MANY HANDS RETREAT:
A Craft Camp for Making & Being Made, Together
A 5-day witchy arts + crafts retreat for making things in company
November 23-27, 2026
Nectar Retreat on Bowen Island
Are you so bone tired that even if you slept for 100 years, you'd still need rest...
Does your fatigue not lift with sleep? Does it come from being the one who holds things together, who translates, who code-switches, who carries others, or often find yourself in assymetrical relationships?
What I want, when I am feeling like this, is not to be fixed. I want to find somewhere warm and make something with my hands, near people who are doing the same. To be at a table or on the floor with ink and paper, thread and cloth, and no other expectation but to play.
The Wall Street Journal calls craft retreats one of the most effective responses to burnout.
An arts and crafts camp for tired witches.
The act of making is one of the oldest available forms of return to the body, to attention, to the ordinary pleasure of a thing becoming. Spellwork also does this.
The work is where craft and ritual meet.
Many Hands is a five-day arts and crafts retreat on Bowen Island from November 23-27, 2026 for people who create, who practice, who carry a great deal and are in need of refreshment; who are ready to set some of it down for a few days in the company of others doing the same.
Led by Mimi Young, occultist, predictions consultant, and maker. Mimi holds a design degree from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, where she has since returned as a guest speaker, and attended an artist residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She owned and operated a quilt business before founding Ceremonie. Her work has been published in print and featured in Vogue and Goop.
Nectar Retreat Centre sits on 20 acres of temperate rainforest on Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island), a twenty-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver).
Many Hands: An Adult Camp for Witchy Makers
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hand embroidery
Miniature mint tin / matchbox dioramas and collaged paper crafts
Relief printing
Decorated stationery and letter sets
Bookbinding by hand
The Charms Box: a collaborative cabinet of curiosities built across the retreat, filled by every person in the room, taken home by each
Charm Box preparations and charm assembly
Daily animist divination and tea ceremonies
Evening “adult camp” circles by the fire telling fun ghost stories
Solo time for self-reflection and creative flow
Daily functional movement and yoga for stress management led by Andrea Clark
A session of forest bathing and contrast therapy at Mist Thermal Sanctuary
Time by a covered fire pit surrounded by the forest
Each day holds one art/craft activity and one ongoing one. The ongoing project is the Charms Box: a beechwood box that begins empty on the first afternoon and leaves full on the last morning, filled by everyone in the room. Each participant contributes to every Charms Box. What you leave with is part cabinet of curiosities, part keepsake chest, part ritual object; a box of compartments holding small, beautiful, strange, or useful things that other people brought or made with you in mind.
The daily art/craft practice will change each day, working through materials that are simple enough to begin without experience and deep enough to lose yourself in creativity and play. The witchcraft layer is present for those who want it and invisible to those who don't. Ritual is designed into the structure of the days. Seasoned makers and curious beginners are all welcome.
You will leave with a full Charms Box, a rested body and spirit, a few things you made with your hands that you did not expect to love, and some people you will want to keep.
What Each Day is Made of
day 1
Arrive and Stitch
day 2
Make Your Mark
day 3
Tend and Cultivate
day 4
Gather and Bind
day 5
Full and Returned
INCLUDED IN THE CRAFT RETREAT
5 days (4 nights) accommodations at NECTAR RETREAT CENTRE , Bowen Island, BC (just a 20 minute ferry ride from Vancouver).
Organic, nutrient-dense, and delicious plant-based traditional meals.
Daily course programming and handouts
Their own Charms Box container made out of beechwood
A selection of raw ingredients and materials for arts and crafts making. (Participants will also receive a list of additional supplies they need to source themselves).
Daily Daoist tea sits (herbal tisanes also available)
Solitude and stillness for personal art making
Group gatherings with life-direction mediumship messages by Mimi Young
Morning gentle, functional movement and yoga for stress management with Andrea Clark (see below)
Hot Sauna and Cold Plunge Circuit at Mist Thermal Sanctuary
A gorgeous covered fire pit at Nectar for between/after session hang-outs
OPTIONAL PRIVATE SESSIONS
Private sessions with Mimi are available during the retreat at 20% off the standard true cost rate and subsidized rates. Choose from SHAMANIC READINGS, FIVE ELEMENTS ZODIAC READINGS, and PRIVATE MENTORSHIP SESSIONS.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
This retreat does not include transportation to or from the venue. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own travel.
