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Women's Wild Resilience Backpacking

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Women's Wild Resilience Backpacking

September 17 - 20, 2026

Schroon Lake, NY, United States

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Hosted By

Audrey Costa

15 followers

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4 days

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6 person retreat

Highlights

  • Nature-informed therapeutic backpacking retreat

  • Small, intimate groups of women

  • Guided ceremony & healing rituals

  • Somatic practices & mindfulness

  • Therapeutic journaling & reflection

  • Women supporting women through shared challenge

  • Led by a Certified Nature-Informed Therapist

  • Build physical, mental & emotional resilience

  • Exclusive training program included

Details

Step away from the demands of everyday life and into four days of profound connection—with nature, yourself, and a supportive community of women. Wild Resilience: Expansion is a nature-informed backpacking retreat designed for women ready to stretch beyond their comfort zone and discover the resilience that already exists within them. Through the physical challenge of backpacking and intentional therapeutic activities, you'll experience how nature becomes a powerful co-facilitator for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Throughout our journey, we'll explore guided reflection, mindfulness, somatic practices, journaling, campfire conversations, creative expression, and meaningful ceremonies designed to help you release what no longer serves you and reconnect with your authentic self. This is a true wilderness experience. Participants will carry everything needed for the weekend in their backpack, sleep in a tent or hammock, prepare their own trail meals (a complete packing list and meal planning guide are provided), and fully immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of the backcountry. All equipment is provided. The route covers up to 30 miles over four days with approximately 5,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain over varied terrain. A minimum fitness level of 4/5 is recommended. Previous backpacking experience is encouraged, as this retreat is designed for women ready to embrace both physical challenge and emotional growth. If you're seeking more than a getaway—if you're looking for an experience that will challenge your body, quiet your mind, nourish your spirit, and remind you just how capable you truly are—this retreat was created for you.

Location

Schroon Lake, NY, United States

NY 12870 is the ZIP code for Schroon Lake, a peaceful lakeside community in Essex County, New York. Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Schroon Lake is surrounded by forests, scenic hiking trails, and sparkling waterways, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation, outdoor activities, and wellness retreats.

Venue

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

4.7 ★ 189 Reviews

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The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, an Adirondack Park unit of New York's Forest Preserve, straddles the Essex County-Warren County line in the towns of Ticonderoga, Hague, Horicon and Schroon.

Fire Pit

Fire Pit

Accommodation

Retreat Access without Accommodation

3 Spots Left

Participants to organize their own lodging or commuting.

$1,180 USD total

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Meals

Not included - self catered

Each participant packs and carries their own trail food, fostering self-sufficiency and confidence in the backcountry. You'll be fully supported through detailed food planning guides, packing lists, recommended meal ideas, and live pre-retreat preparation calls to ensure you feel prepared before stepping onto the trail.

Schedule

Day 1: Arriving at the Trailhead Our journey begins before we ever step onto the trail. The first part of the day is designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and connected with the group. We'll spend time together: Welcome and introductions Gear, clothing, and food check to ensure everyone is trail-ready Backpack fitting and adjustments for comfort Guided backpack packing (what goes where and why) Review of trail safety, Leave No Trace principles, and expectations Rock selection and intention-setting activity Receive your retreat journal, worksheets, and YourYuckies welcome bag Opening circle to establish intentions, connection, and community Once everyone feels prepared, we'll begin our journey into the backcountry together. A Typical Retreat Day While every day is shaped by the trail, weather, and the needs of the group, our days generally follow a gentle rhythm that balances movement, reflection, rest, and connection. Morning Wake with the sunrise Coffee or tea and quiet personal time Breakfast Morning somatic body scan and gentle movement/stretching Daily reading or reflection to set an intention for the day Pack camp together with support from Audrey and Madison On the Trail Hike at a supportive, conversational pace Rest, hydration, and refueling breaks approximately every 1–2 hours Opportunities for mindfulness, guided reflection, and informal check-ins throughout the day Time to notice, appreciate, and connect with the natural world At Camp After arriving at camp, there is time to simply be. Set up camp together Quiet time to rest, journal, explore nearby, or simply relax Optional gentle yoga, mobility, or stretching before dinner Prepare and enjoy dinner together Evening Gathering As the day winds down, we gather around the campsite to reflect on the day's experiences. Activities may include: Guided somatic or mindfulness practice Group conversation and connection Celebrating daily wins and moments of courage Journaling and reflective prompts Creative Activity Meaningful ceremony or ritual Dessert and shared conversation before settling in for the night No two retreat days are exactly alike. We move at the pace of the group and allow nature to guide the experience, creating space for both challenge and restoration.

Testimonials

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It may sound backwards, but as the hours went on I was less concerned with "myself". I have been conditioned to "not take up space", "make yourself smaller" and there was no time (including my car issues), where I felt I was "too much" and that is HUGE for me! I was given the opportunity to take up the space I needed.

L F, United States

"I learned I am more capable than I thought I was! I felt safe and secure with Audrey's expertise. I felt assured knowing that even though I had just met the group of women, I was held and supported in every way: mentally, emotionally physically. We moved at a pace so that everyone can succeed. It’s not about hiking the furthest; it’s about moments of pause without distractions to focus on peace and encourage clarity. It was such a beautiful environment to allow for deep conversations and journaling to be introspective without distractions."

L P, United States

“When you told me it was ok to sit and do what I needed to do, that allowed me to process through my negative self-talk, and I had a lightbulb moment.”

R R, United States

The two pre-meetings were very helpful to answer all the questions and ease anxiety.

P G, United States

I found many parallels to what was happening in the woods , things I was saying to myself to get though tougher moments that could be applied to my life on a broader sense “breathe, see what’s in front of you and make a decision “ “ can’t go around it need to go through it “ “you got this “ and many more. Diving into the waters I felt renewed. It brought a lot of emotions and hard truths to the surface that I’ve been avoiding .

J P, United States

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Host

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Audrey Costa

Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA

Audrey Costa is a Certified Nature Therapist and wellness expert with over 20 years of experience in health, education, and experiential healing. Her work integrates the mind-body connection through m...

1 language

English

Teaching for 6 months

Joined Insight Timer in Jan 2026

What's Included

All gear

All Activities

Packing and Preparation Guidance

Training Plans

Not Included

Food

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Fitness Level of a 4/5

  • Participants must sign consent and waiver

  • Participants must fill out medical form

  • Participants must attend 2 prep calls

  • Participants must bring food for trip

  • For women only

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 30 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 30 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 30 days before the retreat begins.

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