2023 Retreat Opportunities

I invite you to join me as we embark on our own personal journey's of self discovery, healing and growing. Hike the trails of Hammond Hill, meditate, journal and practice outdoor living skills, in this woodland forest at Camp Earth Connection. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH. 
 See below for more information about the Retreat, Registration and Lodging.

Eshay's Fall Forest Retreat: An Introspective Weekend of Healing, Growing and Outdoor Living Skills

I invite you to join me as we embark on our own personal journey’s of self discovery, healing and growing. Hike the trails of Hammond Hill, meditate, journal and practice outdoor living skills, in this woodland forest at Camp Earth Connection. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH. See below for more information about the Retreat, Registration and Lodging.

IS THIS RETREAT FOR YOU

If you are looking to:

  • Spend some time in nature to do some hiking, writing and self reflection ?
  • To connect with other people around meals, campfires and ping pong?
  • To practice some outdoor skills in the forest, while having some relaxing fun?

Then this retreat is for you!

This retreat is for all people who are respectful, value differences and welcomes diversity. Camp Earth Connection especially invites and provides a safe space, for people from groups who have felt uncomfortable or unsafe at times while camping or being in a remote environment. We welcome people who identify as LGBTQ plus and people from the BIPOC community. People in recovery from addictions are invited to attend. Please note this is an adult event, and all registrants must be 18 or older. 

The retreat and facilities are alcohol and drug free.  Please read more about this policy below.

Who is Eshay (and Druid)?

To learn more about Dru and I, please feel free to visit my bio page. In addition please feel free to visit my Blog where I have been writing since 2015 both about my adventures with my canine companions and my thoughts and dreams.

Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

Like all Camp Earth Connection Programs, Eshay’s Retreat is drug and alcohol free. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.  If you use a substance medicinally, it is expected that it is prescribed by a healer or doctor.  If you use cannabis medicinally, we ask that you use it sparingly and off the premises, away from those who may be in recovery from addiction.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited and we ask that you do not drink on or off site during this retreat.  If you would like to read more about the Eshay’s decision to make this an alcohol and drug free space you can read Eshay’s Blogpost: A Sober Story

What this Retreat Provides:

  • A safe space to be you, to learn and to grow
  • Guided hike
  • Your own Personal Journal  
  • Community Building Tasks (including shared meal preparation, and clean-up.)
  • Opportunties to meditate.
  • Healthy Vegetarian meals with Vegan options: 2-Light breakfasts, 2-Brunches, 3-Afternoon snacks and 2-Dinners.
  • One meal specially prepared by local Vegan Chef, Susie Gutierrez (Susie’s Seitan), owner of Vegan Epicure
  • Hot showers!

PERSONAL RETREATS

Schedule your personal retreat now by booking a cabin/campsite of your choice.  Personal guided retreats are also available.  Please contact Eshay at campearthconnection@gmail.com for more information.

Registration

DATE EXTENDED FOR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION fee (if paid in full before August 31st) is $100 Registration fee after August 31st: $125. Payment is required to reserve your space at the retreat. Payments are only refundable until August 1st.  Cancellations after that do not receive a refund. Full payment is due by September 1st unless other arrangements have been made with Eshay. If you cancel your registration less then two weeks from the retreat you may get a partial refund depending on the circumstances at CEC’s discretion. Registration is limited to 20 participants. We will start a wait list after that in the case that anyone cancels.

What Happens After I Register for Eshay's Fall Retreat?

After you register for Eshay’s Fall Retreat, you will get a confirmation email and be asked to secure your lodgings if you have not already done so. By the end of August, you will get an information letter which will include a list of what to bring, what to expect and what you can do for self care to help us make this a great retreat for you.

In the packet you will also be asked to complete some forms including a Liability Release form, a Rental Agreement (for your lodging) and a full registration form that will ask for more information such as Emergency Contact Names and Food allergies, etc.

 Still have questions?  Please email campearthconnection@gmail.com and your question will be answered as soon as possible.

Thank you!

LODGING Options and Cost (for Eshay's Fall Retreat)

Lodging includes Friday and Saturday evenings.  Check in at noon on Friday, and check out at 1pm on Sunday. Price range from $75 – $150 for the weekend. For those who are able to please bring your own bedding or a sleeping bag, pillow and towels. If you are traveling internationally or by flight, we will provide your bedding and a towel. Please note: We will note be able to accommodate guests’ pets at this retreat.

