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
Our retreat fees only cover basic costs: food, cook, site fee, administration costs, and other incidental expenses. These fees are priced on a sliding scale (based on the lodging you choose) to allow each participant to pay for what is most appropriate for themselves. We also provide a scholarship option for those who are unable to pay our lowest sliding scale fee. Visit our registration for more - Available Feb ‘26
Retreat fees do NOT include compensation for Erin (time spent planning & teaching) or for Off-Grid Retreats (time spent organizing). On the final retreat day, you will be invited to share dana (AKA to donate) to the Retreat Teacher and to Off-Grid Retreats.
Dana, the Pali word for generosity, has supported Buddhist cultures for 2500 years. In Asia, monks & nuns offer teaching and lay people fill their begging bowls each morning as they walk through the village on alms rounds. It is a beautiful exchange in which the hearts of both giver and receiver are opened in joy and gratitude.
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.