My dad and I are thrilled to host GeoCamp, our 2nd annual geology in Grand Marais, Minnesota! We’ll stay at Thompsonite Inn and explore new rivers and beaches this year (new to us, not new geologically-speaking: they are very, very old!). Al, our Camp Geologist will tell us about how Lake Superior formed, what made the Sawtooth Mountains tilt, and where to find Thompsonite. You’ll learn how to identify other rocks commonly found in the area, see geology in action while exploring local beaches and river cuts, and get to ask all your burning geology questions along the way. Try your hand at lapidary work (cutting and polishing stone), enjoy yummy camp-style meals over looking Lake Superior, and relax in the wood-fired sauna.
What’s Included
3 nights at Thomsonite Inn
Private access to Thomsonite Beach
Geology talk
Beach walk with a geologist
River hike with a geologist
Cutting & polishing rocks
Yummy, camp-style meals
Wood-fired sauna
Facilitator
GeoCamp is facilitated by Dorothy, Broomall. Dorothy has a knack for holding space and weaving people into joyful, supportive, inspiring groups. As an introvert with social anxiety who loves gathering, she knows just how to create events that feel restful, connective and fun!
Venue
Thomsonite Inn overlooks Lake Superior from its rocky perch, a few miles South of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Private or shared accommodations available. The surrounding lawns, fire circles, and picnic tables provide plenty of room to gather outdoors for talks, demos, and meals. Our retreat will occupy about half the units and we will share communal space with other guests.
What’s Thomsonite?
Thomsonite is gemstone, a rare zeolite found in bubbles of volcanic rock along Lake Superior. It’s recognizable by its pink, white, and green radiating crystal structure. We are excited for this opportunity to see Thomsonite embedded along the private beaches and cliffs of the Thomsonite Inn property and purchase a piece or two to take home from the Inn gift shop.
Meals
Food is our love language! We create a nourishing, seasonally-inspired menu just for the retreat, taking into account the dietary needs of those attending. GeoCamp meals will be served outside, camp-style around a picnic table or fire circle. Think hearty soups, hand pies, crunchy salads, and S’mores!
Participation Requirements:
To safely participant in the Beach Walk and the River Hike at GeoCamp, you must be able to:
Walk 2-3 miles,
Maintain balance and stability on steep, slippery, uneven terrain, and
Carry a 5 lb day pack.
You know your own body and we encourage you to assess your current abilities or talk to us if you have questions or concerns before registering. We reserve the right to “Safety Veto” your participation in any activities if we are concerned about your ability to participant safely, and no refunds will be given.
If you are not currently able to do the things bulleted above but would still like to attend, you are welcome! All activities are optional. You might participate in the Geology Talk, meals around the campfire, and lapidary work, but opt for a cozy morning reading or watching the lake while others go for Beach Walk or River Hike. Or, you might bring a chair to the beach instead of walking the shore. We are happy to help brainstorm options for you to participate.
Required Gear
This retreat takes place outdoors and happens rain or shine! We will send a full packing list before the retreat to help you dress comfortably despite weather and bugs that are inevitably part of summer Up North. For example, you’ll will want to bring:
Hiking boots with ankle support
Tall waterproof boots (xtratuff, muck boots)
Bug hat / net
Long pants
Long-sleeved loose-fitting button up shirt
Water bottle
Rain coat and pants
Day pack
Sunscreen
Bugspray
Day Pass Option
Join us for the River Hike, Beach Walk, and Lunches on Monday and Tuesday. This option does not include accommodations, lapidary work, breakfast, dinner, or access to Thomsonite Inn property or beach. $320. 4 day passes available.
THE FINE PRINT:
You may choose to pay in full at the time of registration or make a $1000 non-refundable deposit with remainder automatically charged 6 months before the retreat.
If you need to cancel, a refund of the remainder amount may be available if we are able to fill your spot.
Checkin is between 4-5pm on the first day. Except in unforeseen circumstances, we request that you stick to this check in time to help us facilitate a smooth flow of the retreat and give people time to connect.
No pets.
No non-registered visitors during the retreat.
Please share the love, not the bugs. That goes for Covid and colds. We will send home anyone who appears to be sick to protect others in attendance and no refund will be given.
Pssssstttt…..Folks who attend this year will get first dibs on a spot if we host this retreat at Thomsonite Inn next year!
Perks!
Participants get first dibs next year if we host this retreat again! Wandering Fern’s retreats tend to fill up fast (often before they are advertised) so this is a great opportunity to get into a new one!
Accommodations
Shared Room (twin bed) in shared unit $900 (3 available)
Private unit for 1 (queen or king bed) $1600 (3 available)
Private unit for 2 (shared queen or king bed) $1100 each (4 available)
If you plan to attend with a spouse or friend, you must both register. Choose “Shared Room” if you want your own beds or “Private Unit for 2 people” if you want to share a bed. In comments, list the name of the person you plan to stay with.