Unforgettable Retreats!
Experience the cozy charm and warm hospitality of our Laurel River Club BnB Bed and Breakfast. We offer comfortable accommodations, delicious breakfasts, and a relaxing atmosphere. A wonderful place to plan your next retreat! We offer many experiences through the WV School of Traditional Skills.
Motivational Speaker
Marsha Waybright
Marsha is an incredibly accomplished and driven individual! As an award-winning entrepreneur and the creator and founder of multiple businesses and a non-profit organization, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership and innovation in her field. Her focus on agri-tourism in West Virginia showcases her commitment to both sustainable business practices and community development.
Marsha's down-to-earth and genuine nature demonstrates how she values authenticity and meaningful connections, which likely contributes to her success in inspiring and refreshing her audience. Whether through her businesses, non-profit work, or speaking engagements, she brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and relatability to everything she does. If you're looking for someone to invigorate and motivate your audience, Marsha is an excellent choice!
To book Marsha for your next event or to get more information call 304-402-7095
Team Work
CE Hours in a Relaxing Setting!
Immerse yourself in unparalleled learning and rejuvenation at our one-of-a-kind retreat-style CE (Continuing Education) experiences. Designed with the discerning veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, and certified animal euthanasia technician in mind, our programs not only provide exceptional learning opportunities but also offer the chance to earn CE hours in a setting unlike any other.
- Birds of Prey & How To Handle Them 8 CE hours
- Keeping Your Employees Safe 3 CE hours
- Therapy, Service, Emotional Support, What Do They Mean? 3 CE hours
Bring a group or inquire about a private class.
Digital Detox
Taking a break from technology, even just for a single day, can significantly boost productivity. A digital detox offers staff the opportunity to unwind and recharge, escaping the constant stream of social media alerts, emails, and news updates. This retreat is especially impactful for virtual teams or individuals working in the tech sector, providing a transformative experience that rejuvenates both mind and spirit.
Cooking
Nothing fosters camaraderie quite like preparing a meal and sharing it together. Research indicates that teams who cook together experience heightened social connection and creativity.
Cooking and baking have emerged as recommended stress-relief activities for individuals grappling with a myriad of health issues, including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, eating disorders, ADHD, and addiction.
How does cooking alleviate stress? According to a 2018 review, engaging in cooking (and baking therapy) offers numerous benefits for anxiety reduction and mood enhancement. These include fostering a sense of control and accomplishment, providing nourishment (both for oneself and others), and positively impacting socialization, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Therapy Animals
Extensive research has delved into the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy, and the findings are compelling: pets possess the remarkable ability to alleviate stress, anxiety, and offer comfort to patients. What's more, studies indicate that the positive effects of interacting with animals extend beyond those with clinical conditions. Overall, engaging with a pet has been shown to reduce distress and enhance mood, underscoring the universal benefits of these heartwarming interactions.
Hiking
In a recent study by Gregory Bratman, a renowned scientist, it was discovered that a 50-minute walk in a natural setting had remarkable benefits compared to an urban walk. Participants experienced decreased anxiety, rumination, and negativity, while preserving overall positivity. Additionally, their performance on memory tests improved. It's worth noting that the Allegheny Trail, the longest trail in West Virginia, conveniently passes through our farm, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the healing power of nature.
Crafts
Crafts possess a remarkable capacity for soothing and healing, even when original expression seems limited. Many crafting activities offer avenues for individuality and freedom of choice. Take embroidery, for instance: while it may adhere to a pattern, clients still have the autonomy to select designs, colors, and make modifications as they see fit. Moreover, as confidence in a skill grows, individuals can transcend structured patterns and embark on creating fully original works if they desire.
Birds of Prey
Our Falconry/Bird of Prey presentations are custom-tailored to suit the needs and interests of our audience. Whether you're curious about the ancient art of falconry, the ecological significance of raptors, or the fascinating capabilities of owls, we have the expertise and live birds to captivate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to engage participants in an immersive learning experience, separating fact from fiction and fostering a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures and their role in the environment.
Appalachian Herbalism & The Mountain Medicine Trail
Embark on a journey to uncover the rich traditions of West Virginia and embrace the art of country living. In our herbal experience, you'll delve into the heart of Appalachian culture, learning time-honored customs and practical skills that have been passed down through generations.
But country living is more than just tradition—it's a way of life that embodies resilience, self-reliance, and connection to the land. Our workshops offer hands-on lessons in sustainable practices, from gardening and homesteading to foraging and food preservation.
What is Mountain Medicine?
Mountain medicine commonly refers to the herbal and folk traditions of our region, an important component of our state’s history and our future. The forests of Appalachia have long been a resource for plants prepared as food and medicine - plants including ramps, ginseng, goldenseal, and black cohosh, among many others. For centuries, people have collected and used medicinal plants from the Appalachian forests. It is a practice that continues to this day in West Virginia, and we want to acknowledge the immense value of our forest pharmacy to those who call the these mountains their home. We also believe it’s important to recognize West Virginia's contributions supplying forest medicinals to meet the global demand for herbal products.
Horticulture Therapy
A recent study published in the Journal of Nursing Care revealed the significant benefits of horticultural therapy for Korean women residing in rural areas. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants engaged in biweekly sessions lasting 90 minutes, which included various activities such as flower viewing, sprout cultivation, and crafting with natural materials. Compared to a control group, those undergoing therapy reported notable enhancements in psychological well-being and an increased sense of hope. Additionally, participants developed interpersonal relationships, expressed positive sentiments, and demonstrated improved self-expression throughout the therapy sessions.
Firearms Safety
The essence of the term "Mama Bear" embodies the fierce, protective instinct that many mothers exhibit when safeguarding their children from perceived danger. At Mama Bear Protection, we empower you to channel that innate protective instinct into life-saving skills, enhancing not only the safety of your family but also that of your community. Because we firmly believe that knowledge is the ultimate form of protection.
In West Virginia, the freedom to carry firearms openly without a permit is a fundamental aspect of state law. This means that encountering firearms in our communities is a common occurrence. However, with this liberty comes the responsibility to understand how to safely navigate situations where firearms may be present.
In urgent or unforeseen circumstances where immediate action is necessary to protect lives and health, knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. At Mama Bear Protection, we recognize the critical importance of equipping ourselves and our employees with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage such situations.
Even if you don't personally carry a firearm, understanding how to stay safe in its presence is paramount. Our mission is to empower individuals and businesses with the necessary tools and strategies to navigate emergencies confidently and effectively.
From practical safety protocols to tailored defense plans, we provide comprehensive training and support to ensure that you are prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Because when it comes to emergency response, knowledge truly is your best defense.
Join us at Mama Bear Protection, where we prioritize your safety and well-being by empowering you with the knowledge and resources needed to protect yourself and those around you..
Working Farm
At its essence, care farming facilitates a profound connection with nature, offering inherent mental and physical health benefits while also providing a diverse array of activities. Research indicates that engaging in nature-based tasks such as gardening and farming, particularly in communal settings, can effectively elevate mood and alleviate anxiety.
Stargazing
Psychological research underscores the positive impact of nature on mental well-being, including stress reduction and enhanced attention span. Moreover, studies reveal that experiences evoking a sense of awe can stimulate altruistic behavior in humans. Astronomy lies at the intersection of these two phenomena—stargazing is a way for people to be exposed to natural environments, and perceiving and/or learning about the vastness of the universe is very often accompanied by an experience of awe.
