Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest 2024

Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest 2024

Produced by Touch Mother Earth

#TouchMotherEarth returns with BEST Fest.

Calling All Adventure Seekers! Escape to the Magical BEST Fest!

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. Here's the line-up with over 100 activities.

BEST is:

Belonging - we support inclusion and all feeling 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 invigorating scent of pine 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, from 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 aficionado, or simply seeking a break from the ordinary, the BEST Fest's welcoming community embraces you with open arms. Find your vibe 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. Click the link below to 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.

‘BEST’ Fest

May 24th – 27th 2024.

(Renamed from Gathering of the ... and Positive Vibe Festivals).

BEST: Belonging, Emerging, Synergizing, Transforming

Produced by: Touch Mother Earth non-profit 

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.

Skip the hustle of finding the right location! Camp Sacajawea is nestled in the trees of Monmouth County, NJ (NOT Sparta, NOT Newfield).

HIGHLIGHTS

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:

LIVE MUSIC

On Saturday night the whole community comes together with special performances featuring headliners: drum and song artist Ubaka Hill, The Mystical Kirtan of Mirabai Moon and Sanford Mack & Friends. Then join us around the fire for an intense drum circle.

Sunday brings us another full day of continuous entertainment! Additional music performances on Sunday evening feature favorites Tony and the Trees and Gaia Raga.

Also performing over the weekend will be local favorites Tommy and Mommy, Swardas and Friends, Dennis McDoNoUgh, Sawmill Run Old Time Band, Scott Pehnke, Amanda Conti, and special guest: Bele Bele Rhythm Collective featuring Drumlady Kristen Arant, with other artists TBA.

Stay tuned for the full daytime music lineup and get ready to dance to your favorite bands!

Over 40 Workshops, Classes & Circles:

• Deepen your practice: Flow into yoga classes with Bharati Carla, Veronica Carpenter, and others. 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.

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.

Last year's festival drum circle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJS_OIAh9dg

Video Drum, Dance & Music:

https://youtu.be/6R1Q_k9TkFI?si=hkg128bYti23Dlyw

Video Info:

https://youtu.be/tM_ur59ZL5A

DRUM n DANCE

• Pulse to the rhythm: Renowned instructors like Ubaka Hill, Mamoudou Konate Simbo, Yahaya Kabore, Yahya Kamate, Drum Lady Kristen Arant, Remmi Nicole, and Clyde Williams Jr. Each lead djembe classes that will set your hands alight. Expand your sound with a frame drum class or delve into the ancient rhythms of a Middle-Eastern Doumbek workshop (tentative).

• Move with grace: Find your inner fire with African dance led by Audrey Davis-Dunning and belly dance with esteemed teachers like Audie OS, and Bridgette Dance, and a special class with Lois Wilson! More to be announced.

• Unleash the music: Let the beat carry you into the night with drum circles around the fire after the night concerts.

Our Drum n Dance program is sponsored by Hub City Drum n Dance of New Brunswick, NJ. 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.

GRAB YOUR SPOT NOW - ALL WORKSHOPS are INCLUDED

The highest prices will be at the gate.

Also returning, African dance instructor Audrey Davis-Dunning with drummer  Victor Marshall and belly dance teachers Audie OS, Bridgette Dance, Lois Wilson, and others TBA! 

Immerse yourself in the magic of music, love, friendship, spirit, nature, and acceptance. Make new connections with the diverse, mindful culture of people, workshops, classes, and performances plus shopping found at the Touch Mother Earth BEST Fest 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 vibe, 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 delve 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.

Float from village to village.

Music Jam Stage

Sacred Moon Market

Drum N Dance Village

Mind Body Spirit Zone

Mother Earth Village

‍ Touch Mother Earth Kids

Sacred Moon Fire Camp

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.