We are delighted to offer our first enriching, earth-centered day program as a safe space for girls to listen and connect with our more-than-human world, experience the wild within themselves, and discover the world of the forest witch. This program is a starting point for girls to deepen their connectedness to the web of all things. Our young forest witches will have fun connecting with nature, with the horses, the fairies and devas, and vibrant earth energies—all in a safe space, guided by knowledgeable and professional women. Each girl is encouraged to bring their gifts and interests to this gathering.
As the Wheel of the Year turns, we will welcome the energy of autumn—a time for harvest, magic, and mystery, the perfect time for young girls to learn about the magical properties of our natural world.
The following is a taste of what will be offered:
Our magickal day begins with a land acknowledgment honoring the original Indigenous Peoples, followed by an introduction to the Wheel of the Year focusing on the autumn equinox as we open the chapter to the dark time of year. We will reflect on this season as a time of thankfulness and reflection, exploring the concepts of equity, balance, honesty, and friendship throughout the day with the theme woven into our activities.
We will embark on a journey of herbal wisdom, exploring the secrets hidden within nature’s bounty and discovering the fascinating properties of magickal herbs and their applications.
We will explore the enchanting world of crystals, trusting our intuition and developing a deeper connection with these gifts from the Earth, allowing their energies to enhance our magickal journey.
We will experience the Magick of the forest and tune into the wisdom of the trees and our more-than-human world.
We will connect and enjoy hands-on time with our beautiful Luna to help encourage personal growth and self-discovery. Horses are wonderful at teaching how to set boundaries, make healthy choices, recognize self-worth, build self-esteem, and cope with change. (NO RIDING)
All girls will craft their own personal grimoires or journals to record their thoughts and discovered knowledge from their journey.
All activities include fun, hands-on, nature-based creative art projects to cultivate curiosity and deepen our connection with the natural world.
We will close our journey with reflective time for journaling (sit-spot in nature), coming together in Circle to share our experiences and enjoy a hand-crafted local herbal tea.
And, of course, we have some fun, magickal surprises planned throughout the day!
Details
Registration is required and is non-refundable or transferable.We understand that plans change; however, as a small non-profit organization, cancellations make it challenging for us to manage our enrollments and plan for programs.
Investment: $140.00
This program is tailored for girls in grades 6-8 (ages 11-13) who may be introverts, offbeat girls searching for positive affirmation, or those interested in exploring our more-than-human world.
This program is limited to SIX girls.
NO CELL PHONES will be allowed- NO EXCEPTIONS. ALL Cell Phones must be left in a basket at the beginning of the program and stored in a locked cabinet until the end of the day.
This program will be held outside on the grounds of Morgan Manor Stables. It will involve a combination of sitting on the ground, walking, movement, and being around horses and nature.
Please bring a nut-free snack and lunch and a reusable water bottle. We do not have a refrigerator on site- so lunch and snacks should not require refrigeration. Non-caffeinated herbal teas and water will be provided as well.
Parents/Guardians of participants will be required to sign a liability release waiver and a health questionnaire for their child.
Medication: If your child has an allergy that requires medication (EpiPen, Benadryl, etc.) or Asthma that requires an inhaler, they must bring their medication(s) with them. Paperwork must be submitted by a parent/guardian before the start of the program.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer. Educators will require participants to wash or sanitize after sneezing or coughing, before snacks and lunch, after using the restroom, after touching animals, and throughout the program as necessary. No personal items or food are to be shared.
Your Guides
Nancy DeNicolo, Art Sherpa, Our Mama Crone
Nancy DeNicolo, BFA, MS.ED., LMHC, CYT, is a fun, engaging, approachable, and knowledgeable instructor who has over 40 years of work experience and continuing education in the art of teaching and the creative arts for self-expression and healing.
Kathleen Lowe, Founder & President
A certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, Kathleen started Friends of the Forest as a way to offer meaningful, direct experiences in nature that inspire individuals to develop a connection with wildlife and the environment around us. Her training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in mindful outdoor experiences. Kathleen has her B.A. in Art History from Brown University.