About

Our History

On the traditional and contemporary lands of the Lenape Nation, the property resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is sustainably cared for by the descendants of the founders of Highlights for Children, Garry and Caroline Myers. Their farmhouse is located here, which is still operational for lodging and gathering space as part of the facility.

The property is rich in family history, and a wonderful place that feeds the mind, body, and soul. It’s tucked in the northern-most terrain of the Pocono Mountains, situated a couple of hours away from NYC and Philadelphia.

The Highlights Foundation was founded by Garry and Caroline’s grandson Kent Brown in 1985, offering a weeklong summer workshop for children’s authors and illustrators at the Chautauqua Institution in New York.  In 2000, the Foundation started offering smaller workshops and retreats for the children’s publishing community on these grounds year round, building more facilities and spaces to support operations.

The Highlights Foundation still calls the Barn & Retreat Center at Boyds Mills home, but has expanded use of the grounds in order to support the organization’s goals. 

We hope you enjoy your time here!  You’ll find many references to our “Highlights” history and our roots in children’s publishing across the property.

Commitment to Sustainability

The Barn & Retreat Center at Boyds Mills is committed to our efforts in conservation and sustainability.  We’ve made several enhancements throughout the property for energy efficiency, and are currently undergoing a shift to primary solar energy.