March Retreat: Join us for a weekend at the MacMullan Center (Trip Full)
Outdoor Book Club Women's Retreat, March 21-23
Join Outdoor Book Club from Friday, March 21-Sunday, March 23 for a restorative retreat at the beautiful MacMullan Conference Center, nestled along the serene shores of Higgins Lake, Michigan.
Over the course of a weekend, you’ll step away from your daily demands and step into a supportive, inspiring environment with adventuresome women who love books.
What You’ll Experience:
Creative Exploration: Whether through discussion, writing, art, movement, or brainstorming your next dream project, this retreat will provide space to connect, create, and play.
Reflective Moments: You’ll find time to pause, journal, and reflect in a peaceful setting.
Outdoor Time: Higgins Lake State Park is adjacent, with miles of trails for hiking, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing. Trail Map: https://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/RecreationCamping/northhigginslake_trails.pdf
Comfortable lodging and hearty meals included, allowing you to focus fully on yourself.
Cost:
$250 per person before Feb. 15 (includes lodging and meals). Rooms are double occupancy (two single beds)–sign up with a friend, or make a new friend over the course of the weekend. Space is limited to 12 participants.
Early bird special ends Feb. 15. The regular rate is $275 per person.
Bring a Friend Special:
$450 for two participants when signing up together before Feb. 15 (instead of $500 at the individual early-bird rate).
To reserve your space, please email Jen at jen@outdoorbookclub.org for registration materials.
Who Is This For?
This retreat is for women who would like to connect to discuss what they’re reading, sit around the fire, enjoy time outside hiking or around a bonfire, and have space to work on a project, like editing photos, scrap-booking, etc. Bring your favorite recent read, boardgame, a project you’d like to work on, gear for outdoor adventures–how you spend your time is up to you.
Spots are limited. Reserve your space today!
AGENDA
Friday, March 21
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Arrival & Check-In
Settle into your room, explore the beautiful grounds, and enjoy light snacks and hot beverages in the lodge.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Welcome Dinner
A hearty, nourishing meal to kick off the weekend.
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Opening Circle & Setting Intentions
Group introductions and an overview of the weekend.
Guided reflection: “What brings you here?”
Social time: Games, book chat, or a moonlit hike.
Saturday, March 22
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM | Breakfast
A guided stretch and mindfulness session to start the day grounded and present.
8:00 AM | Outdoor adventures or indoor activities
Choose your medium: journaling, sketching, painting, or brainstorming a new passion project in our meeting room space.
Enjoy outdoor time on the Higgins Lake State Park trails, which offer a variety of lengths. Stretch your limits, or enjoy a gentle forest bathing session.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Lunch
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Free Time
Take time to relax, socialize, or explore the wintry landscape. Meeting room space will continue to be available if you’re deep into a project.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Dinner
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Evening Reflection: Creative Fireside Stories
Gather for storytelling, sharing insights, and celebrating creative breakthroughs.
Bring a book passage, poem, or project idea to share with the group.
Games
Outdoor bonfire or hike
Sunday, March 23
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM | Breakfast
8:00-8:45 AM | Sunrise Reflection (Optional)
A quiet, guided outdoor meditation or journaling time to reflect on your weekend.
8:45-9:00 AM | Pack up and check out of sleeping quarters.
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM | Outdoor adventures or indoor activities
Use our meeting room space to continue creative pursuits.
Enjoy outdoor time on the Higgins Lake State Park trails.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Closing Circle: Sharing & Commitments
Share reflections and intentions for the future.
Celebrate the connections made over the weekend.
12:00 PM | Lunch
Notes:
Warm, cozy attire is encouraged for outdoor walks and activities.
Meals and snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, too. Our venue does not serve alcoholic beverages, but you are allowed to bring your own if you wish.
All agenda items are optional—this is your weekend to recharge and reconnect at your own pace.
Meet Your Facilitators:
Jill Hinton Wolfe is a passionate writer, veteran, and founder of Outdoor Book Club. Legally blind and a U.S. Army veteran, Jill has used her unique experiences and love for nature to inspire others through storytelling. She’s the author of the upcoming book Mission, Tribe & Grace: How Veterans Can Act to Lead Change, which explores veteran resilience and leadership. Drawing from her background in communications and coaching, Jill creates transformative outdoor experiences that blend writing, reflection, and community.
Jennifer Uehlein Reynolds is an avid outdoors-person who enjoys writing and photography to share her experiences in nature. She leads trips for the West Michigan Hiking & Backpacking Facebook page, Outdoor Book Club, and a children’s camp in Petoskey. Jen is also an avowed book worm. A retired English teacher who belongs to four book clubs, she is always interested to hear about your most recent favorite read.
FAQs
What should I bring?
Bring your preferred tools (notebooks, laptops, sewing machine, pens, knitting needles, etc.), comfortable clothing for winter weather, a blanket to curl up in, and any personal items you need for the weekend. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring gear such as skis, snowshoes, or winter hiking boots.
Do I need to have a project already started to attend?
No, you don’t need to have a project in progress. While there is dedicated work time for our various pursuits, you are free to take a nap, take a hike, read a book, practice yoga… whatever makes you happy.
Can I attend solo?
Absolutely! Many attendees come alone and leave with new friends and connections.
Can I request a private room?
Private rooms are not included in the standard pricing, but you can contact us to check availability and additional costs.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please include any dietary restrictions during registration, and we’ll do our best to ensure meals meet your requirements.
What happens if the retreat is canceled?
If we need to cancel the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, all attendees will receive a full refund.
What is the weather typically like in March at Higgins Lake?
Expect snowy and cold conditions, perfect for a cozy retreat. Pack warm clothing and sturdy boots if you plan to join the hikes.
Will there be Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the venue, but we encourage you to disconnect as much as possible to interact and rejuvenate in these peaceful surroundings.
Can I contact someone with additional questions?
Yes, feel free to reach out to Jen at jen@outdoorbookclub.org with any questions or concerns.
