Welcome to the group!
You can connect with other members, get updates and share videos.
Packing Essentials:
Here's a starting point for your packing list:
Towels
Swimsuit (if interested in hot tub and sauna)
Comfortable clothing for various activities
Nature journal & colored pencils/pens
Sunscreen & Insect repellent
Headlamps or small camping lanterns
Reusable water bottle
Drums or your favorite musical instruments
Yoga mats & meditation cushions
Your own plates, cups, utensils
We'll send a final packing list with any additional details the week before the retreat.
Traveling in October
A friendly reminder that October is when the fall leaves change color in West VA, a destination for weekend retreats. This can lead to increased traffic and higher flight and rental prices. We recommend booking your flights/rental sooner rather than later. Dulles International airport, Baltimore Washington International (BWI), and Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA). Rental car and carpooling is recommended as you would need to drive to Mathias, West VA. Turo is a good cheap alternative for rental car.
Exciting News! Scholarships Awarded & Community Call
We were deeply moved by the passion and hunger for healing expressed by our scholarship applicants. To make it possible for us to accept all, we've asked scholarship recipients to contribute at least $100, and most have graciously agreed. After some consideration and budgeting, we've decided to accept all who applied for scholarships!
This is truly a community effort, and we're so grateful for their commitment.
Retreat Pricing Transparency
Since some members of our community were wondering about the pricing, saying it is too expensive.
We believe in being upfront about our pricing, especially since many in our Deaf community might not be familiar with the costs involved in running a retreat. Most 4 day retreats are averaged $2,000-$3,000 per person.
Here's a detailed look at where your contribution goes:
Breakdown of Costs (4-Day Retreat)
Lodging & Facilities Rental: $3000 - This covers the cost of securing a comfortable and inspiring space for our retreat.
Healthy & Nourishing Meals: $1600 - We prioritize wholesome, delicious food to fuel your body and mind throughout the retreat.
Retreat Team, Staff & Chef Salaries: $3600 - Our dedicated team works hard to create a transformative experience, nourishing our community with meals and wellness, so fair compensation is essential.
Materials & Supplies: $250 - This includes everything from extra yoga mats, drums, art supplies to ingredients for herbal teas and other enriching activities.
Business Operations: $500 - Website hosting, administrative fees, insurance, and other essential costs to keep things running smoothly.
Total Estimated Cost: $8950
Final Registration closes on October 5th
Please share this information, who might benefit from rewilding and nature connection! We're working hard behind the scenes (including fundraising, writing letters asking for sponsors) to make this happen, but your support in spreading the word is invaluable. Consider this an investment in your community, in Nature, and in the healing that is bound to happen!
Lodging Placements:
To make room for all of us, we have reserved two lovely Airbnb cabins close by and are working with Lost River Vacations to ensure space for some of you who opt to sleep in your mobile vans/campers or tents. We will be working on a form to send out for those who need special accommodations.
Schedule of Activities and Workshops:
We will be sharing the schedule next week once we have finalized our instructors and workshop offerings. If you were contacted to lead a workshop, please mark your calendar for Monday, October 7th to gather and discuss scheduling/offerings. Please confirm by this Doodle Poll.
Connect with Fellow Attendees:
We encourage you to go ahead and join this WhatsApp group to introduce yourself and communicate with each other, this is also the best way to also coordinate transportation/carpooling. The sooner you join, the easier we can coordinate information among you all!
Forms to fill out and deadlines:
Please sign the following forms by October 1st:
Liability Waiver Form: https://www.thegivingcypress.com/agreement
Health Information Form for the meals- click here
Excited to explore magic with you soon!
The ReWilding Nature Retreat Team - Summer, Michelle, Kayla