BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Boyds Mills - ECPv6.15.13.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Boyds Mills X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://boydsmills.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Boyds Mills REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260604 DTSTAMP:20260603T221955 CREATED:20251105T231852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T134004Z UID:63591-1780185600-1780531199@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Community Retreat with Meg Medina: Celebrating Latinx Stories in Kidlit DESCRIPTION:In-person 4-day/3-night Retreat \nThis retreat has been thoughtfully planned by host Meg Medina and special guests as a celebration of the diverse and powerful Latina\, Latino\, Latine\, and Latinx voices in children’s books. \nWhy this community retreat? \n\nThe Latinx community retreat first began as an beautiful idea from authors Alex Villasante\, NoNieqa Ramos\, and M. García Peña in 2019. In its sixth year\, Meg Medina will host the program for children’s book authors and Illustrators. Meg says\, “You are moving through the world as a person who is writing a long love letter to children\, and to the child you once were. This is important work.” \n\nThis is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities is meant to offer time alongside community members as you create\, rest\, and explore. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Agenda\nAt least one week prior to the retreat\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards). Boyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \nPlease bring projects at any stage in the creative process that you wish (idea\, draft\, revision\, etc.) \nAny questions? Please reach out to our support team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Sunday\, May 31\, 2026\n \n3 – 5pm Eastern: Arrival \n5:30pm: Appetizers followed by dinner\n7:15pm: Welcome and Introductions from Meg Medina\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Monday\, June 1\, 2026\n Morning \n\nYoga (optional)\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nInformal writing/drawing together with retreat assistant Lindsay Cordero\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Fireside chat led by Ernesto Cisneros\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Tuesday\, June 2\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nGROUP PHOTO\nOptional Writing Together (with or without writing prompts)\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Open Mic & Sharing\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nPacking and Retreat time\nClosing remarks from Meg Medina\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and Farewells\n\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About This Community Retreat with Meg Medina\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this community-centered program to connect and amplify one another. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n At least one week prior to the retreat\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in related resources (including our Community Standards). We strive for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn more about your host.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Meg Medina\nSee More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Ernesto Cisneros\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/community-retreat-with-meg-medina-celebrating-latinx-stories-in-kidlit/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Essential Conversations,friend50,In-Community,In-Person,Latinx Voices,Past ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/megmedinaretreat-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260615 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260619 DTSTAMP:20260603T221956 CREATED:20251105T231848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T182127Z UID:63539-1781481600-1781827199@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Community Retreat with Stacy Wells and Cameron Mukwa: Celebrating Native and Indigenous Stories DESCRIPTION:About the Program\nIn-person 4-day/3-night Retreat \nThis retreat has been thoughtfully planned by author Stacy Wells (Choctaw) and author/illustrator Cameron Mukwa (Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa) as a celebration of the long history\, contributions\, and joy shared by Native\, First Nation\, and Indigenous voices in the children’s book field. \nWe are grateful to Andrea M. Page (Hunkpapa Lakota) for helping in the development of this year’s retreat. In addition\, AJ Eversole will assist during the retreat\, and editor Nancy Paulsen and agent Kate Schafer Testerman will join as publishing guests. \nWhy this community retreat? \n\nThis retreat was founded by Traci Sorell (Cherokee) in 2022. As Traci said\, “Time with fellow Native creatives helps sustain me along this author’s journey. I look forward to a weekend together to share our stories\, write\, create art\, and talk practically about how we navigate the publishing industry.” \n\nThis is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities is meant to offer time alongside community members as you create\, rest\, and explore. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“So many positives – time with like minded people\, time to connect\, time to work\, beautiful environment that was geared toward the comfort of writers. It was excellent.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Powwow Day wouldn’t be in the world if I hadn’t gone to where the magic happened in Cabin 7\, and revised that manuscript instead of working on a NIV while I was there.  I sold it to Karen Boss at Charlesbridge shortly after I left that weekend. Kathy Erskine\, Alma Fullerton\, and the workshop attendees helped so much in listening to me share it\, as well as making wonderful revision suggestions.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Getting to spend time being creative within a Native community was such a gift. I was able to relax\, knowing our shared identity allowed us to all exist without explanation.