Join Mattie Decker, a certified forest therapy guide, for a relaxing two to 2.5 hour stroll through the forest at our stunning Grandfather Mountain. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer.

“Forest bathing” is a walk in nature during which your guide will share mindfulness practices and invitations designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes as well as the world around you. Inspired by shinrin-yoku, (literally ‘forest bath’) the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, forest bathing walks invite guests to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for us, as well as our fraught ecosystems, and our community. Dr. Mattie Decker, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT).

Mattie is also a mindfulness teacher, a Zen practitioner, an Episcopal oblate, and a retired professor of education. She is also certified in wilderness medicine and first aid. Mattie’s says, “The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.” As a guide she assists us in opening the doors of the senses, to deepen our relationship with nature, which is our own true nature.

Program Itinerary (10 a.m. until 1 p.m.)
10:00:  Meet at the Woods Walk Picnic Area
Located about a third of a mile from the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate along the park road. We begin with an Introduction to Forest Bathing, the watershed and history of the ancestral lands of the walk.

10:15: Experience the forest and trails along the loop, with a variety of “invitations” to explore our relationship with the forest and “more than human world” of nature, and we will end with a tea ceremony with tea made from plants of Grandfather Mountain.

Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $40 for general admission and $34 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Registration opens on this page on May 22 at 9 a.m.

Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important.

Equipment

• Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots
• Binoculars

Equipment Specific to this Course

• Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required
• Long pants and preferably long sleeved shirts are strongly encouraged
• Any snacks or items needed for personal care (there is a public restroom at the Woods Walk Picnic Area)
• A sit-pad will be provided

Refunds/Cancellations
Adult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, a full refund will be granted within a 5-day notice of the day of the field course. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.

More about Field Courses
We at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain. Read more about Field Courses.

Join scenic designer Erinn Hartley to pick up some basic set painting know-how, then dive into more detailed painting skills. The morning session will encompass surface prep, paint selection, tools, and standard techniques. The afternoon session will delve into special texture skills such as highlights & shadows, stone or brick painting, and other wall texture creation. Walk away from this multi-part session feeling confident that you can volunteer or join a production team with scenic painting fundamentals in hand.

About the instructor: Erinn is the Executive Artistic Director and Founder of Anam Cara Theatre Company, the Artistic Director of the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, and the Education Director at LEAF Global Arts. Additionally, since moving to Asheville in 2008, Erinn has worked as a freelance designer, director, scenic artist, actor, and educator in companies that include NC Stage, Attic Salt Theatre Company, Asheville Community Theatre, and Brightstar Touring Theatre.

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.

SUMMER ART CAMP 2023

Join us at the Museum for Summer Art Camp! Offered to rising K–12 grade students, all classes are age appropriate. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. Registration includes Museum admission and all materials necessary for each class. Classes are offered weekly June 19–August 7, 2023. Morning (9am–noon) and Afternoon (1–4pm) sessions are offered each week of camp. Students may sign up for both morning and afternoon and stay for both sessions. Register for Camp Now.

Cost:
Morning (9am–noon) or Afternoon (1–4pm) ½ day session either morning or afternoon: $130
All Day (9am–4pm both Morning and Afternoon sessions): $250
Members receive a 10% discount.

Waiting List:
If your desired session is sold out upon checkout, add your student’s name to our waiting list.

Financial Aid:
Email [email protected], or call 828.253.3227 x122 to inquire.
The Museum is committed to making our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means. With support from the Walnut Cove Members Association, we are able to provide a limited amount of financial aid to help students who could not otherwise afford to enroll in our programs.

Judy Pfaff, …wind-deer and the honey-grass…, 2017, woodcut, hand painted dye and ink, archival inkjet, clear plastic film, varied edition of 12, 49¼ × 105 inches. 2017 Collectors’ Circle purchase, 2017.33.01

Class cost: $180

Min students: 5

Max students: 10

Class Dates: July 24-28

Time: 12 pm-3 pm

Rising 10th-12th grade (14-17 years old)

We do not offer refunds or cancellations for any reason other than medical or family emergencies. If your reason for refund is approved, a $25 cancellation fee will apply.

Class Description
Are you a dancer who wants to get into musical theatre? Then join our Intermediate Dance for Musical Theatre Camp (Rising 10th-12th)! Created for students with an intermediate level of dance training, this camp will teach you how to rock a musical theatre dance call. From an introduction to musical theatre history to popular Broadway dance numbers to tips and tricks for picking up movement fast, this class will prepare you for your first musical theatre audition!

