Events & Programs
We are happy to host you for a sustainability tour/visit. School groups, church groups, garden clubs, individuals, etc. are all welcome. Host your staff meeting here and include a pizza lunch or snack of homemade bread & jam. OR just come to hang out, walk the trails and BE. Please call/email to set a time. The labyrinth & trails are self-guided, just call / email to let us know you're coming.
TO SIGN UP: Some classes/activities are limited. PLEASE sign up by contacting us via email, phone (need: your name, phone, email & class/activity), or thru the website (be SURE to indicate class you're signing up for). Schedule subject to change, confirm before coming.
ABOUT FEES: We practice an economy of “reciprocity”, giving in accordance to what you receive (i.e., labor, money, goods needed, etc.), for a balance; it is not “required”. We trust that participants will honor a different way of doing economy. (some classes do have a "supplies" fee which is noted.)
StoryWalk Along Forrest Ridge Trail
Self-Guided & Open most days
The StoryWalk is along the Forrest Ridge Trailfor adventurers to join reading, Sheep Take a Hike by Nancy Shaw. The story stations also have fun movements to do along with the sheep as they adventure through the woods. NEXT UP: Crinkleroot's Guilde to Walking in Wild Places by Jim Arnosky.
Labyrinth & Trails
The Labyrinth in the woods and trails around the grounds are available for walking / meditating. Trails are no longer than one mile. We are also near trails into the Foothills State Forest. Be sure to dress properly, trails may be wet and/or have fallen brush/trees across paths in the Foothills.
* Forrest Ridge Trail (StoryWalk trail)
* Meadow Creek Trail * Twin Creek Trail
* Balsam Pond Trail * Labyrinth
Daycare groups, home-school groups, families, school groups, library groups and all ages are welcome to participate. Want a special activity experience? Let us know and we can set that up as a teacher-guided experience.
Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
WINTER SOLSTICE
Saturday, December 21
6-7pm around the campfire
dress for the weather (last year it was in the 30s and no snow! Ya never know!)
Winter Solstice is a time to slow down and reflect upon the past year. We take this time to release the old, celebrate with gratitude what was, and welcome in the new.
Join us. We'll release the Prayer Flags that have been hanging in the Labyrinth in the Woods by burning them in the campfire. You can release the past year symbolicly by burning something - a journal maybe, or note to yourself, or a "to do" list. It's also a time to think about the coming year and jot down intentions or goals you hope to fulfill. Release those in the campfire too as you reflect on what's coming.
We'll warm up inside after the "ritual", share goodies, and you're invited to draw an "Angel Card" for the year.
This past year Balsam Moon Preserve has "hosted" the Angel of Understanding - "The ability to include a deeper comprehension of life in your interactions rather than simply transferring your knowledge from one experience to another. Act with sincerity and empathy." This message has given much to reflect upon over the past year and we're grateful.
It's all in good fun as we pause to gather in community, sharing the year's shortest day of the year on this Winter's Eve, and listening for what's yet to come.
TRANSFORMATION GAME
DATES TBD THINK NEW YEAR 2025
10am-4pm each day (lunch included)
Facilitated by Barb Mann
Maximum of 4 participants/players (sign up for yourself, or as a group of 2-4)
Examples of personal game focus:
* What steps can I take in my relationship(s) sot that I feel greater satisfaction and happiness?
* I desire to release those personality blocks that keep me from being joyful, creative and harmonious.
* I intend to gain a greater understanding and awareness, and move through my pattern of wanting to "fix" others.
* I intend to know and clear the obstacles that keep me from full and creative service to the planet.
The Transformation Game is a joyful way of understanding and transforming the way you play your life. It's about looking at your life and the kinds of experiences you create, seeing how you react to them, and how you can use these insights for your own growth. Through the Game you can become more aware of your personal strengths and learn important lessons that can deepen your understanding of how you operate on the Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual levels. By providing new perspectives on current life issues, the Game helps you clarify old beliefs and attitudes and transform reaction patterns. It triggers your creativity and lets you realize your full power and potential.
You play with a particular focus or intention (see examples at left) and this guides your entire experience.
This is not a competitive game. It is not therapy or counseling (those of you with those skills, be mindful in playing). The other players can be helpful in bringing different perspectives to light as you decipher information you receive in playing the game per your focus/intention, as you also serve in that capacity for the other players. It IS meant to be FUN! In the midst of that fun, there may be tears and resistance along with the laughter. It's not about judgment, or right/wrong, good/bad. It is an opportunity to reflect and learn about yourself as you live your life/dream.
