Falling in…at Boyds Mills

Way up in the Pennsylvania Poconos, there is a magical place called Boyds Mills, a rustic retreat that has become a mecca for writers and illustrators who create for kids. In late October, when trees were painted with color and mornings were kissed by frost, I experienced Boyds Mills for the first time, and I found myself falling in.

If you search the word “falling” in Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, way down the list of definitions, you’ll find this one: to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition. That’s the kind of falling I’m talking about.

We most often use it in the phrase “falling in love” – when we’re consumed and unsure of the path ahead but willing to let go of the reins. When we’re trusting and accepting and becoming open. 

This kind of falling is not a sustainable state. At some point we have to return to solid ground. Most of our lives, we avoid falling in. We balance on a thin edge of schedules, budgets, and obligations. Falling could cause worlds to collapse. And yet, sometimes falling in is exactly what we need to regain balance.

The Boyds Mills Experience

Historic farmhouse

Formerly known as Highlights Foundation, the property is set on the family homestead of Highlights for Children founders. Surrounded by natural beauty, guests can stay in individual cabins, a modern lodge, or the historic farmhouse. Gatherings take place in the barn, an airy, climate-controlled building with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Learning together in the barn

Writers and illustrators come together for creative and generative retreats to grow, learn, think, and create. Personal retreats are also available for those who want to focus on their individual work in an immersive setting. There is wide diversity in people and purposes, but everything is guided by this mission: 

"At Boyds Mills, we positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves." 

The barn

Early Readers and Chapter Books: A Creative Retreat

The retreat I attended was designed for creators interested in Early Readers and Chapter Books. My fellow retreaters came from all across the country, and for many, this was not the first in-person Boyds Mills retreat. 

Left to right, Kaz, Anne, and Vicky

Sessions were led by authors and illustrators who are experiencing success in these categories of children’s literature. Kaz Windness is a recent Theodore Geisel Award recipient for her book Worm and Caterpillar, and her Bitsy Bat, School Star picture book was recently featured on Reading Rainbow. In addition to several STEM-focused kids’ books, Vicky Fang is the author of the adorable Ava Lin chapter book series and the One Mad Cat Early Reader series. Special guest Anne Appert, also an author-illustrator, joined as well and offered insights on visual planning strategies.

The general flow of each day at the retreat included a perfect balance of instruction and inspiration, of community and solitude. Here are some activity highlights from my visit:

Day One 

• Arrive, check in, get settled, explore the property 

• Early Readers and Chapter Books with Kaz and Vicky. 

Evenings around the campfire

Day Two 

• Optional yoga in the loft (I opted in – it was great) 

• Optional Walking Tour of historic homestead

• Early Readers with Kaz Windness 

• Lots of Writing & Retreat time

• Opportunities for Creating Together

• Q&A around the campfire

Day Three 

• Chapter Books with Vicky Fang

• Lots of Writing & Retreat time

• One-on-one sessions with presenters

• Group Photo

• Visual Outlining with Anne Appert

• Sharing fireside

Day Four

• Writing and Sketching with Kaz and Vicky

• Closing Q&A and sharing

Meals were served in the barn daily, and each one was a culinary masterpiece. Guests with eating preferences and food allergies were thoughtfully accommodated, and a self-serve buffet allowed individuals to craft meals from a wide selection of options. In keeping with the venue’s commitment to sustainability, we dined on Fiestaware, drank from real glasses, and used stainless steel utensils. 

In addition to scheduled meals, a delicious assortment of appetizers was available before dinner. Snacks, canned drinks, boxed water, and ice cream were available around the clock, and s’mores were provided at campfire meetings.

Individual cabins with porches

The writing and retreat time was focused and valuable, and perhaps the toughest decision made each day was where to write. You could write in your room, write in the grainery, hang out in the art coop, or write outdoors. Ideas flowed, and the hours passed quickly. 

Possibility

Before the group photo, everyone was directed to select a rock from the Word Garden. Smooth river rocks are inscribed with words that have been important to individuals who have been important to the mission of Boyds Mills.

The rock that called out to me said “possibility.” For one, it reminded me of the opening line of an Emily Dickinson poem: “I dwell in Possibility.” What a lovely place to dwell. 

The other reason was that this word summed up the experience. My time at Boyds Mills re-grounded me in who I have always been as a writer and opened my eyes to new possibilities I had not considered.

Early Reader and Chapter Book Retreaters

Falling in…

Part of what makes an experience like Boyds Mills so regenerative is that when you’re there, you’re able to fall in. To be consumed. To let go of the reins. To trust and accept and become open. You can step away from the world and the balance. The necessities are taken care of for you. The rest can wait for your return. 

This is what every meaningful retreat is designed for. A withdrawal from the everyday. An opportunity for growth. A time for renewal. An invitation to pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition. 

Or, as I like to call it, falling in.

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