Ferry schedules can be found on BC Ferries’ website TO BOWEN, and returning TO VANCOUVER. It is advised to check BCFERRIES.COM frequently as the retreat approaches as BC Ferries update their schedules regularly.
Travellers arriving from outside Canada are responsible for researching their own eligibility to enter Canada, including any visa, travel authorisation, immunization, or entry requirements applicable to their citizenship, travel or medical history. Ceremonie is not able to advise on immigration or medical matters.
A complete list of materials will be provided upon registration.
MANY HANDS:
ARTS+ CRAFTS RETREAT ON BOWEN ISLAND
Itinerary
-
Check-in and Venue Tour
Welcome Snacks
Orientation + Land Acknowledgement
Opening Tea Circle
First Gathering, Erecting Altar
Dinner
Gentle Somatic Movement Evening Practice
Quiet Time
-
Gentle Somatic Movement Morning Practice
Breakfast
Tea as Portal: Opening to Receive
Many Hands Session 1
Lunch
Fall forest walks or Optional Private Sessions
Many Hands Session 2
Dinner
Open ended arts and crafts practice
Evening Fire Circle with ghost stories and laughter
Quiet time
-
Gentle Somatic Movement Morning Practice
Breakfast
Tea as Portal: Opening to Receive
Many Hands Session 3
Lunch
Fall forest walks, Fluid Solo Time, or Optional Private Sessions
Many Hands Session 4
Dinner
Open ended arts and crafts practice
Evening Fire Circle with ghost stories and laughter
Quiet time
-
Gentle Somatic Movement Morning Practice
Breakfast
Tea as Portal: Opening to Receive
Many Hands Session 5
Lunch
Fall forest walks or Optional Private Sessions
Open ended arts and crafts practice
Dinner
Open ended arts and crafts practice
Witnessing + Celebration
Market (optional)
Quiet time
-
Gentle Somatic Movement Morning Practice
Breakfast
The Charms Box Ceremony
Altar Releasing
Closing + Benediction
Schedule is subject to change.
LOCATION
MANY HANDS CRAFT CAMP is held in November 2026 will be held at the acclaimed Nectar Retreat, featured by NYT and Condé Nast Traveler, on Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island, BC). Set on 20 acres of pristine forest within the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, Nectar offers a tranquil, nature-forward escape with modern comforts just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. This retreat also includes a hot sauna and cold plunge at Nectar’s sister venue, Mist Thermal, for a memorable experience.
Four lodging options are available, along with payment plans. More under the Retreat Investment section.
MEALS
Immerse yourself in mouth-watering, plant-based global-traditional cuisine, prepared onsite at Nectar Retreat Centre with locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the season. These nourishing dishes aim to kindle warmth within, fostering a deeper connection to yourself and the land. Nectar is a meat and fish-free facility, and can accommodate meals to most allergies and dietary needs.
MOVEMENT
Each morning begins with a gentle movement session led by Andrea Clark, designed to release tension, support ease in the body, and set a pace for the day that feels sustainable rather than demanding. Andrea blends yoga disciplines with Pilates, functional movement, and the flowing motions of Gyrotonic to create sessions that work for all bodies and all ages. Whether you come carrying physical tension or simply want a grounded way to begin each day, these sessions offer relaxation exercises for stress that ask nothing more of you than showing up.
Why I created this adult craft camp
MEET MIMI
Hello! My name is Mimi Young, a Taiwanese Canadian animist spirit medium and the founder of Ceremonie. I hold a design degree from Emily Carr University of Art and Design and attended an artist residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Making things with my hands has always been part of how I think.
I created this retreat for the person who is rarely centred in their own life. Who organizes, carries, translates, and performs, and does all of it well, and is exhausted in a way that ordinary rest does not reach. A few days of unhurried making, in the company of others who are also here to rest and to make. Perhaps for you, it’s the thing you have been needing for a very long time without knowing how to ask for it.
The comfort of making things alongside people who understand its potency.
INVESTMENT
This is a 5-day, 4-night retreat for up to 16 participants. Four lodging options are available, each with a payment plan or a lump sum option. Pricing includes:
accommodation
all meals
retreat programming
most supplies and raw materia
daily movement sessions
a 90-minute circuit at Mist Thermal Sanctuary
For more, see ““Highlights of What’s Included” section. The labour of researching, sourcing, and preparing is reflected in the fees. Thank you for understanding and supporting this work.
Participants signing up for retreat must read and consent to this agreement.
International travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet entry requirements for Canada.
GST is applicable for all transactions.