Arshile Gorky, Time Is Running Out, 1936, poster paint on paper, 13 ¼ × 9 ⅞ inches. Extended loan from the collection of Theodore C. Horowitz, EL1993.01.18.23

Join us at the Museum for Summer Art Camp! Offered to rising K–12 grade students, all classes are age appropriate. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required. Registration includes Museum admission and all materials necessary for each class. Classes are offered weekly June 19–August 7, 2023. Morning (9am–noon) and Afternoon (1–4pm) sessions are offered each week of camp. Students may sign up for both morning and afternoon and stay for both sessions. Register for Camp Now.

Cost:
Morning (9am–noon) or Afternoon (1–4pm) ½ day session either morning or afternoon: $130
All Day (9am–4pm both Morning and Afternoon sessions): $250
Members receive a 10% discount.

Financial Aid:
Email [email protected], or call 828.253.3227 x122 to inquire.
The Museum is committed to making our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means. With support from the Walnut Cove Members Association, we are able to provide a limited amount of financial aid to help students who could not otherwise afford to enroll in our programs.

To be added to our Family Programs mailing list, click here. For more information, email [email protected] or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Most of us struggle with physical, mental and/or emotional stress. I used to struggle with all three at the same time! In this course, I’ll share tools, tips and techniques that I used to achieve profound health, healing and happiness including yoga, meditation and outdoor mindfulness. Though designed for beginners, students with more intermediate skills are encouraged to join. Yoga mats can be provided if you don’t have one but you are welcome to bring your own. Everyone should bring a pen and a journal. As a bonus, you’ll also receive a free resource after the course to keep you on the path to continued self care.

Miranda Peterson Harton is an RYT500 yoga teacher, hiker, mom, wife and entrepreneur based in Western North Carolina. After quitting corporate life in 2015, she took a sabbatical during which did her first 200 hours of yoga teacher training in India, hiked around the world (including the Himalayas, Andes and Alps) and studied meditation with Buddhist monks in Thailand and Myanmar. She founded Namaste in Nature in 2017 which hosts yoga hikes and retreats that combine yoga, hiking and meditation with incredible mountains, waterfalls and sunsets. She completed her advanced 300 hours of yoga training at Asheville Yoga Center where she also continues to teach.

Program Itinerary
10:00 a.m.: Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Indoor and Outdoor Time
4:00 p.m.: Program Concludes at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery

Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Registration opens on this page on May 29 at 9 a.m.

Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.

General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important.

Equipment

• Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots
• Binoculars

Equipment Specific to this Course

• Yoga mat (borrow one of mine or bring your own)
• Journal
• Pen or pencil
• Comfortable clothes you can move around in 

Refunds/Cancellations
Adult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, a full refund will be granted within a 5-day notice of the day of the field course. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.

More about Field Courses
We at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are excited to share the unique wonders of the mountain with you. Since 2008, GMSF has aimed at creating educational programming that deepens understanding through in-depth study and field research. Our goal is to provide you with a rich experience in a particular field of study, and to also provide a safe and memorable trip to Grandfather Mountain. Read more about Field Courses.

We are excited to share that XP League Asheville will have Open House activities on 7/29 from 10-2pm where you can book a free coaching session. All early registrations will receive a Founding Member discount – for life!
Team games we play include Fortnite, Minecraft (bed-wars), Rocket League, Valorant, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, and League of Legends.
The founders of this NC based franchise created a league where kids ages 7-17 could join a team and enjoy high-level league play against other youth teams across the country, all while enjoying a safe environment, PCA certified coach-led sessions, and receive training on how to play with a positive mindset.
Please scroll to the calendar on this website to book the free coaching session that you want to attend:
https://asheville.xpl.gg/home

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

• Scale

• Market access

• Land access

• Risk management

• Understanding cash flow

• Enterprise innovation

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business’s scale, viability, and long-term direction while making connections that deepen peer-to-peer support.

Limited spots are available for the full program, and those who want to be eligible for our Savings Incentive Program and the professional development funds must commit to participating in all aspects of the program.

Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy.

This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of:

• Scale

• Market access

• Land access

• Risk management

• Understanding cash flow

• Enterprise innovation