Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest
About the Event
Touch Mother Earth non-profit returns with BEST Fest May 24th - 27th 2024.
Escape the Ordinary, Find Your Vibe: BEST Fest Awaits!
May 24-27, 2024 | Camp Sacajawea, Farmingdale, NJ | Your Weekend Reset
Calling All Adventure Seekers! Escape to the Magical BEST Fest Memorial Weekend!
Are you tired of the daily grind?
Craving a 4-day weekend of transformative joy amidst nature's beauty?
Dive headfirst into the Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest, where unforgettable experiences bloom around every bend.
BEST is:
Belonging - we support inclusion where everyone feels welcome.
Emerging - participants learn, grow and blossom.
Synergizing - is the harmony that brings it all together.
Transforming - is manifesting what is learned.
Imagine:
• Swapping city noise for the rustling symphony of leaves. Breathe in the rich scent of the forest and feel the earth beneath your feet as you immerse yourself in the serene Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea forest in central New Jersey.
• A vibrant tapestry of experiences: From soulful workshops to pulsating drum circles, and heartfelt yoga sessions to mouthwatering healthy food, the BEST Fest caters to every desire. Get lost in the rhythm of live music, discover unique treasures at hand-picked vendor stalls, and share laughter with newfound friends.
• Unleash your inner explorer: Hike through sun-dappled trails, camp under a star-studded sky, or indulge in pampering massages and sound healing that melt away stress. We have something for every adventurer!
• A haven for all: Whether you're a seasoned yogi, a music lover, or simply seeking a break from the ordinary, the BEST Fest's welcoming community embraces you with open arms. Find your connection in villages like Music, Drum and Dance, Sacred Moon Mind-Body-Spirit, and Earth Camp, each offering a unique slice of the festival's magic. Leave the mundane behind and step into a weekend of wonder.
Secure your spot at the BEST Fest and get ready to:
• Rekindle your spirit in nature's embrace.
• Discover inspiring workshops and activities.
• Connect with a like-minded community.
• Create memories that will last a lifetime.
· Beats that move your soul: Live music all weekend long, from headliners like Ubaka Hill, The Mystical Kirtan of Mirabai Moon & Sanford Mack and friends to chill world beat sets under the stars. Plus, nightly drum circles so epic, that they'll break your Instagram.
· Workshops that level you up: Dive into yoga, meditation, dance, drumming, and more – unleash your inner artist, find your flow, and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
· Nature's healing embrace: Pitch your tent under the starry sky, explore the peaceful forest trails, and reconnect with the beauty. Breathe in the fresh air and exhale your worries.
· A marketplace of magic: Discover unique handmade treasures and local artisanal delights at the Sacred Moon Market – perfect for finding that perfect festival outfit or the ultimate self-care gift.
· Connecting with your vibe: Meet like-minded souls from all walks of life, share stories around the bonfire, and build lasting friendships that will go beyond the hashtag.
Plus, perks you won't wanna miss:
· Free public access on Monday ($5 parking fee per car): Sample the magic for yourself, even if you can't stay the whole weekend.
· All workshops are FREE and included with Entry!
· Kick things off with workshops, food, and a community drum circle that'll ignite your spirit.
· Five villages to explore: Music Village, Drum & Dance Camp, Mind-Body-Spirit Zone, Sacred Moon Market, and Earth Camp – each offering a unique vibe and experiences.
· Sustainable practices: Leave no trace and embrace eco-friendly initiatives throughout the festival.
This is more than just a festival; it's a chance to escape the ordinary, reconnect with yourself, and discover a community that welcomes you with open arms.
BEST Fest: A 4-Day Celebration of Music, Community, and Nature
Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend experience? Join the Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest from May 24th to 27th, 2024, at Monmouth County Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea in Farmingdale, NJ. This event promises a magical journey of music, workshops, dance, yoga, camping, delicious food, and new friends.
Immerse Yourself in the Magic
- Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
- Explore diverse workshops, including yoga, drumming, and forest activities.
- Enjoy live music from a variety of talented artists.
- Dance the night away at drum circles around the fire.
- Discover unique gifts and treasures from hand-selected vendors.
- Bond with a welcoming community of like-minded individuals.
Find yourself in a safe community where you can indulge in sound healing, embrace the tranquility of forest bathing, dance to live music and the rhythm of drums, practice yoga, participate in enlightening workshops, explore enticing vendor offerings, engage in activities for kids, and even opt for a camping adventure to fully unwind and soak it all in.
Camp Sacajawea is nestled in the trees of Monmouth County, NJ
(NOT Sparta, NOT Newfield).
See our short promo video: https://youtu.be/tM_ur59ZL5A
Bring a camp chair or drum stool, maybe a wagon, and enjoy an incredible festival weekend with your family and friends at Camp Sacajawea.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect at the BEST Fest:
Over 60 Workshops, Classes & Circles:
Deepen your practice: Flow into yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong classes or sound healing sessions held at the lake, in the woods, or in camp by respected teachers like Bharati Carla, Jaimie L. Adkins, Jeanette Sealy, Shaka Georges, Jayme Rose, Angela Miele, and Dmitriy Portnov, Ben Bakelaar. Learn about the magic of the forest with nature walks and activities led by Jim Furey, Stephen Hoog, Shakti Shae, and Wisteria Dawn.
• Ignite your child's imagination: Engage in a Kid's Intensive with Nancy Schroeck of Sunshine Farm and Learning Center, AnneMarie Dralus, and other passionate educators.
• Sip and savor cacao, sing traditional songs, and connect to the rich nature surrounding you with Leticia Gutievaz and honor Pachamama with Madame X to connect you with the spirit of the land.
• More to come! Stay tuned for announcements of exciting workshops!
Visit: www.TouchMotherEarth.com for updates and schedule.
LIVE MUSIC
On Saturday night the whole community comes together with special performances featuring headliners: drum and song artist Ubaka Hill, Jersey Shore icon Sanford Mack & Friends, plus returning favorites The Mystical Kirtan of Mirabai Moon. and Tony and the Trees.
Also, featured are Daniel Leyes and Guests, Kokopelli, Sawmill Run Old Time Band, and Scott Pehnke during the day. Then join us around the fire at night for an intense drum circle.
Sunday brings us another full day of continuous entertainment! Additional music performances on Sunday evening feature favorites Gaia Raga and Faye Adinda.
Joining them are Tommy and Mommy, Om Saloon. Daniel Leyes, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective featuring Kristen Arant, Whitney Kelly, State Street Dancers, Jipsee Aatma, Swardas and Scott Pehnke
Memorial Day 🥳 Monday will be local favorites, Dennis McDoNoUgh aka JUNG WOMBATS, Andreas Rebmann and Goodstock Jam Band, Scott Pehnke and the Touch Mother Earth All Stars featuring Swardas and Friends, Jipsee Aatma/
Monday is Memorial Day and is free to the public ($5 parking). We will blend live music and jam time on stage, offer even more yoga, have additional time to explore the woods, and offer dynamic workshops, plus spiritual connections in a safe, welcoming space
DRUM n' DANCE:• Pulse to the rhythm:
Ignite your fire: Masterclasses with renowned instructors like Ubaka Hill, Mamoudou Konate Simbo, Drumlady Arts + Activism Drumlady Kristen Arant, Remmi Nicole, Yahaya Kabore, Clyde K Williams Jr., and others will elevate your djembe and dun skills.· Join the frame drum class with Bharati Carla Haynes and Jim Dav! Find your groove: Unleash your primal beat with electrifying drum circles nightly around a crackling fire pit.
Friday night, we light the fire and dance or drum, facilitated by Tommy Purple Hayes, Mamoudou Konate Simbo and others.
Move with grace:
• African rhythms pulsate through your body: Dedicated instructors Audrey Davis-Dunning and the ignite the spirit and Tap Into Your Inner Warrior - a dance for Men and Women
• Belly dance like a goddess: Channel your inner Cleopatra with Bridgette Dance, Audie OS, Let your hips whisper ancient stories.
• Feel the rhythm in your body: Immerse yourself in the pulse of the music letting your body move spontaneously and freely with Monica Steffey’s improvisational dance.
• Lois Wilson guides you on a journey of self-expression accepting your body with movement, and Gina Marie offers Sacred Dance Art
Unleash the music: Let the beat carry you into the night with drum circles around the fire after the night concerts.
Hub City Drum n Dance of New Brunswick, NJ sponsors our Drum n Dance program. All dance classes are held at the Pavilion between the Drum n Dance camp and the lower Camper Parking Lot. All drumming takes place around a fire pit.
Immerse yourself in the forest and make new connections with the diverse, mindful culture of people, workshops, classes, and live music performances plus shopping found at the BEST Fest by Touch Mother Earth happening May 24th - 27th at Monmouth County Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea in Farmingdale (central NJ). Note, this is not up north- NOT Sparta ( NOT Sussex County).
PARKING is at the Program Activity Center 127 Yellow Brook Road, Farmingdale, NJ
The festival is not just a fun experience, not just a learning experience, it’s a bonding experience where your facilitators, teachers, leaders, vendors, and others are all together in the communal forest. You get to come for a day or camp, hang out with a tribe, learn together, share meals, and talk together in one place and all workshops are included!
- Mind-Body-Spirit: Find your inner peace by the lake or within the camp itself.
- Mother Earth: Explore nature's wonders, and help adults and children dive into the forest's mysteries.
- Sacred Moon: Immerse yourself in ceremonies, rituals, and workshops that honor the divine feminine.
- Drum and Dance: Let your rhythm flow at the fire circle or move your body at the pavilion.
- Music Jam Stage: Non-stop excitement & entertainment with groups & individual performers.
👧 Touch Mother Earth Kids 🎸
🍲 Food vendors 🥦 will be onsite or you can bring your own. We will have vegetarian/vegan food, drink, and snacks available! We have flush toilets, compost toilets, outdoor swimsuit showers, picnic tables, and pavilions onsite. Weekend campers may use the onsite grills. We are a pack-in, pack-out camp so plan to take the general trash and recycling away.
SHOP OUR 50 HAND-SELECTED VENDORS
Find unique gifts and treasures at the Sacred Moon Market, Drum and Dance Camp, and Mind Body Spirit Zone with custom silver, gold, wrapped jewelry, beads, homemade wellness products, room sprays, soaps, salves, tinctures, oils, crocheted items, tote bags, customized African jean jackets, scarves, and clothing, tie-dye items, and inspired fashions of Asia.
You will also find hand-blown glass, pottery, ceramics, crystals, gemstones, minerals, fossils, botanicals, teas, art, prints, African tapestries, wood carvings, flutes, drums, books, incense, smudge, candles, angel, tarot, and oracle cards, Runes, medallions, charms and pendants, readers, chair and Thai massage, Shiatsu, muscle testing, sound and energy healers, BioMat sessions, and more!
Support your local artists and bring some cash 💰.
Doors Open to the Public
3 pm - 11 pm on Friday
10 am - 11 pm Saturday
10 am - 11 pm Sunday
9 am - 4 pm Monday
HAVE QUESTIONS? VISIT: https://touchmotherearth.com/best-fest
ALL WORKSHOPS INCLUDED! Schedule
🎫 Details, vendor forms, and more are up on our website:
THIS IS FARMINGDALE, NJ-- MONMOUTH COUNTY, NOT Sussex County.
Sorry, no dogs or other pets. This is a drug and alcohol-free event. Smoking at the designated area by the parking. Outdoor showers, water provided (bring non-disposable containers), fire pit in each camp area, wood supplied. Food trucks will be available.
Organized by Touch Mother Earth non-profit, and Garden of Healing and Wellness. See more about each at
https://www.instagram.com/TouchMotherEarth/
#TouchMotherEarth
#TouchMotherEarth2024