Words In the hills : Youth retreat
APRIL 11, 2026
A day-long nature writing retreat for young writers ages 9-12 presented by Rising Appalachia in collaboration with Words In The Hills on April 11, 2026 at Solid Ground Farm in Millfield, OH.
Young Words in the hills
The Program
Spend the day writing: Poetry, Nature Writing, and Songwriting. We will read and reflect on famous pieces of writing and craft our own poems, nature reflections, and songs. There will be times for independent writing and group co-writing interspersed with outdoor exploration and group games. We will be spending most of the day outdoors with with access to indoor space for restrooms and in case of inclement weather.
The Mission
Our mission is to bring creative youth together to grow, share, and connect with each other and with nature through the power of words. We aim to help build self-esteem, confidence, and awareness through writing and self-expression. We provide a supportive environment where young writers can explore their creative ideas.
The Location
Solid Ground Farm is an ecological education and research campus in Appalachian Ohio. The Farm is home to Rising Appalachia's youth outdoor adventure and exploration programs and to the place-based elementary education program, Solid Ground School.
13262 Liars Corner Rd
Millfield, OH 45761
The Schedule
9:40AM - Drop off
10AM - Check in, Ice Breakers, Games
11AM - Poetry in the wild
12PM - Lunch
12:30PM - Hike/Nature Writing
2PM - Co-writing a Song
4PM - Pick up
The Writers
All youth ages 9-12 are invited to attend.
Be sure to bring:
-Journal/Notebook
-Pen/Pencil
-Water Bottle
-Lunch
-Hiking Shoes
-Raincoat/Poncho
-Jacket/Layers
Lunch
Please send your child with a packed lunch. We will provide snacks. Dietary restrictions and allergies will be collected at registration.
Drop-off/Pick-up
Drop-off between 9:40AM-10:00AM
Pick-up between 4:00PM-4:20PM
instructors
Megan Bee
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley
Megan Bee is an award-winning singer-songwriter based in the rolling hills of Athens, Ohio. Her lyrics, woven nature imagery and metaphor, often reflect her ten year experience teaching and organizing environmental education programs at Camp Oty' Okwa in the Hocking Hills.
As a teaching artist, she has taught music and songwriting to youth through Athens County Public Libraries, Art Possible Ohio, Artsbridge, and ArtsWest. In 2021, she founded Words In The Hills writing retreats.
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley
Molly Jo Stanley (they/she/we) is deeply enchanted by our miraculous existence. For over half of their lifetime, Molly Jo has been immersed in studying and sharing regenerative stewardship practices. In decades of wandering, they have collected their share of diplomas, certificates and degrees in Natural and Historical Interpretation, Yoga teacher training, Permaculture Design, Herbalism, Wilderness guiding, and a Masters of Education in Mindfulness and Sustainability.
presented by:
