WILDER RETREAT MAINE

ALL-INCLUSIVE WOMEN’S RUNNING AND WRITING RETREAT

Teachers: Lauren Fleshman, Marianne Elliot, Julia Hanlon, and more

Camp Director: Zoë Roy

It is our first time bringing Wilder outside of Oregon! And we are heading to a stunning location on the East Coast, at the request of many people over the past three years! As is our way, this Wilder Running and Writing Retreat utilizes running, writing, storytelling, yoga, coaching, and the beauty of the outdoors to inspire creative and physical courage. We aim to stretch ourselves with the help of incredible teachers, learn from the work of other participants, and fill ourselves up with fresh air, big trees, dramatic landscapes, rushing water, good food, laughter, and a mixture of community and solitude. A wilder approach to running, writing, and creative expression will help fuel confidence and purpose in the work we do at home for ourselves and our community.

To get a feel for what Wilder Retreats are like, visit the photo albums on our facebook page.

A LOOK AT THE VENUE AND SURROUNDING AREA

WHERE?

POINT LOOKOUT

NORTHPORT, MAINE

Point Lookout is located on 387 acres of picturesque mountainside terrain overlooking Penobscot Bay in Northport, Maine. A unique mountain retreat in Maine’s scenic Mid-Coast region, Point Lookout neighbors the coastal towns of Camden, Rockland, Belfast, and Bar Harbor. Features include a writing and dining space with panoramic views of the breathtaking Maine coastline, private log pine cottages, a private beach and pond, and access to beautiful running trails. Learn more about Point Lookout on their website. Or take the video tour.

WHEN?

The retreat will officially begin Friday afternoon, September 28th. Saturday and Sunday will be very full days from sunup to sundown. The retreat will conclude with a half day on Monday, October 1st. The detailed schedule will be released to accepted applicants in plenty of time to plan travel.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

This is a women's retreat for runners who write and writers who run, capped at 40-45 participants. We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified.

THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:

you will be physically able to run up to 8 miles, three days in a row, pace isn’t important

you are interested in an immersive experience with very full days, mixing action, ease, togetherness, and solitude

you are excited to dive into the empty page with an open mind, and create

you like the idea of contributing to a collective experience

you value discomfort and joy as pathways for learning and growing

you believe you never “grow up” but are always “growing up"

you enjoy exploring the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

you love good nourishing food, fresh air, adventure, and the company of amazing women

you love the outdoors and exploring

you are comfortable in the humble accommodations of pacific northwest artists and creatives

you can take responsibility for yourself and the things that may come up for you in this work

THIS RETREAT IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

you don't like to run

you have an inflexible training program that doesn't allow you to participate with the flow of the retreat

you don't like the idea of working in groups

you are primarily interested in publishing advice, or refining a particular piece of writing

what you are craving is a luxury vacation with no oomph involved. We will luxury and oomph.

COST: $1850 - $2100

Price varies based on lodging options (included).

*There will be two scholarships available to cover a significant portion of lodging and retreat costs. Preference will be given to recent graduates and people working in social justice. The scholarship application is included within the retreat application below. Please do not apply for a scholarship unless you would not be able to attend without it, otherwise those who do need it are likely to get overlooked in the applicant pool.

INCLUDES:

WILDER RUNNING

We will use running in different ways, for different purposes. All paces and experience levels will be respected and encouraged. We'll experience beautiful, scenic trail runs in the wild, with footing ranging from smooth to technical. Camden Hills State Park is just a short drive away for an offsite adventure. One day will include a more formally coached workout by Lauren Fleshman, with instruction on technique, mental strength, and core strength. Over the course of the weekend, each guest will also have an opportunity for one-on-one advice if desired.

WRITING WORKSHOPS

We will explore writing in many forms. There will be full group sessions, smaller breakout groups, independent writing and reading time, and the opportunity for individual guidance with Marianne Elliott on the work you're doing at the retreat. The emphasis will be on writing for potency, and removing the barriers that get in the way of our most powerful work.

YOGA & MEDITATION

Yoga, mindfulness practice, and meditation will be available throughout camp to enhance the experience, led by Julia Hanlon. There will be whole group sessions, optional sessions, and opportunities for individual guidance on how to enhance your home practice.

LODGING

Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center is set amidst 157 hectares of pristine woodland that overlooks the breathtaking Maine coastline. This remarkable property offers it all: comfortable accommodation in private log pine cottages, an organic farm providing fresh produce that will be included in our daily dining, a private beach and pond, and access to beautiful running trails. Wilder will have two different lodging options for participants. Accepted applicants will get to choose between between a private one bedroom cottage or one bedroom in a shared two-bedroom cottage upon signing up, on a first come first served basis, while spaces last.

PRIVATE ONE BEDROOM COTTAGE

(15 total spots available)

These private one bedroom/one bath cottages feature a charming rustic decor with modern amenities. Enjoy the quiet of your own queen bed with a separate dining and living area featuring a kitchenette, private screened porch, walk-in shower, and private driveway.

SHARED TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE:

(32 total spots available)

These two-bedroom/one bath cottages offer a spacious and cozy layout with two bedrooms, each with one double bed. Share a dining and living area, kitchenette, screened porch, driveway with a fellow Wilder participant while recharging in the privacy of your own bedroom.

MEALS

We will provide nourishing meals to fuel your body and soul throughout the retreat from the start on Friday afternoon through our final session Monday morning. This includes:

Day 1, Friday: afternoon appetizers and dinner

Day 2, Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3, Sunday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4, Monday: light breakfast and brunch

*We will be able to accommodate vegans and provide gluten and dairy free options. Those with severe food restrictions may need to make their own meal arrangements. Let us know and we'll do what we can to help you find what you need.

*We will also have a variety of snacks available throughout the retreat, and guests are welcome to bring whatever special food items they would like onsite.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to all off-site running adventures will be provided to and from the retreat site. Participants will need to make their own arrangements for transportation to and from their home and Point Lookout.

PLAY TIME & SURPRISES

With no shortage of nature to play in, including the trails, waterfront, and private pond, guests can find a quiet place to relax or play in community or solitude during the free time. At the end of September, there is a very good chance the foliage will be putting on an incredible show. There is also a fitness center and bowling alley on the property for indoor activities during free time should weather lead us indoors.

SPONSOR SWAG BAG

It's gonna be good.

NOT INCLUDED:

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

The retreat does not include travel to and from Point Lookout on Friday and Monday.

Wilder Retreat Maine in September is limited in size to 40-45 people. No more than 30% of spots will be selected by the retreat teachers from applicants in their personal communities who they feel will be additive to the overall experience, and 70% of spots will be reserved for the public. We are looking forward to reviewing your application!

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FEBRUARY 11TH, 11:59PM PST

GET NOTIFIED FOR 2019

If you have any questions, please contact

zoe@wilderrunning.com