated nervous systems with friends (story-yoga, breath-work, constructive rest) in a beautiful natural retreat setting. This year we have added an art component with Art Educator Lisa Van Plew-Cid where campers can draw from their memories, feelings, imaginations and observations as they explore their creativity.
We invite you to play, create and heal with us at Fernwood’s Mindfulness in Nature Summer Camp!
Four Camp sessions
Tuesdays-Thursdays: June 15-17, July 13-15, August 3-5 and August 10-12
Mornings 9:30-12:30pm (ages 5-8)
Afternoons 1:30-4:30pm (ages 9-12)
Capacity: 15 campers per session
Registration Information
Registration opens April 20th and closes May 31st.
Contact Deirdre at Deirdre@spore-studios.com
Sessions are $225 per session (Members $189)
Once six students are enrolled in a session, parents/guardians are contacted to sign waivers and for payment, which is accepted through Venmo or Zelle.
Programs for Adults
Seasonal Retreats
May 8 (1-4pm), $49/session
Register by 5pm Friday, prior to event.
Location: Fernwood Botanical Gardens 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120
Two retreats are offered each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Following gentle movement and guidance for your sensory walk, we will proceed down to the river where we will end with a seasonal reflective meditation in constructive rest. Also available for private bookings to celebrate and honor family and friends.
See here or below for an introduction to the origins of the shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) practice in Japan.
Signup by emailing deirdre@spore-studios.com
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Parent Resources

Thanks to Mark Magliola (on flute) and Beth Bradfish (sound artist) for this track (playing on this page).