Options include: 

One room Log Cabins w/electric (2 Available) – shared (2 people in each) – $100/person

One room Pod Cabins (3 Available) – 1 person in each (or a couple) – $150/person (or $160 for a couple)

Rustic Screened Cabins (6 Available) – shared (2 people in each) – $80/person

Cabin Tents with 1 or 2 cots(2 Available) – 1 person in each (or a couple) – $80/person (or $90 for a couple – 2 cots)

Bring your own tent (campsites available or camping in main field.). $75/person (or $80 for a couple)

Available by special needs and first come first serve.  Please note, that we will assign you a cabin-mate unless you request to stay with another registrant.  Reservations will only be allowed after you have registered for the Retreat.  The campground is closed to the general public and is just open for Retreat attendees.

When your payment is received, your cabin or campsite will be reserved. 

PAST EVENTS

Below are some of our past retreats and events at Camp Earth Connection.

2022 CEC Vision Retreat (for staff, family, vision team members)

September 9-11,2022

2021 Healing Hearts Women's Fall Retrat

Friday, Sept 10 - Sunday, Sept 12

Join us for a weekend in the forest with some women like yourselves who want to connect with nature and each other. Please send us an email and we will send you updates as the program develops. We are excited to connect once more for a peaceful and joyful weekend. Looking forward to seeing you! Reserve your cabin or campsite soon via this website. Cost: 50 dollars for registration, 50 dollars for meals. Plus Lodging. With peace and gratitude, Eshay (Susan) and Sherron

2020 WOMEN'S FALL RETREAT & CAMPING WEEKEND

The 2020 Women’s Fall Retreat and Camping Weekend will be held on September 11-13th this year. Look for more information in the early Spring. In the mean-time, mark your calendars and stay warm and healthy.

Healing Hearts Fall Retreat is being postponed until 2022

Hi Everyone. 

I hope to see you next year – when hopefully we are all healthier as a community and world.  There will be camping availability this weekend, for those who would like to take some time to be in nature and the forest!  Take good care.

With Peace and Gratitude,

Eshay (Susan)

2019 Healing Hearts Women's Fall Day Retreat and Camping Weekend

PROGRAM INFORMATION:  The Women’s Fall Day Retreat will be happening on Saturday, September 14th from 8:30am – 8:30pm at Camp Earth Connection.

The day will consist of a variety workshops and activities offering opportunities to connect on a deeper level with yourself, each other and the forest. A bit of “Forest Healing” for women in search of self direction, grounding, and healing. Workshops may include: Writing, Forest Healing, Connection to the Earth through Movement, Nature Meditation, Fire-making, Yoga, and an Introduction to Archery (Learn about Kyudo, the ancient Japanese martial art of the Samurai.) We will prepare and share lunch and dinner together and celebrate with shared music, poetry, writings, etc after dinner around the fire.

WOMEN’S CAMPING WEEKEND, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 at 1pm – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 at 1pm.   If you are looking for a deeper connection, join me at Camp Earth Connection in a cabin, rustic cabin, tent or glamp in the Mountain Queen Cabin or PJ’s Tiny House on top of the Hill. Depending on interest there will be additional workshops available and shared meals on Friday and Sunday. All those camping should visit the campground pages on this website and make a reservation as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

Healing Hearts Women's Fall Day Retreat Registration

RETREAT REGISTRATION:
For Tompkins County residents there is a sliding scale fee. In order to make Healing Hearts Retreats sustainable please note that the break even cost per person for the day is approximately $50. If you can contribute more that helps with women who need to pay less. Thank you for your support and understanding. Sliding Scale Fee: $25 – $100  Please note, registration does not include lodging.  For those interested in camping for the weekend please visit our campground page.

For Non-Tompkins County Residents the sliding scale fee is: $50 – $100

To Pre-Register for this event, please email: campearthconnection@gmail.com with your name and contact information.  You can either mail your payment to:

Camp Earth Connection 63 Hammond Hill Rd, Freeville, NY 13068

or make a payment via PayPal to campearthconnection@gmail.com

For more information contact campearthconnection@gmail.com

Healing Hearts Women's Dish to Pass

October 28, 4-6pm at Camp Earth Connection

Please join us for a gathering of women who are committed to healing as a community and healing the Earth. Learn more about Healing Hearts Retreats and other Camp Earth Connection Programs. Free and open to women of all ages.

