upcoming Workshops & Retreats
A Songwriting Workshop & Evening with Kendra McKinley
May 2, 2026This is a day for making something. Join singer-songwriter Kendra McKinley for an intimate afternoon workshop — you'll write, get support, and if you want, share what you created at the open mic that evening over dinner. All levels welcome. No instrument required. $70 tuition includes dinner; sliding scale from $20 for Hudson Valley artists.
Total knowledge: bringing the gita to life
May 3-8, 2026Join Sheela and Ravi Shankar of Yoga Nidhi for a five-day meditation retreat at Hilltown Commons—part chanting, part study, part quiet replenishment. Centered on Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, each day weaves together verse exploration, yoga, breathwork, and meditation inside the serene Wisdom Roots Studio. Expect spacious afternoons, nourishing meals, and a gentle dive into Sankhya Yoga’s core teachings on purpose, devotion, and steady wisdom.
Pond Hill writers’ retreat: spring session
May 17-22, 2026Join us for the Spring 2026 session of the Pond Hill Writers’ Retreat, a six-day immersive workshop held at Hilltown Commons, a historic 100-acre nonprofit campus in Rensselaerville, NY. Overlooking forests and fields and just steps from the Huyck Preserve, the campus offers a stunning natural setting for deep creative work. Whether you’re developing a story idea, shaping a memoir, building a novel, or refining a screenplay or play, you’ll work closely with one of our accomplished instructors—Steven Rinehart, Sydney Sidner, or Barbara Jones.
Women and Gestalt Gathering
September 16-20, 2026Join us during the Autumn Equinox for the third Women and Gestalt Gathering. Together, we’ll explore what it means to show up fully as women, as leaders, and as ourselves through a blend of structured and emergent practices rooted in Gestalt work. Across a series of guided and emergent practices, including embodied presence, relational mindfulness, and group dialogue, we’ll deepen our awareness, courage, and capacity to lead with intention.
All who identify as women are welcome.
Workshops in The UPPER Hudson VAlley
Hilltown Commons offers practical, hands-on workshops led by expert instructors in areas that range from traditional crafts to scientific exploration. We believe that lifelong learning is at the heart of human growth. That's why we offer the opportunity to explore new subjects through a mix of individual practice and collaborative group time.
About Our Workshops
WORKSHOP Structure
Led by expert educators and practitioners, each workshop is designed to be interactive and participatory.
Small group sizes ensure personalized guidance and meaningful collaboration.
Sessions balance instruction, hands-on practice, and reflection to deepen learning.
What’s Included
All-inclusive tuition packages cover:
Educational instruction and materials
Lodging in our cozy campus accommodations
Fresh, seasonal meals prepared on-site
Optional add-ons (like private instruction or special excursions) may be available for certain workshops.
Session Length & Schedule
Workshops vary from half-day to multi-day experiences.
Most multi-day sessions run 2–3 days, with immersive activities each morning and afternoon, plus optional evening programming.
Clear schedules and thoughtful pacing help participants fully engage without feeling rushed.
Community & connection
Connect with fellow participants through shared meals, campfires, and group activities.
Build lasting friendships and professional connections in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Leave not just with new skills, but with a deeper sense of connection to your craft, to others, and to the natural world around you.
Sample DAy Schedule
Breakfast at the Pub
7:45 am
Optional Yoga or Guided Hike
8:45 am
Instruction Time
9:45–12:15 pm
Lunch at the Pub
12:45 pm
Deep Learning Time
2 – 4 PM
Activities (Swim, Kayak, Hike, Write, Draw, Tennis, etc.)
4:15 PM
Dinner at the Pub
7 PM
Bonfire & S’mores
8:30 PM
Karaoke (keep on going!) or Wind Down (get your beauty rest!)
10 PM
In 2025, our programs included:
Creative writing (fiction & nonfiction)
Art, drawing, and cyanotype printing
Stone wall building
Mushroom foraging
Stargazing and night sky exploration
These are just a few examples of the hands-on, immersive experiences our participants have enjoyed.
Interested in Hosting a Workshop?
If you'd like to lead a workshop or join us as an instructor, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at info@hilltowncommons.org