EMERALD ROOM
Shared - Most Affordable, In Lodge
SOLD OUT!
-
Located in the Main Lodge, the Emerald room features the option of a solo room with a double bed or as a shared room with separate twin beds, and shared attached bathroom.
SOLD OUT! -
Sleeps either 1 solo guest with a double bed or 2 shared accommodation guests with separate twin beds
Ensuite bathroom
Natural, locally-made toiletries
In-room Wi-Fi
Smart TV
-
Emerald is now SOLD OUT!
3-part payment plans are available until July 31.
Shared Accommodations:One payment of $2,500 ($2,175 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $125 plus tax when paid in full.
OR
Three payments of $875 ($2,300 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
Solo Accommodation:
For those who wish to have the room to themselves, a special solo occupancy rate is extended in lieu of the full cost of up to two spaces.One payment of $4,250 ($3925 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $175 plus tax when paid in full.
OR
Three payments of $1,475 ($4,100 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
-
Clean, non-smoking facility
SHARED
SOLO
AMBER + TURQUOISE ROOMS
Private, In Lodge
SOLD OUT!
-
Located in the Main Lodge, this option features private rooms with double bed, with shared detached bathroom.
Both rooms sold out!
-
Each room sleeps 1 guest, double bed
Shared bathroom between both rooms
Natural, locally-made toiletries
In-room Wi-Fi
Smart TV
-
3-part payment plans are available until July 31.
One payment of $2,825 ($2,500 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $100 plus tax when paid in full.
ORThree payments of $975 ($2,600 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
-
Clean, non-smoking facility
A-FRAME CABINS
Private - Detached Units, Minimal
1 spot left!
-
Double bed in private A-frame cottage with shared detached washroom in separate Main Lodge.
Two A-Frames left
-
Each A-frame sleeps 1 guest, double bed
Covered front deck with year-round seating
Shared detach bathrooms, with showers (10 meters outside walk away)
Natural, locally-made toiletries
Wifi available in the Main Lodge
-
3-part payment plans are available until July 31.
One payment of $3,000 ($2,675 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $111 plus tax when paid in full.
ORThree payments of $1,037 ($2786 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
-
Clean, non-smoking facility
DELUXE COTTAGES
Shared or Private - Enriched Amenities
6 shared spots or 2 solo spots left!
-
Guests have the option to select solo or shared accommodations (with savings for shared options).
If solo accommodation is selected, you will have a queen size bed to yourself, with the ensuite bathroom for yoursef.
For those who select shared accommodations, beds will be srranged as single beds in semi-private cottage (max capacity 3 in each cottage), with shared ensuite bathroom.
-
Each cottage sleeps up to 3 guests, twin beds (see ‘Sleeping Arrangement’) OR if you’ve selected solo accommodation, you’ll have the entire cottage all to yourself!
Ensuite bathroom (double sinks, indoor shower, toilet)
Outdoor shower (available when temperatures are above 0 degrees Celsius)
Natural, locally-made toiletries
Mini fridge
Kettle, mugs, assorted teas
Indoor reading nook overlooking the forest
In-cabin Wifi
Private deck with reading chairs
-
3-part payment plans are available until July 31.
Shared Accommodations:
One payment of $2,975 ($2,650 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $100 plus tax when paid in full.
ORThree payments of $1,025 ($2750 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
Solo Accommodation:
The Deluxe Cottage accommodates up to three guests. For those who wish to have the cottage to themselves, a special solo occupancy rate is extended in lieu of the full cost of up to three spaces.One payment of $5,950 ($5,625 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax). Save $95 plus tax when paid in full.
ORThree payments of $2015 ($5720 + $325 Materials + Mist fee, plus tax).
-
For those who select the shared accommodation option, we encourage guests choosing this lodging option to book as a couple, with friends, or are open to making new ones.
Please also note one of the beds is located in the cottage’s loft; the guest staying in the loft must have full mobility and is comfortable going up and down a ladder. Please indicate at the time of registration if you are not comfortable with sleeping in the loft.
Clean, non-smoking facility
SHARED
SOLO
PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS - CHECK BACK LATER
Partial scholarships will be available in very limited quantities for shared accommodations only, for those who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial hardship. We ask that you hold yourself to personal honesty when applying.
We especially encourage applications from those facing systemic barriers to income, including people from marginalised racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ communities, those with diverse neurological abilities, and single parents in stretched circumstances.
Partial scholarships are not intended for those who can comfortably meet their basic needs, hold assets or investments, or benefit from class privilege.