Volunteer Opportunities

Now accepting Volunteer Applications for the 2017 Retreats

Healing Hearts is seeking a few volunteers – areas of interest include: Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking, Marketing and General Outdoor Yard Tasks. Please complete the volunteer application below and submit. Volunteers receive a partial discount on registration. Discount varies with volunteer positions.

 Women’s Dish to Pass Gathering, Saturday, January 19th, 4-7 at the Mountain Queen Cabin

Please feel free to join me at the Mountain Queen Cabin and share some food and connection time!  It’s always great to find out what friends have been up to and meet new friends.  Share your accomplishments, your challenges and your inspiration.  Find out what’s happening at Camp Earth Connection and abroad this season.

Please RSVP at campearthconnection@gmail.com if you are able to.  I hope to see you all soon.

With Peace and Gratitude,

Eshay (Susan)

Healing Hearts Fall Retreat, September 8-10

Registration is Open

The Healing Hearts Women’s Retreat provides a safe space for women to support one another in our individual and collective journeys in healing and growth. Through the exploration of the arts, healing arts, and connection to the earth through workshops, performances, and unstructured activities we will give and receive from our knowing, expertise, and experience so that each may heal more deeply and stretch into living her truth more fully. Our aim is to deepen our sense of community among women, increase our personal peace and well-being, and empower ourselves to be more effective in whatever service we offer the world. We welcome a richly diverse population of women who vary in color, size, age, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, and persuasions of all kinds.

Healing Hearts Fall Retreat: Schedule, Presenters, Workshops

Below are links to all the information you need to know about the 2017 Healing Hearts Fall Retreat

Friday, September 8 at 1pm – Sunday, September 10 at 1pm

Request for Workshop Proposals

Workshop Presenter & Performer Proposals for the 2017 Healing Hearts Women's Fall Weekend Retreat are now being accepted.

The Healing Hearts Women’s Fall Weekend Retreat will be held on September 8-10, 2017 at Camp Earth Connection. Workshop proposals are now being accepted for the Fall Retreat. If you are a returning Healing Hearts Presenters or a past participant, and you are interested in returning as a presenter, please contact Healing Hearts and prepare a proposal by May 15th. If you are new to Healing Hearts please contact one of the directors (Susan or Sherron) to set up an interview to discuss your interest. Selected presenters will receive 150 dollars off their registration fee.

Healing Hearts Dish to Pass

Thursday, February 9 at the Mountain Queen Cabin

Join us at the Mountain Queen Cabin at Camp Earth Connection to learn more about Healing Heart Retreats or to re-connect with the Healing Hearts community of women. All women are welcome. Teens are welcome to attend with a guardian. Bring a friend.

Healing Hearts Winter Weekend Retrea

January 7 - 8, 2017

Join your Co-Leaders Sherron & Susan for the 3rd annual Winter Weekend Retreat. Enjoy yoga, writing, hot-tubbing, and nature exploration. Make connections & candles and begin exploring what you need to move forward in your journey, in this challenging new year ahead. Stay at the peaceful Mountain Queen Cabin at the top of the hill at Camp Earth Connection. Limited to 14 women.

Healing Hearts Women's Fall Day Retreat

Saturday, October 8 9am-5pm

Join us for a beautiful Fall Day Retreat at Camp Earth Connection. The day will include a walk in the woods, meditation, writing, campfire cooking and some zen archery. A great way to relax and spend a day in nature. Bring your bathing suit to enjoy some time in the hot tub.

Camp Earth Connection Carpentry Retreat for Women, September 16-18

Hammerstone Carpentry School for Women at Camp Earth Connection

This weekend retreat will offer a balance of opportunities to recharge and relax while creating community through learning skills and working together. You will foster new and old friendships while building a beautiful and functional picnic table together that will be donated to a local organization in need. The retreat commences with an afternoon hike (optional) and will include delicious vegetarian meals and a campfire at least one evening. Days will start with yoga and/or meditation and movement practices. By using some of our evening time together to cover carpentry lecture topics, our days will be free to learn hands on skills at a relaxed pace and still accomplish our shared goal of building a beautiful table.

