Program & Site Info
Join eco somatic and wilderness rites of passage guide Erin Carper for this three day / two night nature centered camping retreat that weaves mindfulness practices, movement, singing, community sharing circles, and personal time in nature.
All are welcome regardless of whether you are new to retreats, camping, meditation, etc.
During this retreat, there will be opportunities for
Building a relationship with the land with personalized guidance and support
Practicing mindfulness and experiencing guided visualizations
Sharing own relationship to nature with the group through the practice of Council
Receiving personal reflections about your experiences
Learning how to observe nature through the eyes of a Naturalist
Group movement, singing, and more!
At the end of this retreat, you will have practices to bring home with you to connect with the nature spaces where you live, and to deepen the connection you have to nature.
This retreat will reside at Black Mountain Ranch’s Deer Camp in Marin, CA. Our campsite is positioned on a hill on a part of the ranch with views of rolling hills, open sky, and the lovely eponymous Black Mountain.
Deer Camp is removed from the central part of the ranch where there are farm animals, however we may encounter grazing cows in our vicinity. Together, we’ll orient ourselves by spending time hiking in the wild areas around the camp.
This retreat is supported by a wonderful cook who will create all vegetarian meals for the weekend along with access to snacks, tea and coffee throughout the weekend. Our close-to-nature camp facilities are rustic, including composting bucket toilets and an outdoor propane hot water shower. Accommodations will be tent camping, and first time campers are welcome! You are welcome to bring your own tent and gear, or equipment can be provided for an additional fee.
Retreat Cost
The Buddha asked that the teaching of the Dharma be offered freely, without charge, since it is of infinite value, and beyond any price that could be put on it. In this spirit, your registration fee does NOT include compensation for Erin for teaching the retreat. On the final retreat day, you will be invited to share dana (AKA donations) to the Retreat Teacher.
Our registration fees are priced on a sliding scale (based on the lodging you choose - BYOTent or camping tent rental) with varying rates. Please choose the payment rate that best suits you. All options include access to the site and vegetarian meals.
Benefactor rate - This is 1.3x the sustainer rate. By selecting this option, you help us offset the costs of those that register with the basic rate. The excess that you pay above the sustainer rate is tax deductible.
Sustainer rate - This rate covers retreat costs (site fee, food, cook, equipment, etc.)
Basic rate - This rate is partially subsidized through community generosity / fundraising. It is $100 less than the sustainer rate.
Visit our registration for more.
Cancellation Policy
If you request a refund before March 12, 2026 we're able to provide you a full refund minus an administrative fee (less than $100). If you request a refund between March 12, 2026 and May 12, 2026, we'll provide you with a 50% refund minus an administrative fee (less than $100). We’re unable to provide refunds after May 12, 2026.
To keep the retreat as affordable as possible, our retreat fees are set to simply cover the expenses of putting on the retreat—renting the venue, compensating our cook, etc. When someone drops out, we still incur all of those expenses. For this reason, we are unable to make exceptions to our cancellation policy—even when you have a very good reason for canceling. Thank you for your understanding.
Retreat Teacher
Erin Carper Erin Carper (she/they) is an eco somatic guide, a wilderness rites of passage facilitator, and a steady attuned presence for those seeking deeper relationship with their bodies and the living world. Erin's connection to the land runs all the way back to her childhood along the Chesapeake Bay and in the woods of the Appalachian Mountains, where wonder, curiosity and respect for the more than human world sank into her bones. A former professional ballet dancer, a life altering injury rerouted her path and opened a doorway into somatic healing and earth-based practice.
Along the way, they studied Body Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, somatic eco-psychology, Hakomi, Internal Family Systems, holistic coaching, and earth-based ceremony. Erin is a certified Wilderness First Responder and California Naturalist, and brings along her love of song to her offerings. Erin's dedication is simple and profound to walk beside others as they rediscover trust in their bodies, the land, the waters, and all beings.