Next Up at
Oak Grove Retreat
This spring we invite you to join us for meditative art, drumming, breathworks, and sound ceremony. Descriptions and booking info below!
Weekday Yoga and Hooping Classes
Our Resident Artist: Caroleeena!
Caroleeena offers her world renowned movement classes for 2025. Caroleeena's Music and Movement classes are designed to help you cultivate good health, stress relief, creativity and joy.
Caroleeena (a.k.a. Carolyn Mabry) is an internationally recognized hoopdancer, fire performer and circus arts instructor from Raleigh, NC. She taught for many years at Cirque de Vol and has been teaching hoopdance and fire arts nationally and internationally since 2005.
Many of you who've attended the Raleigh Hoop Jam, Raleigh Drum Circle, Profound Sound Retreat, Oak Grove Rhythm Retreat or even the NC State Fair may be familiar with Caoleeena's Hula Hoop and Fire Spinning.
Caroleeena is also an experienced yogi, yoga instructor and strength trainer who has studied Kundalini yoga under Yogi Bhajan, Hatha yoga, Aerial yoga, and gymnastics and taught Yin Yoga and Strength and Flexibility Training for Circus Artists. She's a creative, methodical and encouraging teacher, mentor and coach whose focus is helping people feel good in their bodies, enhance their mobility, calm their minds and central nervous systems and experience play and joy.
These Classes are all $15 per class at the door. Package discounts are available through Caroleeena. All levels of ability are welcome and the classes will be designed for the level of the participants who attend. Ask her about her Hula Hoop and Silk Fan Dances classes.
Class Schedule:
Yin Yoga for Splits -
Mondays at 6:30-7:30 pm
Don't be scared of this name. This is a stretching and strengthening class that will open up your walking and help you feel refreshed at the end of it. This class opens with some strengthening moves but most of the practice is sitting or lying and doing bends to open up the front of the pelvis and inside of the thighs to keep our legs moving freely so we can move better in our everyday lives. These practices have measurable benefits for your balance as well as your central nervous system. They help you feel calmer, more confident, and able to handle pain better. (Most people are flexible enough to do splits right now but our central nervous system does not allow it. It goes into alarm mode and stiffens us up, telling us it's so we don't hurt ourselves. By relaxing into a place, or just before it, and staying there, we allow our muscles to relax which allows our central nervous system to begin to feel reassured this is a safe place so you can relax more and that makes you open up more.) There are so many benefits in working toward splits, even if you never do a full split. Doing a split is not even the goal. Becoming strong and flexible enough to become comfortable in some of these poses, that is our goal. Releasing our fascia that's bound and limiting our range of motion is a goal. Learning to relax when we are uncomfortable, that is a goal. To be still, to breathe, and to explore inwardly, inside our bodies, to learn ourselves from the inside out, that's our goal. Come explore.
Morning Yin Yoga -
Tuesday Mornings at 10:30-11:30 am
This is a gentle morning opening and centering practice. We'll elongate scrunched up bodies and wake up our backs and behinds. We'll open our shoulders and release pressure around the neck. We'll center and affirm and start our day on an intentional foot. In this practice we sit or lie and hold gentle poses for :30 seconds to 3 minutes. We breathe and we relax and we let tension go! This practice also allows gentle elongation at our connective areas which allows us to work through atrophy and increase our range of motion and move better throughout the day.
Chair Practice -
Tuesday evenings at 6:30-7:30 pm
This is a fun strengthening and stretching program using one of the sturdy wooden chairs in the chapel. We'll be doing some conscious walking, some stretches, some gentle exercises, and some chair dance moves that make us stronger and flexier. It's a fun and creative way to get strong and have a good stretch and these moves are things you can do with a chair in your own home to relax and release your whole back or just have some fun. It's best to wear clothes like yoga pants or sweatpants that slide a little so we can easily slide on our chairs. Wearing good socks will also make it easier to slide your feet on the ground. Come play. You'll be surprised how fun it is. .
Yin Yoga for End of Day -
Wednesdays at 6:30-7:30 pm
I want to offer people who can only come at night an opportunity to get in a yin yoga practice if they can. It really is life changing because of its effects on the central nervous system but it also relaxes and opens you up so you feel calm and juicy for the rest of your evening and into your sleep. Most people sleep much easier and
better after a yin yoga practice and since sleep is when most our healing happens, this practice also facilitates healing.
3 Classes starting
#1- Saturday 4/19/25 from 1:00-4:400
#2- Saturday 5/24/25 from 1:00-4:400
#3- Saturday 6/28/25 from 1:00-4:400
Come join Kelly Rye at St. Annes Chapel for a magical journey with watercolor!
