Question 1

What is The Eden Year?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How is the year structured?

Accepted Answer

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.

View Weekly Alternating Format

Question 3

When does the Program start?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do students earn a certification?

Accepted Answer

The Eden Year is a formative discipleship program and does not grant any state-recognized certification, professional license, or credential to practice counseling or teach in a licensed capacity.

Throughout the year, students engage in prayerful, structured study using trusted resources such as Equipped to Counsel from the Association of Biblical Counselors, journal materials from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), and Jordan Peterson’s Self-Authoring program. Alongside academic study, students gain meaningful hands-on experience in herbalism, gardening, and homemaking—cultivating both practical skills and spiritual resilience.

Upon faithful completion of all program requirements, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion recognizing their commitment and participation in The Eden Year.

Question 5

What skills will I gain?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What is included in the tuition?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is the total tuition?

Accepted Answer

Eden Year tuition: $3,900

Question 8

What additional costs should I expect?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is the Tuition & Withdrawal Policy?

Accepted Answer

Tuition & Withdrawal PolicyThe Eden Year is designed as a full-year program, and enrollment represents a commitment to participate for the entirety of the program year. Because each cohort is intentionally small, every enrolled student holds a place that is no longer available to another applicant. Program planning, materials, instruction, and financial commitments are made based upon confirmed enrollment.Registration/Application FeeThe registration/application fee secures a student’s place in the cohort and is non-refundable, except in the event that The Eden Year is unable to offer the program.Withdrawal Before August 1Students who withdraw in writing on or before August 1 will not be responsible for future tuition payments. The registration/application fee remains non-refundable.Withdrawal After August 1Beginning August 2, enrollment constitutes a financial commitment to the full Eden Year program.If a student withdraws after August 1, tuition already paid is non-refundable. In addition, 50% of the remaining unpaid tuition balance for the program year will be due upon withdrawal.This policy reflects the year-long nature of The Eden Year and the significant planning and financial commitments made based upon each student’s enrollment, while also allowing some flexibility when circumstances make continued participation impossible.Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of The Eden Year in cases of significant unforeseen circumstances.Payment & Late FeesTuition payments are due according to the payment schedule selected at enrollment. Payments not received within 10 days of the due date may be assessed a $25 late fee. Please communicate promptly if an unexpected circumstance affects your ability to make a payment.By enrolling in The Eden Year, the student and/or financially responsible party acknowledges that The Eden Year is a full-year commitment and agrees to the Tuition & Withdrawal Policy above.

Question 10

Is this a technology-free program?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Who leads the program?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What’s the time commitment outside of class?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What do I need to bring for Week A ( Herbalism & Homemaking)

Accepted Answer

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

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Question 15

What do I need to bring to week B  ( Spiritual Formation)

Accepted Answer

3 ring binder

Laptop

Journal

ABC Equipped to Counsel Book

Homework (usually a journal article)

Bring your own lunch

View Alternating Weekly Format

Question 16

Statement of Faith

Accepted Answer

We affirm the following truths as foundational to our faith and identity:

The Scriptures

We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and life.

The One True God

There is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power, glory, and deity. God is the Creator, sustainer, and Ruler of all.

God the Father

God the Father is infinite in being, holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He is personal and caring, sovereign over all, hears prayer, and saves those who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

God the Son

Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught with authority, died a substitutionary atoning death, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, intercedes for His people, and will return personally and visibly in glory.

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers all who believe. He indwells every believer, providing guidance, gifts, and fruit for life and service.

Humanity

All human beings are created in God’s image but fell into sin—both by nature and by choice. As such, we are separated from God and under condemnation unless reconciled through Christ.

Salvation

Salvation is a gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Repentance and faith are the response we make to God’s gracious call. Salvation includes forgiveness of sins, new birth, and eternal life.

The Church

The Church is the universal spiritual body of which all believers are members; Christ is its head. We believe Jesus instituted two ordinances: baptism (by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper (Communion), which the Church is to observe.

Christian Living

Believers are called to live holy lives. The Holy Spirit works in us to produce His fruit (love, joy, peace, etc.), to convict of sin, and to enable us to serve God and others. We believe in the present-day exercise of biblical gifts of the Spirit for the building up of the Church.

The Future

We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to the earth. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment—eternal blessing for the righteous, and eternal separation for those who reject Christ’s free gift.

THE EDEN YEAR - FAQs

Frequently asked questions