This Sweet Earth: A Day-Retreat for Climate-Conscious Parents & Caregivers

Join us for a day retreat with Lydia Wylie-Kellermann! Lydia is the author of the forthcoming book This Sweet Earth: Walking with Our Children in the Age of Climate Collapse. Co-organized in partnership with the Huss Project in Three Rivers, MI.

The effects of climate change are all around us. We feel it in little ways as we harvest from our gardens a little earlier each year, and in big ways as we watch fires blaze through entire towns and our streets fill with rain. Climate anxiety touches nearly everything we do, but perhaps nothing so tenderly as our parenting. What does it mean to bring children into such an uncertain future? What do we do with the fear, grief, and anger we feel? 

Join us for a retreat to put our bodies on this sacred land allowing the stones and the wind to carry our grief. There will be time for story sharing, wandering the woods, rituals around our grief and anger, silence and rest, and summoning that wild possibility of hope. 

While the future remains unknown, there can still be awe and wonder, love and struggle, gratitude and overwhelming joy. We can choose to fight like hell for climate justice and marvel at the praying mantis amidst the weeds. May we all feel the invitation to live humanly and invite our kids into deeper knowing of what it means to be alive on this planet. 

This retreat is open to all knowing that family is defined in ever-expanding and beautiful ways. If you love children and are worrying about their future in this time of climate change, you are most welcome! 

Details 

• The suggested donation for the retreat is $70, and all are welcome at any level of contribution. Donations are payable by cash or check at the time of the retreat. 

• Lunch, light snacks, and beverages will be provided. Please note any dietary needs when you register.  

• To register, phone 269-244-1130 or send a message to gilchrist@fetzer.org.  

• We will gather in the building called WindHill at GilChrist Retreat Center, 56265 Day Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility. Participants are welcome to come early and/or stay later to enjoy walking the grounds. 

• For overnight accommodations at GilChrist, please inquire here. 

• There’s no need to read Lydia’s book in advance, and the cost of the retreat includes a copy of the book. If you’d like, you can pre-order Lydia’s book here (release date is July 23, 2024). 

Want just a taste? Can't commit to a full day? Lydia will be presenting a book talk (with childcare provided) on August 6 at the Huss Project in Three Rivers from 4:30-6:30pm. Find more information here.

Thanks to the supporters of both events!
Bair Lane Farm
Corey Lake Orchards
Habonim Dror Camp Tavor
Lowry’s Books & More
Three Rivers Public Library
White Yarrow Farm