These workshops are perfect for any beginner and intermediate individual, or for anyone who just wants to “brush up” on their painting skills (pun intended) and start back at the basics. Learning the tips and tricks of the trade, while also learning to find your own creative style and flow.
This progressive series will take us on a fun and playful journey through the basics (watercolor 101), and eventually working towards more advanced techniques to enhance any painting. This course will teach you how to master basic techniques that will give you control over the painting process, while allowing room for growth.
Topics Covered: color palettes, brush control, blending colors on paper, effects/techniques, wet vs dry paper, ombré gradient washes, how to fix mistakes, and tons more!
Who is this course for?:
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Anyone who wants to learn to paint with watercolors
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Anyone who has the gear, but doesnt know where to start
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Anyone who has tried before but got lost in the process
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Anyone who might feel intimidated by creating art
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Anyone who feels not “good enough”
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Anyone who wishes to explore their creative side
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Anyone who wishes to reduce stress levels and anxiety
Being in the art world for 25+yrs, Kelly knows how challenging it can be to get out of our comfort zones and express yourself freely. Understanding how some can feel anxious, overwhelmed, and not “good enough”. In Kellys’ classes she strives to help overcome those fears and anxieties, in a friendly, relaxed, playful, judgment free, and creative environment.
Class mostly suitable for adults.
Why? Because as adults we collect limiting beliefs about what we can and can't do. Painting might be one of them? So join us and overcome your fears in this playful and light hearted series!
Together we will learn and explore the beauty that is watercolor. Each lesson giving you the experience and confidence to help you get out of your comfort zone, in a fun and light hearted class setting. Ultimately giving you the courage to become the artist you have always wanted to be (and more)!
Supplies needed:
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Watercolor paint set- If you have one, bring it! If you need one, feel free to scan the QR code. A few recommended palettes will also be sent to you upon registration. However, any quality set will do (ranging $10-$40+)
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Quality watercolor paper for lessons will be provided. However, it is recommended to bring your own paper/notepad for additional projects and designs. Again, feel free to bring what you already have. Quality paper can be purchased online or at most retail and craft stores. Watercolor paper is generally much thicker in quality and should be 100% cotton (if possible) and acid free.
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And a smile!
All other supplies will be provided! Including brushes for in-class use. However, feel free to bring any supplies you already have!
Workshop Costs:
3 Course series package for $90 or $45 per individual class (if space available). Each class begins where the last class ended, so best to attend all classes. Limit of 16 seats per class.
A Profound Sunday Event
April 27th at 2:00pm
"Have you ever wanted to experience a deeper grounding in your mind-body-spirit connection? Explore a gentle path to mindfulness, centering and presence through one of the world’s most popular forms of energy cultivation, Taijiquan (Tai Chi)! The graceful wisdom of this ancient "meditation in motion" can be a transformative spiritual practice, as well as a relaxing and fun form of dynamic embodiment! Join us to explore a sense of inner peace, connection, and freedom to "go with the flow" while honoring the breath. Feel free to bring your favorite mug for a complimentary warm beverage (optional)-ALL are welcome!"
Julie Gaven
Supporting Members are free.
Others $25 at the door.
Additional donations are accepted to help cover costs
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A Profound Sunday Event
May 4th at 2:00pm
Join us as we express ourselves on the drum and discuss things that are on our minds about ourselves and the world around us.
No drumming experience is needed, just an openness to expressing yourself in new ways. Loaner drums are available along with other percussion instruments.
The history of drumming is long and varied, with drums appearing in many ancient cultures and serving a variety of purposes:
Spiritual ceremonies: Drums were used in rituals to connect with the divine and infuse spiritual energy.
Communal gatherings: Drums were used to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among tribe members.
Communication: Drums were used to convey messages and coordinate activities within and between communities.
All of these are needed today as much as they were needed in the past.
Supporting Members are free.
Others $10 at the door.
Additional donations are accepted to help cover costs
A Night of Comedy with
Cliff Cash
May 4th at 7:00pm
Cliff Cash was raised on the far right end of the southern, conservative, evangelical spectrum and the result is the antithesis of what was intended. Cliff's comedy tackles everything from racism to homophobia, greed, and war to death and divorce. Don’t worry, Cliff will throw in a few poop jokes to keep his routine light. Cash takes the audience on a journey that’s more than just funny. You’ll think, you’ll feel, you may even cry a little but then you’ll laugh again. His comedy aims to shine the light of levity into the darkest corners of the human experience and by doing so; take some power away from the things we fear and dread. “Laughter is the best medicine” has become a cliche personally for Cliff. First, because it’s true, and secondly, he hopes it’s so because he doesn't have health insurance.
Tickets are $30.00 in advance
Supporting Members discounts are in affect
$40 at the door.
Additional donations are accepted
A Profound Sunday Event
May 18th from 2:00- 4:00pm
Join us here at Oak Grove Retreat for a very special Reiki Share/Circle led by Third Degree Reiki (Usui) Master Kelly Gene Rye & Second Degree (Usui) Nikki Kornegay. Together we will learn the wonders and benefits of Reiki and how it can be a powerful healing modality for ourselves, loved ones, and community. This will also be a great opportunity to experience Reiki first hand, in a community circle of like minded individuals who ultimately strive for the same goal, peace and love for all.
What is a Reiki Share? Reiki shares are gatherings where Reiki practitioners come together to share their skills and offer healing to one another. These circles offer numerous benefits to practitioners, including: a deeper sense of community, enhanced skills, and a more profound understanding of the power of Reiki. Reiki exchange circles provide practitioners with a space to practice and deepen their skills, while also receiving healing themselves. The best of both worlds if you ask me!
This Reiki Share, we will have special guest Sophia Orban who is an Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master (among many other amazing things)!! Sophia works with people that are wanting change, who are stressed, dealing with trauma, an illness, and/or l ooking to find themselves. Sophia uses different modalities in an integrative way to support and empower people emotionally, mentally, energetically and spiritually on their healing journey.
During this special event, she will be sharing one of her amazing gadgets called the Bio-Well GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization) camera. It is the first device in the world which measures the distribution of the energy levels of the body and it’s based on the well-known “Kirlian effect.” This cutting-edge technology measures the state of a person’s energy field and produces an accurate assessment analysis of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions. This will be a truly remarkable event that you will not want to miss!
For more information on Sophia and her services, visit her website at https://simplyhealingforyou.com/
For more information on the Bio-Well visit: https://www.bio-well.com/gb/learn/what_is_biowell.html
If you decide to join this amazing Reiki share, you can expect to experience a supportive, nurturing atmosphere where you can give and receive Reiki, connect with other practitioners, and deepen your understanding of this powerful healing modality. Whether you are new to Reiki or an experienced practitioner, a Reiki share can be an enriching and illuminating experience that helps to foster personal growth and community.
Not a Reiki (Level I, II, III) Practitioner? That’s okay, all are welcome!! Join us to learn more about the beautiful world of Reiki and receive a memorable healing experience by like-minded and loving practitioners within your community.
Oak Grove Retreat Supporting Members are Free
Non-members- A recommended love donation of $25 is appreciated for operational costs
Registration required prior to the event.
Please wear comfy clothes and bring water, a journal, or any other personal items you would like to bless and charge with love and Reiki!
If you have any questions about this event, feel free to contact Kelly Rye for further info reiki.intuitive4444@gmail.com
If interested in becoming a Reiki (Level I, II, III) Practitioner, please contact Kelly for certification and attunements: reiki.intuitive4444@gmail.com - 949-701-6441
A Profound Sunday Event
May 25th at 2:00pm
Breathworks is a beautiful self-healing practice that utilizes the power of the cyclic-breath to bring us in touch with deep states of consciousness. The cyclic-breath is paired with an expansive music playlist (which varies from an hour to an hour and a half in time) that helps guide the experience even deeper into the self. Additional aromatherapies, energy therapy and sound healing such as drumming, the didgeridoo and tuning forks will also be utilized to further enhance the journey. A brief explanation of the science of the breath will be provided before the session starts and a reflective integration will be held at the end to allow anyone to share his or her experience.
Communal Breathworks has been born to reflect the unique spiritual community at Saint Anne’s. The chapel has served as a meeting point for a wide range of holistic healing techniques and spiritual seekers for years. The combined energy, ideas and individuals that make up this community have been the inspiration for this particular Breathwork practice.
James is a mental health, board certified holistic nurse by trade and breathwork facilitator by passion. Trained in Activate Breathwork and Integral Breath Therapy modalities, James has developed his own practice of Communal Breathworks. His approach utilizes acoustic sound healing (didgeridoo, buffalo drumming and tuning forks), light energy work and a custom tailored sound track to pace the 90-minute session. Integration is held afterwards to process the inner-personal and communal experiences that naturally develop. James lives in Greenville, North Carolina with his wife Susan, five dogs, four horses, three ducks, a sheep, a goat and one adopted gecko.
What to bring?
You will be laying down for the majority of the session, so bring a sleeping pad, yoga mat, pillows, blankets or whatever other warm and comfy materials you need to build your perfect nest!
Cost is $25.00 per person prepaid
or $35 at the door.
A Profound Sunday Event
June 1st at 2:00pm
Join us as we express ourselves on the drum and discuss things that are on our minds about ourselves and the world around us.
No drumming experience is needed, just an openness to expressing yourself in new ways. Loaner drums are available along with other percussion instruments.
The history of drumming is long and varied, with drums appearing in many ancient cultures and serving a variety of purposes:
Spiritual ceremonies: Drums were used in rituals to connect with the divine and infuse spiritual energy.
Communal gatherings: Drums were used to foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among tribe members.
Communication: Drums were used to convey messages and coordinate activities within and between communities.
All of these are needed today as much as they were needed in the past.
Supporting Members are free.
Others $10 at the door.
Additional donations are accepted to help cover costs
Join us in an experiential weekend where you will learn a step by step process for bringing your dreams to life and your intentions to fruition led by Michael Lightweaver of Mountain Light Sanctuary. Michael has offered his teachings for over 25 years at Mountain Light, which is in the Pisgah National Forest, 35 minutes north of Asheville. Our lives are what we make them, consciously or unconsciously, according to our intentions and based on our beliefs about ourselves and the world. We are powerful creators - let's focus on consciously creating what we really want in life rather than running the disempowering subconscious programming and belief system that keeps us locked in fear, guilt, and anxiety.
Becoming a conscious creator allows us to change our perceptions and see them in a new light, a more positive light, one where we can respond in a more enlightened way. Raising our personal vibration impacts the collective. There has never been a more important time on earth to participate in this opportunity to impact our transformation. Change your perception from victim mentality to empowered sovereignty. Together we will rise.
Cost $175 per Person for the weekend.
Workshop runs from 10:00am to 5:00 on Saturday and includes a light lunch and and dinner
There will be time to meet and talk around the Campfire on Saturday night.
Workshop will continue at 10:00 on Sunday with a light breakfast and end at noon.
Camping is available on site in your tent or we have rentals. We have 2 Glamping Tents at $120 for the weekend or There are local hotels in Tarboro or Rocky Mount.
Michael will be available for one on one sessions Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Email him to discuss your needs and schedule the session. lightweave@aol.com
Mindful Youth Day Camp - (Ages 5-9, & 10-14 years old)
Monday -Thursday
June: 9th -12th,
July: 14th -17th, & August: 4th -7th
Oak Grove Retreat is opening its beautiful and historic lands to help bring mindfulness and peace to our wonderful youth and generations to come. This summer we are excited to now offer a 4 day “mindful packed” youth camp, to explore profound ways to help us all be more mindful and present in our growing lives.
Mindfulness- What does it mean?
Mindfulness is simply... noticing what is happening right now.
Mindfulness is about taking notice of the present moment and all of your senses.
Mindfulness is also noticing what your mind is doing and feeling.
When you start to notice what is happening around you, it can help you to calm down when you’re sad, angry or frustrated.
Mindfulness helps you deal with tough emotions, and can also make you happy and feel good.
This youth day camp (4 days) will be centered around mindfulness and being in the present moment. Helping to bring fun andinteractive ways to integrate more peace and calm into our children's lives (as well as our own).
Activities Include:
Mindful Breathing- Mindful breathing is a staple when it comes to practicing mindfulness and the
foundation of many other exercises. This activity is a great way to bring calm to our minds, bodies, and
environments. As well as a fun way to explore our imaginations, as we guide the group through a visual
breathing meditation. Instructing to imagine a sailboat that rises and falls as they breathe; with each
inhale and exhale, the boat moves gently on top of the water. They also get an opportunity to visualize
their breath with a color and focus on the experience of their breath moving through their nostrils. Then
imagining that they are now a fish in the ocean. Paying attention to how it would feel to breathe through
their lungs for the first time!
Sensory Scavenger Hunt- This activity is a fun and interactive way to spend time in nature, as well as,
utilize all 5 senses. What sounds do we hear? What smells? Textures? While also teaching children to
pause and fully experience each discovery using their senses mindfully (rather than rushing to complete
the hunt). On this fun adventure, we will document our findings in a nature journal using drawings and
simple descriptions.
Bird Watching and Mindful Movement- This activity creates bird-inspired movements that combine
observation with gentle exercise. We will start by watching local birds, noting their specific movements.
