Mother-Daughter Weekend
May 17-19, 2024
When the Leaves are in the Water…
Calling Mothers & Daughters, grandmothers & granddaughters, aunts & nieces, cousins, or friends to a Girls Getaway in the splendor and rustic appeal of the Appalachian Mountains on picturesque Turtle Island Preserve. Enjoy quality time together as you discover new skills through a variety of natural arts, seasonal studies, and woodland adventures. Moderate hikes, evening campfires and morning sunrises whet the appetite and fuel your creative spirit. Mother-Daughter Weekend is THE perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect, and renew your relationship with one another and with Mother Earth.
Participants camp out in Adirondack huts, tipis, and artistically hand-crafted natural shelters. Informative, creative hands-on sessions are taught each morning and afternoon by the Turtle Island staff and skilled assistants. Hot meals are provided each day in our outdoor camp kitchen – Nacho Mamma’s Café. Our beautiful crystal-clear creeks provide a refreshing chance to cool off and clean up, while evening programs such as guided night-walks or stories & music around the campfire conclude our days.
This special weekend will be directed and led by an amazing team of women:
Kathleen Roberts, Emily Roberts, Billie Roberts and Suzanne Simmons
Emily Roberts
Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains in Wilkes County, NC, I grew up learning from and listening to my elders. The stories they told and the traditions they kept have made me who I am today: someone who values the wisdom and skills of others, has a strong connection to family and the land, and who appreciates both a tight-knit community as well as self-reliance and independence. I can’t wait to meet you all and share in this wonderful weekend workshop in nature.
Kathleen Roberts
I am a lifelong nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. I have a strong interest in learning about and appreciation for the art and everyday traditions fo many different cultures. I grew up playing in the woods and creeks on the outskirts of Greensboro, NC. For the past 35 years, I've lived in Wilkes County, NC, where I've taught Art to public school students K-8. Not only have I enjoyed teaching Art concepts, but I have been excited to pass along some of the cultural traditions and life skills I've learned in my studies as well. My husband Preston, our 3 sons, and I have been involved with and supporters of Turtle Island since its early years.
Billie Roberts
A few words about myself. I grew up and reside in the foothills of Wilkes County. I am a mother to four with the age range from 11 to 21. Growing up in the foothills, the Appalachian culture was instilled into me, but I never had an appreciation for this until my later years. Age brings great things; appreciation and gratefulness both of which help me be a better person. I am new to camp but not new to having a desire to explore and learn with others
Suzanne Simmons
From my earliest memory, my mom Eunice Simmons, opened my heart to the natural world and nurtured the curious spirit in me. Being raised as a child of the woods on ancestral land in the South Mountain foothills near Polkville, NC, established my Life’s pathway. During my 34-year career as Environmental Education Specialist with the Schiele Museum, Gastonia, NC, I taught natural history courses on native plants, wild foods, wildlife conservation and earth stewardship and was privileged to demonstrate the cultural history and subsistence skills of Woodland Indian and Pioneer lifeways to students of all ages. I am forever empowered by the influence of elder women in my life who personified strength, wisdom, patience, and abiding faith; women cut from a precious mold that is rapidly disappearing. I am especially grateful for my Roberts’ soul sisters without whom I would not have the connection to Turtle Island and the honor of contributing to this memorable Mother - Daughter Weekend.
Program Details:
Date/Time: May 17-19, 2024
Available Spaces: Limited to 24 participants (no unchaperoned minors)
Ages: 5 to Senior
Cost: $395 per participant
Payment Options:
Payment in Full: Select the number of ‘Participant Tickets’ that matches the number of individuals in your party and ‘Add to Cart’. Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
Cancellations: Non-refundable amount of $395 is retained for all cancellations
Road Conditions: 1.5 miles off-road gravel - watch the VIDEO
Location: 8 miles east of Boone, NC - Base Camp at Turtle Island Preserve is just 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway - Bamboo Gap Exit
Schedule: Participants arrive by 3PM Friday to settle in before Orientation at 4PM; followed by a hot Supper and an evening campfire gathering. Three hot meals are served on Saturday between class sessions. The camp ends after Brunch on Sunday.
How to Register:
Additional information on camp guidelines, personal gear, etc. and required forms will be issued once registration deposit is received.