The New Day Project | Farm-Inspired Retreats
Overview
Madison Fields is an oasis, an experience and a sanctuary. This 400-acre farm is a place of comfort and curiosity. The New Day Project harnesses the power of nature to enhance well-being.
Our retreats are designed to help guests tap into their innate ability for relaxation and restoration. Fun activities and warm connections build confidence and inspire hope. Story sharing brings unexpected insight and perspective into the lives of all who participate.
As guests slow down and explore the farm they become more attentive to themselves, each other and to the bounty of Mother Nature. Through play, reflection, sharing and creation, guests rediscover the ability to adapt and find joy in simple and profound ways.
We all benefit from taking time to decompress and ease into the way of nature. We especially welcome healthcare, emergency, education and critical trade & retail workers. It is a privilege to serve and support you!
General Retreat Agenda
4-hour program + free time
Our retreats are fun and flexible. We invite guests to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the farm from many angles.
Opportunities meet Pearl, our pot-bellied pig, Peter Pan, our mini-horse mascot, our newest lamb, and our gentle full-size horses, sheep, goats, chickens and others are sure to generate smiles.
The farmhouse, fields, riding stable, soapery and bank barn provide guests with a warm and cozy backdrop throughout their stay.
We provide guests with journals and other resources, along with light refreshments.
This is the general flow of the day:
- Welcome and Orientation to the Farm
- Immersion Activity with Farm Animals
- Discussion about Highlights and Observations
- Break-Out Sessions for Deeper Exploration
- Lunch and Discoveries
- New Horizons Trail Walk
- Final Reflections and Closing
- Free time to explore, converse, write, draw, photograph, etc.
Fees & Restrictions
Due to COVID-19 restrictions at this time, we are able to offer up to 8 slots/retreat. Fees vary based on group size, specific interests and requests. Scholarships are available. For more information email us or fill out the form below.
How to Plan or Attend a Farm-Inspired Retreat
- Contact us using the appended form.
- Schedule an intake call with our program director.
- Review farm rules, agree to terms, and sign waivers.
CONTACT US
Jane O. Smith
Facilitator
Jane and friendly farm guides immerse guests in the farm experience. Jane has a B.A. from Carleton College and certificates in reflective leadership (U. of MN) and compassion fatigue therapy (Green Cross Academy School of Traumatology). She is a trained host with Global Healing Circles ™ and with The Bounce Back Project ™. She has conducted hundreds of work-life seminars across the D.C. region, and has produced many events including TEDx Bethesda Women.
Learn More About Nature’s Impact on Personal Well-Being
Spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels and promotes relaxation. A growing body of empirical evidence demonstrates that nature does indeed, enrich and restore us.
Here are just a few sources for further reading.
Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health, Yale School of the Environment, 09 January 2020
Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective, Science Advances, Vol 5, No. 7
03 July 2019
How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?, University of Minnesota
Green is good for you, American Psychological Association, Vol 32, No. 4 April 2001