Events

Join The Friends of Algonquin Park’s special guest Monique Charlton for a three hour Experience Algonquin Workshop which includes indoor and outdoor components focused on nature writing. This workshop is perfect for anyone who is currently writing, or who has ever wanted to write. With a focus on nature and self-discovery, this  writing workshop is an exploration of what we need to find wellness, and a discovery of who we are today. A variety of writing exercises are utilized to ensure that all learning styles are supported. Participants are encouraged to “turn off” the editor in their head and just write. Spelling, punctuation, grammar – none of it is important. Editing, if it happens at all, has no place here.

Park visitors will learn how connecting with nature will slow them down, encourage them to breathe deeper and to relax into the heartbeat of the earth and the natural rhythms adding a richness and aliveness to their writing. Prepare to feel refreshed.

Workshop participants are encouraged to be curious about how their physical location (including time of day, current weather, wildlife seen, birds heard, trees/grass/plants, phase of the moon, etc.) affects their energy level, their sense of connection, and what they write. All our senses will be engaged and explored to inform and enrich our writing and will contribute to an overall feeling of wellness.

Maximum 25 participants, minimum of 6. This workshop is designed for adults and teens, but keen youth with a supervising and participating adult are welcome.

ABOUT MONIQUE CHARLTON

Monique Charlton, the author of “Seeds: Growing Connection Through Writing”, has had stories in her bones for as long as she can remember. With her children grown, she began investigating herself through her writing. Coaxing stories out of her bones and writing them down is her current passion. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Monique arrived in Muskoka with her husband and their two small children in 1996, and at once found sanctuary in the surrounding lakes, trees, rocks, and fields. Algonquin Park has been, and continues to be, a big part of her life. Monique strongly believes that writing helps us to connect and to heal. By connecting within, we heal ourselves. By connecting with others, we contribute to healing our communities. Ultimately, by connecting with Mother Earth and all living beings, we contribute to healing the world. By creating and facilitating writing workshops, Monique hopes to support anyone who writes, (or wishes they could write), to find a strong connection within themselves for their own healing journey.

HOW TO REGISTER

Pre-registration required. To register for this workshop, or for more information, contact Christine Tessier at The Friends of Algonquin Park at (613) 637-2828 ext 236 by March 20, 2025. When you call to register, please have the following items ready: a contact phone number and e-mail address plus a Visa or MasterCard number. The cost for this workshop is $60.00 plus HST for members of The Friends of Algonquin Park. Non-members pay $80.00 plus HST for the workshop and a one-year individual membership. The workshop includes a Park permit, expert instruction with Monique Charlton, and all required workshop materials. Participants are encouraged to come prepared for the weather as this workshop is held “rain or shine”. A minimal level of physical fitness is required for this workshop as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary.

For complete event details please follow the link provided.