Healing Hearts Women's Fall Retreat

New Dates: September 9-11, 2016

Join us for the 6th Annual Helaing Hearts Fall Retreat. We have some exciting new workshops as well as some of our old favorites. Workshops & Activities include: Zen Archery, Salsa Dancing, Hip Hop Dancing, Writing in Nature, Yoga, Reiki, Divination, Wildlife on Hammond Hill, and more. Check out our Schedule of Events & Meet the Presenters!

Guided Solo Reading/Writing/Walking Day Retreat

Saturday, May 7 9am-5pm

A day for you! Join Susan & Sherron who will be co-facilitating a day of relaxation, meditation and connection at Camp Earth Connection through Yoga, Reading, Writing and/or Walking activity. Women will design their day to meet their personal goals. Spend time walking on trails in the woods, sitting by a pond, writing or hanging out by the campfire. A group orientation will be held in the morning. There will be three optional workshops/activities: Yoga, “Walking with Awareness” to help you heighten your senses as you experience the forest; And “Prepare to Write” designed to help you with focus and creativity. We will join together for a shared vegan/vegetarian lunch & hot beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day. Cost: 50-100 dollars sliding scale.

Healing Hearts Dish to Pass at the Mountain Queen Cabin

Saturday, March 26th at 5pm

This is a free event open to all women who are interested in re-connecting from past Healing Hearts Retreats and would like to learn more about HH Retreats. Meet past presenters, participants and enjoy some good food and friendship! Hope to see you there. Please RSVP at campearthconnection@gmail.com

Healing Hearts Winter Weekend Retreat

January 1 - 3, 2016

Join us for the 2nd Annual Winter Weekend Retreat at the Mountain Queen Cabin at Camp Earth Connection. This is a wonderful weekend to explore the outdoor winter wildlife at Hammond Hill, and to seek peace and solace in winter hibernation and activity in nature. If weather permits we will have Introductory X-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing available as well as an Outdoor Hot-Tub. Workshops Topics may include: Introduction to Vegan Cooking; Gentle Yoga for Women of all Abilities and Shapes with Sareanda Lourdes; Paz Con Dinero (Peace with Money) w/ Becki Hawley; Winter Outdoor Bowling, Exploration Winter Wildlife Walks, “Facing Life and Death” with Kellie Lamoreau; and “I Envision – Vision Board Making” with Sherron Brown. Vegetarian/Vegan Meals and Cabin Lodging included. This is an alcohol and drug free event. Registration Fee (Sliding Scale): 150-300 dollars.

Healing Hearts Dish to Pass at the Mountain Queen Cabin

Saturday, December 19th at 5pm

This is a free event open to all women who are interested in re-connecting from past Healing Hearts Retreats and would like to learn more about HH Retreats. Meet past presenters, participants and enjoy some good food and friendship! Hope to see you there. Please RSVP at campearthconnection@gmail.com

Winter Solstice Fire on the Hill Celebration

December 22, 5:30-6:30pm

Bring your mug for hot chocolate, coffee, tea or cider and join us around the campfire as we celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Mountain Queen Cabin at Camp Earth Connection. Feel free to bring your worries and wishes on paper and turn them into ashes as you send them off to the universe.

"Serenity on the Hill" - Healing Hearts Women's Fall Day Retreat

Saturday, November 7 2015 at the Mountain Queen Cabin (Director's Cabin), 9am-5pm

Join us for a day of relaxation, meditation, and connection. Healthy Snacks and Vegetarian/Vegan lunch will be served. Enjoy a variety of activities including: A Zen Approach & Introduction to Archery; A Guided Walk in the Woods, Meditative Writing, Conversation, Tenzee and Making Connections. Treat yourself to some healing energy on Hammond Hill. Cost: 30-60 dollars sliding scale

Healing Hearts Upcoming Retreats and Gatherings

Healing Hearts: Women's Backpacking Basics & Day Hike Retreat - Friday Sessions begin September 18 from 1-4pm, Saturday Day Hike Retreat is October 10, 9am-4pm

Attend one or all of these workshops. Backpacking Basics is a series of hands-on workshops for women interested in learning more about camping in the woods and experiencing more connection with nature. This is an Introductory program and will include hikes of 30-60 minutes on Fridays and a 2-3 hour hike on Saturday (for the retreat/trip.) Friday Sessions are September 18, 25, and October 9th from 1-4pm. The Day Hike Retreat is Saturday, October 10 from 9am -4pm. Friday programs suggested donation is 15-30 dollars and the Day Hike Retreat suggested donation is 25-50 dollars. No one will be turned down for inability to make a donation.

