BCH Center Programs & Retreats
Fall/Winter 2024
Becoming an Episcopal Outdoorswoman
If you've ever been curious about expanding your outdoors skillset, or are looking to deepen the wilderness practices you already love, this is a day program for you. Facilitated by Episcopal women, come and spend the day connecting with creation and learning, together, valuable skills in an environment of cooperation and Christian community.
Schedule:
8:30-9- Arrival/Gather
9:15-11:30- Morning workshop time
Option 1: Mushroom ID
Option 2: Archery followed by Outdoor Adventures
11:00-11:30- Fire building- all participants
11:30-1:00pm- Camp Cooking & Lunch
1:00-1:30- Free time
1:30-3:30- Afternoon workshop time
Option 1: Orienteering
Option 2: Kumihimo Friendship Bracelets then 1 hour of Free Time
3:45-4:30- Closing worship
4:30-5- Goodbyes
Workshop Descriptions:
Mushroom ID: Learn how to identify some common edible mushrooms (and
some common poisonous ones!) with a brief introduction, followed by a
foraging walk. Finish by making a spore print, digging deep into
mushroom guides, and observing and celebrating our finds. Led by Canon
Tina Pickering and Linden Rayton.
Archery: Explore the sport of archery. This classic outdoors pursuit is challenging, meditative and satisfying! Learn the basics on our equipment and practice your aim on the BCH targets. Led by the Rev. Spencer Hatcher.
Being Safe And Happy On Outdoor Adventures: Preparing for outdoor excursions can be daunting in a world full of gear options and influencer opinions. Learn tried and true techniques to keep you safe and happy on excursions of all lengths, from town trails to backpacking trips. Led by the Rev. Louise Howlett.
Fire-building and Campfire Cooking: Building fires is an essential part of outdoor survival. Learn how to build a successful fire, then get truly outdoorsy and use your fire to cook some delicious campfire food. Led by Sarah Loy.
Orienteering: Get familiar with cardinal directions and the many ways a compass can help you navigate. Then practice your skills traversing the woods to complete the BCH orienteering course. This workshop will take participants on uneven and challenging off-trail terrain. Led by Linden Rayton.
Kumihimo Friendship Bracelets: Creating art while in nature is a beautiful and deeply human way to enjoy the outdoors. Learn how to make a Kumihimo friendship bracelet, a Japanese braided fiber art that was used to make accessories for samurai armor, kimonos, book bindings and more. Led by the Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine.
*This program is designed for womxn who are 18 and up.
Becoming An Episcopal Outdoorswoman is coordinated by NH Episcopalian and environmental educator Linden Rayton. As the owner and educator of Living Water Nature Programs, LLC, she works to bring people of all ages into deeper relationship with the natural world, through exploration, education and reflection.
Becoming an Episcopal Outdoorswoman Workshop Leaders Left to Right: Linden Rayton, Sarah Loy, The Rev. Louise Howlett, The Rev. Spencer Hatcher, Canon Tina Pickering, The Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine
Fall Work Weekend
Join us for a weekend of work (and play!) as we complete various projects around BCH. Bring yourself, your family & friends, your church, or your youth group to BCH for the day on Saturday, November 2nd or stay over until Sunday, November 3rd and help us prep the campus for late fall and winter. All ages, stages, and abilities welcome!
Schedule:
Saturday, November 2nd, we'll gather for breakfast in the dining hall starting at 8 am and then break into project groups for the morning. We'll gather back together for lunch at noon and then either begin more projects for the afternoon, or continue the morning's projects.
The work portion of our day will end around 5 pm with dinner at 6 pm, after which, we'll celebrate our time together with a campfire and reception Saturday evening.
For folks who choose to stay Saturday night, breakfast on Sunday will be at 8 am followed by a closing Eucharist service, which will wrap up our time together.
This is a no-cost event.
Register Now: https://forms.gle/b8WsU6XPXJxBu8SA9
or by email: info@bchcenter.org
You Are Not Alone:
Responding to Grief and Trauma by Building Relationships
You Are Not Alone:
Responding to Grief and Trauma by Building Relationships
The words of the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, raise the alarm on what Dr. Murthy refers to as a epidemic of loneliness and isolation,
“Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together.” (2023, Surgeon General’s Advisory)
With extended time for those who wish to take advantage of a time of retreat and renewal, You Are Not Alone will feature three presentations, including:
Facing Up To Loneliness and Isolation: medical, psychological and spiritual impact Overcoming Grief and Trauma: gaining insight and discovering everyday recovery tools Building Relationships and Social Connection: healing support and interdependence
The Retreat from December 20-22, 2024, will include Friday evening optional get acquainted and community building and a Sunday morning optional day filled with Spiritual healing and community worship.
The Saturday retreat will be structured around the three presentations from 10-11:30am, 1:00-2:30pm, and 3:30-5:00pm.
Retreat co-presenters are The Rev. Bob Davidson, an Episcopal Priest and Social Worker who has served as a hospice chaplain and trauma counselor and Dr. Anthony Valdini, Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine.
Register now: https://forms.gle/DzsBzqX3jAicRxCG7
or by e-mail: info@bchcenter.org
or by calling the office at 603-547-3400
For Conference Center questions or to make reservations, please call (603) 547-3400 or email info@bchcenter.org
