WHAT SETS THIS RETREAT APART

This isn't only a camping trip. It's a carefully crafted experience blending adventure, reflection and celebration:

• Challenge yourself in the stunning Big Sur River Gorge, navigating the cool flowing waters and scrambling over smooth river stones—a physical journey that mirrors motherhood itself: navigating uncertain terrain, finding your footing on shifting ground, and discovering refreshing moments of joy in challenging passages

• Connect deeply with a supportive circle of fellow mothers while sharing stories around the evening campfire, participating in guided group reflections, and exchanging meaningful handmade gifts that honor each woman's unique journey

• Create space for personal renewal through gentle morning yoga overlooking the Pacific, guided meditations, and private journaling sessions with beautiful journals and art supplies provided for each participant (yours to keep as a lasting reminder of your experience)

• Celebrate your journey with simple yet meaningful rituals including the river stone ceremony where you claim a word that represents your strength, the exhilarating cold plunge that awakens your senses and courage, and the liberating voice release exercise that invites you to be heard in your fullness

• Explore breathtaking landscapes with short, accessible hikes to the turquoise waters of McWay Falls (an 80-foot waterfall that pours directly onto the beach) and a sunset walk to the pristine shores of Andrew Molera State Beach

• Indulge yourself with a farewell celebration brunch at the charming Big Sur Bakery, savoring French-inspired cuisine and toasting to new friendships and renewed spirits

• Commemorate Mother's Day your way—honoring your authentic self with handcrafted treasures you create during our art sessions, giving yourself permission to receive rather than always give

ITINERARY (subject to change due to weather/trail conditions, park closures, etc)

SATURDAY: Meet at 11:30 a.m. at the trailhead to the Big Sur River Gorge for a unique adventure. Afterward, set up camp at Andrew Molera State Park and then visit the beach for sunset and exploration. Group dinner back at camp followed by fireside relaxation, music, art and journaling.

SUNDAY: Morning yoga at the beach, followed by packing up. Visit McWay Falls for a scenic, short hike. Finish with a farewell brunch at Big Sur Bakery before everyone heads home.

DIFFICULTY

Most hikes are easy and flat, though the path to the Big Sur River Gorge eventually fades away and we’ll have to climb over boulders and wade through some water to reach the pools. Short 0.25 mile walk in to campsite. Guide will bring wagon to help participants bring in their gear, if needed.

TRANSPORT

Please let us know if you can carpool!

WHERE WE ARE STAYING

ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK: One tent per person. About 0.25 mile hike in to the campground. Guide will bring wagon for anyone to bring gear in.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

*All logistics. We book the campsite, plan the itinerary
*A simple dinner Saturday evening and light breakfast Sunday morning. Dinner will have vegetarian and meat options.
*Guided hikes, scavenger hunt and educational activities; toy and arts-and-crafts for the moms when we’re not out adventuring 🎨🪀
*An iron-on patch as a memento of the camping trip plus a small journal for moms to document the adventure! (campers only)
*A digital guide for our adventure that includes natural + cultural history
*A camping checklist
*Assistance with camping set-up
*S’mores kit for the group 🔥🪵🍫
*Firewood for the group
*Charcoal for the group
*First-aid kit
*Loaner kit of hiking gear (48-hour notice). Please inquire about what gear is available; we have items for kids and adults, like single/double jogging strollers, Baby Bjorn infant carrier, toddler backpack carrier, hiking poles, etc. Complete loaner kit request form

CAMPGROUND AMENITIES

*Toilets + drinking water
*Grocery store a few miles away (very helpful) 🏪🏪🏪
*Picnic tables 
*Fire ring for basic grilling

NOT INCLUDED

*Camping gear (though I have some hiking gear and limited camping gear that you can borrow for free, see "you'll also get access to" section above)
*Parking: For campers, we have space for 8 vehicles, meaning we should carpool! Normal parking fee is $6 (but you can get a Cal State Parks pass at your library for free parking). For day trippers, the park entrance fee of $6 is not included.

FLAT FEE FOR WEEKEND

CAMPERS (SATURDAY — SUNDAY)

EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL for DUAL-INCOME FAMILY: $267/per person until April 2; $294 until April 15; $335 (from April 16)
EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL for SINGLE-INCOME FAMILY: $219/per person until April 2; $240 until April 15; $283 (from April 16)

DAY TRIPPERS (Day trip is Saturday, May 17, starting at 11:30 AM and wrapping up after sunset. Participants can join campfire/S’mores but evening meal isn’t provided).

EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL for DUAL-INCOME FAMILY: $67 per person until April 2; $78 from April 16
EARLY BIRD 🐦 SPECIAL for SINGLE-INCOME FAMILY: $56 per person until April 2; $67 from April 16

I will be limiting the number of day trippers to keep the group smaller. 

HOW TO BOOK

1. Add this adventure to your cart and check out!

2. Join the WhatsApp chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IyIraOFG9HH1r3wf0HFUGC

3. Add to your Google calendar:

4. Complete loaner kit request form

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY

*Prices increase after April 2, 2025 so book early
*Spots are limited, and the only way to hold your place is by adding this adventure to your cart and checking out
*Full payment must be made to secure your spot (we don't take cash; only digital payment via our website). 
*No refunds are provided 2 months before departure date 
*Camping trip takes place rain or shine

WEATHER

The weather reaches the low 60s during the day and 40s overnight. Please ensure that you have a season-3 sleeping bag (which is the most common one; it's great for everything except snow) + bring a few extra wool blankets. I'll be keeping an eye on the weather and will advise you as we get closer to the trip. Here are some tips for camping in cooler temps.