We will share art and meditation practices to explore biophilia (joyful immersion in nature) and solastalgia (sadness about environmental damage) as we wander in Yosemite National Park’s beautiful forests. We’ll paint, sketch, write, meditate, walk, study forest ecology, camp, and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our camp cook in a secluded Yosemite Valley campground.

Our work will bear witness to forest beauty, document experiences, record wonder, grapple with the unique grief of our era, and deepen our connection to earthly beauty and to each other. Basic painting and color mixing experience is helpful, but all levels are invited. We hope you’ll us!

Learn more about the ForestSong process here.

This project, and our class, employs empowering step-by-step processes using watercolor and ink to delve into biophilia—that rich human pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.

The work also uses dark ink and wildfire charcoal to effectively address our solastalgia—that very particular emotional pain produced by environmental degradation in places we experience as home and/or as beloved.

Both joy and sadness will be invited into our creative work through quiet reflection and careful observation. To address how climate change impacts our forests, including their appearance, contemporary Sierra Nevada forest ecology will also be shared. It is a human paradox that addressing climate anxiety and habitat loss can enliven resilience, rekindle joy, and inspire effective action.

Our work will bear witness to forest beauty, document experiences, record wonder, grapple with the unique grief of our era, and deepen our connection to earthly beauty and to each other. Basic painting and color mixing experience is helpful, but all levels are invited. We hope you’ll join us!

• Pre-trip support and multiple rounds of communication with our experienced team and trip leaders, so you feel fully prepared coming to Yosemite

• Access to Yosemite for the duration of the trip (no need to reserve a Park entry pass when the reservation system is in effect, one is included in your registration!)

• All meals included during the trip, which are Ayurvedic-inspired and curated to honor your dietary needs

• Professional instruction and guidance through the creative and expressive artistic process with Andie

• Art supplies* (see detailed list of what is & isn’t included under What to Bring)

• Deep reflection through reflective journaling sessions, optional yoga, and guided mindfulness practices

• An unforgettable experience in the heart of Yosemite Valley

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Balanced Rock provides expert guidance, campground fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for camping trips (shared tents, camp chairs, camp kitchen setup).

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the campground, any park entrance fees, and personal items (see What to Bring for more details).

Reach out to our team for assistance in planning to attend this program: we are here to offer suggestions, support and logistical recommendations.

Thursday, Oct 10th

5:00pm-5:30pm: Welcome Circle & Orientation to Campsite

5:30pm-6:30pm: Meditation, Reflection, and Writing Practice

6:30pm-8:30pm: Camp Dinner

Friday, Oct 11th

7:00am-7:45am: (Optional) Morning Practice in Nature

8:00am-9:00am: Camp Breakfast

9:00am-12:00pm: Painting Forest Prayer Flags

12:00pm-1:30pm: Camp Lunch

1:30pm: Guided Afternoon Walk and Art Practice in Yosemite Valley

5:30pm-7:00pm: Camp Dinner

7:00pm: Evening Program - Painting into the Darkness

Saturday, Oct 12th

7:00am-7:45am: (Optional) Morning Practice in Nature

8:00am-9:00am: Camp Breakfast

9:00am-12:00pm: Painting Forest Prayer Flags

12:00pm-1:30pm: Camp Lunch

1:30pm: Guided Afternoon Walk and Art Practice in Yosemite Valley

5:30pm-7:00pm: Camp Dinner

7:00pm: Evening Program - Painting into the Darkness

Sunday, Oct 13th

7:00am-7:45am: (Optional) Morning Practice in Nature

8:00am-9:00am: Breakfast

9:00am-12:00pm: Completion & Forest Installation of our Prayer Flags

12:00pm-1:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm: Blessings & Closing

2:00pm: Adjourn & Say Goodbyes

This retreat will take place in the heart of Yosemite Valley at a designated campground.

This will be a rustic camping experience (tent camping, pit toilets, potable water onsite).

Yes! We offer scholarships, flexible payment plans, and work trade options. Please email us for more information.

You will receive a detailed gear packing list for this Rustic Camping Experience upon registration.

Please read through the art supply list below and reach out to us with any questions!

Art Supplies (provided by Andie & included in the retreat price):

Paper, brushes, watercolors, ink, paint & water containers, paper towels, pens, colored pencils, drawing/painting board with clips

Do feel welcome to bring any additional art supplies you wish!

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You will be responsible for bringing the following supplies in addition to your camping gear (not included in your retreat price):

• Fine black felt tip pen (such as Pigma micron)

• Pencil

• Small notebook, sketchbook, or journal for notes and ideas

• Sit-upon, folding stool, or whatever you need to paint outdoors comfortably (Andie likes to bring a lightweight tarp to spread out on the ground and sit on an ensolite pad)

• Headlamp (great to have one with a red light option for night painting)

You can always check Andie’s website for detailed art supply recommendations!

All participants will be required to read and sign the Health & Safety Policy for Programs at registration.

We understand plans change. As a small nonprofit, we can offer a partial refund of the program price minus a $50 administrative fee up to 30 days before the program start. Any cancellations after this deadline will not be eligible for a refund. All participants will be required to read and accept our Cancellation and Refund Policy upon registration.