This hike was originally scheduled for 03/23 and was rescheduled to this date due to weather.
Join other young adult cancer survivors (those in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s) for a morning of hiking at Klingle Valley Trail and Tregaron Conservancy in DC.
The hike is suitable for all levels and will end with a bring your own picnic lunch – so pack something delicious to eat (we’ll have a cooler to store it). Plan to wear comfortable walking shoes, athletic pants, and non-cotton layers. Bring plenty of water and a hat and sunglasses for added sun protection, in addition to sunscreen.
The event will run until approximately 12:00pm (we plan to finish the hike around 11:00am and enjoy a picnic lunch for an hour). For more information about the meeting location, please RSVP.
*NOTE: This hike is open to young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s and their guests (friends and family welcome to attend with their loved one).
This hike is co-hosted by Project Koru.
Project Koru enriches lives through community and the outdoors as a way to move forward beyond cancer. Young adults diagnosed with cancer face a unique set of challenges. With the right support, the weight of these challenges can be mitigated; that’s why we exist!
This program is also offered in partnership with:
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Social Distance and Mask Policy
For this hike and picnic, we will be outside the entire time and encourage participants to maintain adequate physical distance during the program. We encourage those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask while participating in the hike. For those that are vaccinated, masks are optional based on your comfort level.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Julie McCarter
Photo by Julie McCarter
In this two hour workshop, participants will learn the fundamental of an expressive photography practice, one that is grounded in mindfulness and open-hearted awareness. The aim of this practice is to allow photography to become a vehicle for cultivating self-expression, inspiration – as well as a tool for nervous system regulation. We will practice gentle breathwork, mindfulness meditation and creative exploration through photography. You’ll walk away from the workshop having developed your own creative wellness practice that you can use anytime.
Please bring a journal, your phone/camera and your two favorite objects.
Suggested Donation: $15
About Julie McCarter
Julie is a fine art photographer and therapist, offering workshops that blend her two worlds of creative expression and emotional wellness. She is based in the Greater Washington DC area. Her photographic work may be viewed at: jfmccarter.com and juliemccartter.com.
Contact email: julie@jfmccarter.com
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.
with Kathleen O’Toole
Writing Through the Seasons
Breathe In All That Has Begun to Bloom
Kathleen O’Toole is a poet whose work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. In her Writing through the Seasons workshops (December 9, 2023 and March 30, 2024) she will guide participants through poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to pay attention to the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity.
In this 90-minute session, just after the spring equinox, we’ll take stock of our own yearnings for hope and new life, as we name the hues, fragrance, and shapes of all that is blooming or coming to life in the world around us. We’ll look at some poems & poetic practices that emphasize resilience and attention to small things: the increased activity of birds, insects, and other creatures that invite our hearts to sing.
No previous poetry writing experience required, just an openness to playing with words. Bring an open heart, a notebook or sketchbook; whatever materials you need to respond to poetry and nature. (Previous participants have journaled, drafts of poems or sketches to capture what has surfaced in our sessions.)
Kathleen O’Toole is a poet whose work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. These three workshops will guide participants through poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to explore the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity. The ancient Celts celebrated cross-quarter days as moments of magic and openings to spirit and ritual; we’ll mark our own seasonal awareness.
Writing Through the Seasons: The Healing Power of Nature will be offered as a program series, spread over the seasons.
Suggested Donation: $15/session
About Kathleen O’Toole
Takoma Park Poet Laureate Kathleen O’Toole is the author of 4 books of poetry (find her at https://kathleenotoolepoetry.com). She has taught writing at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. As evident in her longer work, she often seeks inspiration and consolation in nature. For more than thirty years she has been writing haiku as a spiritual practice of attention, and to deepen her experience of the natural world.
This hike has been postponed to 4/13 due to the weather. To register for the new date, please visit this link.
Join other young adult cancer survivors (those in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s) for a morning of hiking at Klingle Valley Trail and Tregaron Conservancy in DC.
The hike is suitable for all levels and will end with a bring your own picnic lunch – so pack something delicious to eat (we’ll have a cooler to store it). Plan to wear comfortable walking shoes, athletic pants, and non-cotton layers. Bring plenty of water and a hat and sunglasses for added sun protection, in addition to sunscreen.
The event will run until approximately 12:00pm (we plan to finish the hike around 11:00am and enjoy a picnic lunch for an hour). For more information about the meeting location, please RSVP.
*NOTE: This hike is open to young adult cancer survivors in their 20s, 30s and early 40s and their guests (friends and family welcome to attend with their loved one).
This hike is co-hosted by Project Koru.
Project Koru enriches lives through community and the outdoors as a way to move forward beyond cancer. Young adults diagnosed with cancer face a unique set of challenges. With the right support, the weight of these challenges can be mitigated; that’s why we exist!
This program is also offered in partnership with:
. .
Social Distance and Mask Policy
For this hike and picnic, we will be outside the entire time and encourage participants to maintain adequate physical distance during the program. We encourage those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask while participating in the hike. For those that are vaccinated, masks are optional based on your comfort level.
This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.
with Susi Wyss
Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!
Suggested Materials:
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- A few sheets of plain, unlined paper
- A favorite pen
- Your favorite art materials for paper (e.g., colored markers, colored pencils or pens, crayons or pastels, paints, or collage materials)
Suggested Donation: $10
About Susi Wyss
Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.