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Agenda\nPlease bring projects at any stage in the writing process that you wish (idea\, draft\, revision\, etc.) \nPlease note: there is an optional day to extend your stay. If you are interested in this option\, please add that date at check out. For all other questions\, please reach out to our support team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Monday\, June 15\, 2026\n \n3 – 5pm Eastern: Arrival \n5:30pm: Appetizers followed by dinner\n7:15pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks from Stacy Wells and Cameron Mukwa\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Tuesday\, June 16\, 2026\n Morning \n\nYoga (optional)\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nPublishing discussion with editor Nancy Paulsen\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Fireside chat\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Wednesday\, June 17\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\nPresentation with agent\, Kate Schafer Testerman\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nGROUP PHOTO\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Open Mic\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Thursday\, June 18\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nPacking and Retreat time\nClosing remarks from Stacy Wells and Cameron Mukwa\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and Farewells\n\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About This Community Retreat\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to move away from everyday life to experience the retreat. This in-community retreat prioritizes time for you to work independently\, and informal gatherings with fellow creatives. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this community-centered program to connect and amplify one another. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n At least one week prior to the retreat\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Boyds Mills n related resources (including our Community Standards). Boyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn more about Native Creatives at Boyds Mills.\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Stacy Wells\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Cameron Mukwa\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/community-retreat-with-stacy-wells-and-cameron-mukwa-celebrating-native-and-indigenous-stories-in-kidlit/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Essential Conversations,friend50,In-Community,In-Person,Native Creatives ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/highlightsnativecreativeretreat-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260827 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260831 DTSTAMP:20260603T221956 CREATED:20251105T232018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T131006Z UID:63638-1787788800-1788134399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Community Retreat with Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence: Celebrating Asian and Asian American Stories (August) DESCRIPTION:About the Program\nIn-person 4-day/3-night Retreat \nThis retreat has been thoughtfully planned by authors Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence as a celebration of the many beautiful contributions made by Asian and Asian American voices in the children’s book field. The program will gather creatives specifically building stories for children and young adults. \nWhy this community retreat? \nNow in its fifth year\, this retreat was originally envisioned as a way to grow community in the children’s book industry and build connections: \n\nGrace saw it as an opportunity to create the children’s book support and friend group she never had – but needed – when she was starting in the industry. \n\n\nDebbi saw it as a way to build connections and grow the community. Overall\, [Grace and Debbi] both knew that a safe place for Asian and Asian American voices to create stories for kids was not only desired\, but needed—for now and for the future\, as well. \n\nThis is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities including fireside chats and sharing. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat. \nThe heart of this program is working alongside community members and to spend time creating\, dreaming\, and discovering! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n“As someone who is just beginning their creative journey in kidlit\, I am immensely grateful for the chance to meet and socialize and learn from people who have more experience and expertise. I feel so lucky!” \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“There were so many positive experiences from this retreat\, but I really appreciated connecting with fellow creators. The open mic was a wonderful opportunity to hear everyone share their work!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“It was easy to make friends in a short amount of time. I feel like I gained an entire cohort of friends and supporters who I can reach out to for advice or when traveling in their area and who will cheer me on during my writing career.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Agenda\nPlease bring projects at any stage in the creative process that you wish (idea\, draft\, revision\, etc.) \nAny questions? Please reach out to our support team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Thursday\, August 27\, 2026\n \n3 – 5pm Eastern: Arrival \n5:30pm: Appetizers followed by dinner\n7:15pm: Welcome and Introductions\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Friday\, August 28\, 2026\n Morning \n\nYoga (optional)\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nInformal writing/drawing together\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Fireside chat\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nGROUP PHOTO\nZoom Q & A Session\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Open Mic & Sharing\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Sunday\, August 30\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nPacking and Retreat time\nClosing Q & A\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and Farewells\n\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About This Community Retreat with Grace Lin & Debbi Michiko Florence\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this community-centered program to connect and amplify one another. \n \n \n \n \n \n Is This Retreat Designed for Children's Literature Creators?\n Yes! This retreat is designed for those who are interested in writing/illustrating for children/teens in a variety of formats and genres\, from picture books and early readers\, to middle grade\, graphic\, and young adult novels. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n At least one week prior to the retreat\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in related resources (including our Community Standards). We strive for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn more about your hosts. URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/community-retreat-with-grace-lin-and-debbi-michiko-florence-celebrating-asian-and-asian-american-stories-august/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Asian American Voices,Essential Conversations,friend50,In-Community,In-Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/highlightsfoundationasianamericanvoices-2.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR