TENDER LOVE & COB:
A Natural Building & Natural Living Camp
sept 19-24 2025
sept. 19-24
Lumberton, MS
new & returning cob lovers welcome!
Our beautiful pond pavillion built with the steady guidance of Sage Stoneman over a period of 1.5 years is in need of some TLC–tender love and cob. Whether you just discovered us or were a part of the first 4 building workshops–
You are cordially invited to this beautiful pine forest on an ancient sand dune to dive into structural maintenance and finishing techniques for earthen buildings. We’ll use clay, sand, water and lumber from here on the land – a ripe opportunity to strengthen our bond to our bodies by working with the earth.
This is also an invitation to swim in the pond, skillshare with peers and stroll the lichen trails.
Consider your ticket a vote for your future self. You’re ready to advance into earth-centered lifeways that you’ve been dreaming, visioning, or working towards. This is not a retreat or escape from a life path that you will inevitably return to, but a step into the reality you’re building.
And while you will walk away with more confidence, skills, theoretical frameworks, and hands-on experience in natural building, our goal is to foster an interactive learning environment where you’re also invited to share your gifts and explore edges in all of your dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
There will be activities for all skill levels and physical capacities, and you are always welcome to step back and witness. All ages are welcome to participate, and we can make childcare available as needed. We seek to make our environment as accessible as possible, so please do share your needs with us and we will do our best to make the necessary accommodations.
Together and with the deep wells of support and guidance available on the land we will see what unfolds when we bring our full presence to our creative capacities and our desires to build the homes and communities of our dreams.
Sean Whalen will lead us in cob shenanigans and Grace Hart will give movement sessions to ignite play and sensory engagement.
Join Us To…
- explore what’s possible when we engage with life and nature from a perspective of collaboration and stewardship
- get hands-on with eco-village / intentional community living and connect with like-minded others
- invite deep playfulness, creativity, and whimsy into your week
- engage in real time building processes: tree felling, sawmilling, cobbing, wattle, and daub
- discover more authentic embodiment through guided movement sessions
- experiences healing and connection through grief ritual and dreamwork
Experience living close to nature and in community with folks from across the region and the nation as you gain new tools and insights.
take a moment to build skills for your future among folks with shared values in nature
share 2 delicious and healthy meals a day and build your community over the communal table (BYO LUNCH)
have kids? They’re more than welcome at the workshop! Just let us know on your registration form
Sliding Scale Pricing
alumni/returning – $250
full ticket – $285
partial work trade / discounted tickets – we have a limited number of worktrade/discounted tickets. Fill out this form by Sept. 1st if you are interested, we will prioritize marginalized folks and make decisions by Sept 4th.
child ticket – $110
Our ticket prices reflect the real-time costs of putting on this workshop while making sure our staff, caterers, and teachers get paid living wages. If you are able to pay for a ticket to donate to someone who can’t afford it, thank you in advance. Click here to learn more about these policies.
LODGING / ABOUT ALL YOU NEED
A tent camping site is included with your registration fee and includes access to hot showers, wifi, a shared community yurt where you can relax, read, charge your devices, play instruments, etc. Verizon works perfectly on-site, other carriers have more spotty service but typically folks can find somewhere to make and receive calls as needed. There will be a small community fridge available for necessary items only (i.e. medicines/special food needs).
If you are in need of camping gear we can provide you with a full set up for a small fee ($25).
Folks with campers/buses/vans are welcome just let us know before you arrive that you plan to bring one. If you would like access to an electrical hook-up or have a set-up larger than 25′, there is a small fee associated ($50).
We also have some limited indoor accomodations available for a fee, or if you have other special accessibility needs please let us know and we will see what we can do to accomodate you.
Meet Your Facilitators
Grace Hart is a New Orleans native whose lifelong passion for movement began in childhood with Delta Festival Ballet. In 2012, she moved to New York City to pursue a BFA in Modern Dance at Marymount Manhattan College, where she also deepened her practice of yoga and earned her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification.
After graduating in 2016, Grace returned to her hometown, where she has performed with a wide range of companies including Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, Marigny Opera Ballet, Delta Festival Ballet, and Lightwire Theater, with whom she toured both nationally and internationally.
Today, Grace continues to live and work in New Orleans, where she shares her artistry through performance and teaching. Grace also serves her community as a birth doula.
