As the dust settles after retreat #2

I’m slowly landing after hosting my second Under the Stars retreat. Car unpacked, tents dried out, sleeping bags washed and put away, dishes cleaned, food stored, receipts reconciled, notes written, and more.

It’s amazing how much energy goes into the pre and post event phases, let alone the retreat itself.

For this reason, when my group of four was reduced to a group of two people only hours before the retreat began, I was heartbroken. 

For the duration of the weekend, I couldn’t allow myself think about the weeks of energy, the finances, the sacrifices I’d made, and everything I’d done to get this event off the ground. All I could do was focus on the two brave women who’d made it there despite their own fears and hesitations.

Despite the rain, the retreat itself was a huge success. It was practically a private camping experience, and because the numbers were so small, we certainly became well acquainted.

The rain made our tarping exercises all the more necessary, and clothing and gear was tested in real-life conditions. Even fire building was an extra challenge with wet wood, but that’s camping on the west coast!

I learned so much from this retreat about group dynamics, what landed and what could be refined, and just how much comfort and good food matters when it’s cold and damp. 

Though I was absolutely spent on Sunday afternoon, I’m excited about the next retreat. I was planning to host one at the end of July, but I realised with barely any time to advertise, it would be unlikely to fill. I also have a week-long paddling trip up in Kyuquot on Vancouver Island, and I’m excited to leave without the pressure of coming back to less than a week before another event.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any free weekends in August, so the next retreat will be September 11 - 13. I’m feeling positive about this date because it gives me plenty of time to market and reflect on what I learned this month. With two retreats under the belt, I also have more confidence that my business is having the effect I desired: providing women with more confidence in the outdoors and inspiring them to take on their own independent adventures.

Though it’s been the tough slog I expected as a first-time business owner, I’m proud of what I’m building. Although the momentum is slower than I’d like, I have a strong belief this business is heading in the right direction.

Teaching backpacking food basics under the pavilion