Events and Schedule

Saturday, August 3: Introduction to the Nature Writing Retreat

• 4:00 - 6:00 PM - arrive at Camp Pioneer

• Evening meal, getting started, and games!

Sunday, August 4: 

• morning: Guided hike at the D&E Experimental Forest with forest manager Iris Allen

• afternoon: Writing workshop with WV poet Doug van Gundy (West Virginia Wesleyan University)

• evening: stargazing (weather permitting)

Monday, August 5: 

• morning: Canoe/Kayak trip

• afternoon: Writing workshop with nature writer and editor of Kestrel literary magazine, Dr. Elizabeth Savage (Fairmont State University)

• evening: Evening workshop with Sydney Tammarine, essayist and poet (D&E College)

Tuesday, August 6 : Day Trip to New River Gorge

• morning: visit New River Gorge

• afternoon: New River Gorge area - "Thurmond Walks" (ghost town guided tour with USDA)

• evening: Campfire discussion with historian Dr. Jay Smith (D&E College)

Wednesday, August 7: Exploring Seneca Rocks area

• morning: Hiking at Seneca Rocks and Workshopping Portfolios

• afternoon: Discussion and activity with philosopher and religious studies expert Dr. Brantley Craig (D&E College)

• evening: (tentative) Visit to local farm co-op and editing workshop

Thursday, August 8

• morning: Horseback Riding

• afternoon: Presenting Writing Portfolios

• evening: Farewells and departure