Encourage kids to spread their arms like wings moving slowly while taking deep breaths. While also practicing different bird walks like the penguin waddle or flamingo balance. Including moments of stillness where children stand on one leg like a heron focusing on balance and breathing. While also
matching breathing patterns to bird movements: quick breaths for hummingbirds and slow breaths for
soaring eagles.
Nature Art- There are so many wonderful and calming ways to incorporate Art and Nature! Some of our
favorites include: Animal nature silhouettes, mandala rock paintings, tree “still-life” portraits, and even
collage painting with leaves! Which fun and mindful masterpiece will your child bring home?
Cloud Watching Meditation- (if weather permits)- This is a great activity to transform ordinary cloud
watching into a calming mindfulness practice. Encouraging to notice cloud shape patterns & movements
without judgment. Inviting each child to breathe slowly while imagining their thoughts floating by like
clouds. While incorporating simple prompts like “What animal shapes do you see?” or “How fast are the
clouds moving?” to help maintain engagement. This practice helps develop focused patience & creativity
while connecting with nature’s ever-changing patterns.
"Be a Tree" grounding exercise- Where we simply pretend to be tall, strong trees. Watching our roots
grow deep into the earth, while helping us whenever we need to feel grounded and balanced.
And so many more mindful activities!
Activities will be guided by our very own Kelly Rye and our lovely Oak Grove staff. Kelly has 9+years in youth and early childhoodcdevelopment. Which includes her experiences working as an elementary school art teacher (grades ranging K-5th) and a youth camp art counselor in Greenville, NC.
Now with a holistic approach, she continues her passion of combining art and mindfulness, in hopes that we find the potential to create positive change—offering a roadmap for navigating the challenges of our time. Learning to embrace the present moment, we can lay the foundation for a mindful future—one where conscious choices become the norm, and the well-being of the planet is safeguarded for ourselves, our communities, and the generations yet to come.
“Mindful children, become mindful youth, become mindful adolescents, who become mindful adults”. - Unknown
Mindful Group Options: The 2025 Mindful Youth Camp is a daily drop off camp program (9am-4pm), with no overnight options. Each camp is 4 Days - 9am-4pm - no overnight (single day options available, if your child cannot attend the full 4 day camp week).
Children will be separated into 2 mindful Groups, dependent on age. Both groups will be catered around activities to
introduce young children to all areas of mindfulness, including breathing, sensing, calmness, and more! We ask that all children enrolling in the program camps be potty trained. Space limited (20 maximum per group).
Young Seekers: Ages 5-9
Growing Explores: Ages 10-14
Volunteer Option: Ages 15 and up (We are seeking ambitious and dedicated youth and adults, to assist with our youth
educational programs. Volunteers will help staff with a variety of tasks, as well as serving as assistants to camp staff and
instructors. To apply, please email: st.annes.oakgrove@gmail.com).
Camp Dates & Details:
June: 9th - 12th (Monday - Thursday)
July: 14th - 17th (Monday - Thursday)
August: 4th - 7th (Monday - Thursday)
Full 4 Day week -$222 per child & per camp dates
$566 for all 3 Weeks
Contact us for rates on partial weeks or individual days.
Memberships begin at $120 for the year and offer many discounts and perks to all of our Oak Grove events and
programming, including a 20% discount on this and future events. Membership ensures you will receive discounts on classes for an entire year!
To get more information on our membership packages please visit: www.oakgrove-retreat.com/plans-pricing
Sibling Discount: The sibling discount will give $10 off each camp registration, after the first child. The discount is available for siblings enrolling in camps during a single transaction. It CANNOT be transferred or back dated. There are no limits on how many times it can be applied as long as these requirements are met.
Scholarship Discount: A limited number of full and partial scholarships will be available. Scholarships are based on financial need. For more information, to receive a scholarship application, or to donate to our scholarship fund please contact Kevin Wilson, Programs Director at Oak Grove Retreat, via email st.annes.oakgrove@gmail.com.
Additional Details:
● During camp we will have a scheduled snack time (9:45am) and lunch break (12:45). Due to diet restrictions and
allergies, Oak Grove Retreat will not provide a snack or lunch. Parents/guardians are responsible for packing
snacks, lunch, and water for their camper.
● We encourage you to dress your children for mess and outdoor fun. Our daily activities will be both indoor and
outdoor, so please have your child dressed comfy yet active (with proper walking shoes). Indoor activities will be
inside our well air-conditioned St. Annes Chapel. Outdoor activities will be safely guided by staff in surrounding
grass areas, as well as our nearby zen nature trail, and labyrinth.
For more information or questions, please contact: Kelly Rye at gene.designs11@gmail.com or Oak Grove Retreat at st.annes.oakgrove@gmail.com