Healing Hearts Fall Retreat, September 11-13,2015

Dinner at Healing HeartsFriday, Sept. 11 beginning at 1pm to Sunday, Sept. 13 ending at 1pm
The Healing Hearts Women’s Retreat is designed to provide women ages 18 and over, a safe space for to support one another in our individual and collective journeys in healing and growth. Through the exploration of the arts, healing arts, and connection to the earth through workshops, performances, and unstructured
activities we will give and receive from our knowing, expertise, and experience so that each may heal more deeply and stretch into living her truth more fully. Our aim is to deepen our sense of community among women, increase our personal peace and well-being, and empower ourselves to be more
effective in whatever service we offer the world. We welcome a richly diverse population of women who vary in color, size, age, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, and persuasions of all kinds.
See below for information on volunteering, presenting or performing.

2015 Healing Hearts Women's Fall Retreat

Registration and General Information- Visit this page

Meet the Presenters – Visit this page

Workshop Descriptions – Visit this page

Schedule of Events- Visit this page

 

Trese Stevenson Joins Healing Hearts Fall Retreat

Trese Stevenson, who sings with Stone Cold Miracle and has the sound of original soul music founded in deep grooves, funky beats, and gospel-inspired vocals will be joining the Healing Hearts Women’s Fall Retreat on Saturday, September 12 to perform and share her story of hope and healing with Healing Hearts participants. To learn more about Trece’s music visit http://stonecoldmiracle.com/

Healing Hearts Dish to Pass & Spring Work Day, Saturday May 2, 2015

Saturday, May 2nd: Spring Work Day begins at Noon at Camp Earth Connection. We will be raising the “Helianthus Room” or greenhouse and planting it, in addition to other Spring Camp tasks.
At 5pm there will be a Healing Hearts Dish-To-Pass for all women who are interested in re-connecting from past Healing Hearts Retreats and to learn more about the upcoming Healing Hearts Fall Retreat. Hope to see you there. Please RSVP at campearthconnection@gmail.com

Healing Hearts DIsh to Pass

Saturday, March 28, 1pm at the Mountain Queen Cabin

Women of all ages (teenagers included) are invited to a dish to pass gathering at the Director’s Cabin. This is a great chance to re-connect with friends from the retreats or learn more about the Fall Healing Hearts Retreat. We will be talking about Volunteer and Presenter opportunities. Please feel free to bring a friend. RSVP if possible at campearthconnection@gmail.com You are invited to bring some food to share, but it is not required.

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Healing Hearts Winter Day Retreat

February 28, 2015 9am – 5pm
Join us at the Mountain Queen Cabin at Camp Earth Connection for a day of community women. This day is designed to help you find peace and direction in your life through activities which connect you with nature, each other and your self. Activities include: A guided snowshoe walk to the nature preserve; An introduction to sit spot meditation; “Sharing from your Heart” – Inspirational Stories from women of our community; and a delicious and healthy vegan and vegetarian lunch and snacks.

Healing Hearts: Outdoor Adventure Winter Retreat for Women

Friday, January 2- Sunday, January 4, 2015
Friday 1pm – Sunday 1pm

A wonderful opportunity to treat yourself to a peaceful weekend women’s retreat at Camp Earth Connection. Join us for Yoga, Massage, Meditation, Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking, An Outdoor Hot Tub, An Introduction to Snow-Shoeing, X-Country Skiing and Winter Bowling. For those experienced at snowshoeing and skiing, you can explore the trails adjacent to the camp. Explore the woods on a guided walk and discover the wonders of the winter including animal signs and tracks. Learn to cook healthy vegetarian and vegan meals as we explore some wonderful recipes from local cookbooks: Moosewood Cookbooks and The Great Life Cookbook and together prepare our meals. Choose to reserve a bed in the cabin on the hill, or the one room cabin at the camp. Reserve your spot now. Limited space.
Cost: 325 with lodging; 250 w/out lodging.
Early bird special: Register by December 12th and get 25 dollars off price.

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