THE EDEN YEAR - FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The Eden Year is a nine-month immersive program for young women (ages 17-24) designed to cultivate biblical wisdom, practical homemaking and herbal skills, emotional resilience, and spiritual formation. Through a rhythm of rotating weeks—Herbalism/Homemaking and Rooted Wisdom/Soul Work—students engage both hands and heart in becoming rooted, redeemed, and ready for life’s next season.
The Eden Year Program runs August 27,2026 through June 3, 2027 with spring, fall, and holiday break.
Students meet one day a week for 5 hours and will have 3-4 hours of weekly take home assignments. The schedule alternates:
Week A: Herbalism and Homemaking — hands-on learning in natural medicine, gardening, homemaking, and stewardship.
Week B: Rooted Wisdom Study and Soul Work — biblical wisdom study, Self-Authoring journaling, Examen prayer, and biblical counseling concepts for personal growth.
There is also a monthly Saturday Land Stewardship Day (the first Saturday of every month) focused on community work and cultivating stewardship skills.
These programs will be run on a schedule of alternating weeks - Thursdays, August 27, 2026 through June 3, 2027, with spring, fall and holiday break.
No formal certification is awarded. However, students complete robust coursework drawing from trusted resources including Equipped to Counsel from the Association of Biblical Counselors, the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) journal articles, and Jordan Peterson’s Self-Authoring program. They also gain extensive hands-on experience in herbalism, gardening, and homemaking that fosters both practical and spiritual resilience.
Herbal medicine making (tinctures, salves, teas, infused oils, etc.)
Seasonal gardening and native plant identification
Natural homemaking and home care skills
Emotional processing and goal setting (guided journaling)
Biblical wisdom and counseling principles for relationships and decision-making
Community living and stewardship
Your tuition covers:
Weekly five-hour, in-person gatherings (rotating topics)
Access to private land and trails for unplugged learning
Knowledge of native plants, how to ethically harvest, and identification skills
Access to an extensive herb garden
Practical, accessible harvesting charts (compiled by Lorena)
All materials for herbal remedies, teas, salves, and homemaking projects
One retreat (lodging, meals, supplies included)
Branded Eden Year gear
Weekly snacks and herbal teas
Guided journaling, prayer, and personal biblical formation
Mentorship and discipleship community
A completed Materia Medica binder filled with students’ plant monographs
Recipes and instructions for salves, oils, infusions (hot/cold), decoctions, steams, and baths
A resource list of trusted herbal medicine books and medicinal seed suppliers
Students keep all herbal products they make during the program.
Students will need to purchase or access:
Equipped to Counsel book by John Henderson ($59)
CCEF Journal Subscription ($21) and have access to a printer for journal articles
Jordan Peterson’s Self-Authoring Suite ($29.90) access to a laptop or tablet for self authoring journal time
Jordan Petersons Understand Myself Personality test $9.95
Two 2” three ring binders (one for Week A and one for Week B) with divider tabs
A multi media nature journaling notebook, pencils
Each student will be responsible for printing their own material and homework and must have access to a printer and computer.
Each Eden Year gathering is an invitation to slow down and be fully present. To help cultivate this space, we gently set aside technology for the day—phones and screens are tucked away so our attention can rest in God’s creation, meaningful connection, and the work of our hands. It’s not about restriction, but about making room to notice, listen, and breathe deeply.
*Exceptions are; when utilizing the self-authoring suite or using technology for research purposes.
Lorena Bowers, a Certified Biblical Counselor, Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider and traditional herbalist, facilitates the program. She combines experience in biblical counseling, herbalism, and homemaking, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the year.
Students should expect 3-4 hours a week for readings, journaling, or projects depending on the topic for that week. The program is designed to be immersive yet manageable alongside part-time work or other responsibilities.
Prospective students complete an application and interview, including a statement of faith and a commitment to community standards. Space is limited to 10 students to maintain a close-knit cohort.
Your own garden shears
Garden gloves (with leather finger tips preferred)
Close toed shoes that are good for hiking
Notebook, sketch pad, pencils
3 ring binder
Water Bottle
Bring your own lunch
Optional: hat, sunscreen, bug spray
3 ring binder
Laptop
Journal
ABC Equipped to Counsel Book
Homework (usually a journal article)
Bring your own lunch