Solo Camping, Outdoor Retreats & A Quick Survey

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I have two recurring thoughts every time I go camping alone. ‘Why don’t I do this more often?’ and ‘Why aren’t more people doing this?’. Just like a glass of water, a yoga class, or a good boogie on a dance floor, I never regret a camping trip.

Last month I posted a story to my Instagram, collecting expressions of interest for an Outdoor Retreat for women to gain confidence, empowerment and practical skills through the experience of self-sufficient camping. With over 400 sign-ups, I’ve gone from flirting with the idea to diving head first into planning the first retreat. As I would say, let's fucking go. 

I’m not going to sugar coat it, camping and the ‘great outdoors’ is a very heavily male-dominated space. And no, I’m not waving the ‘I hate men’ feminist flag here. The reality is that makeup, diet culture, and beauty standards are sold to us [women], whilst 4WD, boating/camping/fishing, and strong provider masculinity are sold to them [men]. Of course, this is a huge generalisation and we live in a modern society where men can do feminine things and women can do masculine things. Stunning. However, the reality still remains - and a common conversation I have amongst women - that unless we have been taught or go out and build our confidence in this space early on in life, we learn to rely on a partner, friends or family members who have the big car, the camping gear, the knowledge of maps, roads and camping spots to light fires and get the car un-bogged etc.

But my question is, if we, as women, love going on these trips, what's stopping us from doing it on our own? Or being the facilitator within our circles to plan and lead the trip? The point I’m getting at is that I want to see more women, self-sufficient and confident in the outdoor adventure space without having to be in a relationship or rely on others.

That was my turning point. The realisation that - with or without a partner - I want to always have access to experience nature, regardless of who I'm with. But that required a lot of confidence, self-sufficiency, and equipment. I was determined. 

Sometime in December 2022, I took myself on my biggest solo mission yet. I had my (then) partners 4WD, all the camping gear we had invested in and Beau, my dog. I came across almost every obstacle that trip. I got bogged in the sand doing my first 4WD track, the main swag pole was broken, and I got kicked out of my fully set up campsite (twice) and, I didn't catch a single fish. But you know what I gained? The skills, confidence, and resilience it takes to actively be in this male-dominated space that we so easily fall reliant on, as women. I remember thinking, If I really want to do this on my own, I have to be responsible for 1) Getting over each hurdle and 2) Changing my mindset when I come across them.

After that trip, I remember having the biggest beating orb of gratitude in my chest. I was so proud of myself and left with a newfound confidence and hunger to do it more, a lot more. That's when I started getting really serious and super clear on what my goal was. I told myself that in the next 12 months I want to be fully self-sufficient. For me, that meant having my own 4WD, fully equipped camp kit, and learning to hunt/dive/fish for my source of food so I can have a much more sustainable, full circle approach to the spaces I visit and occupy. 

5 months after that pivotal solo trip, my world turned upside down. My partner left me, unexpectedly. I was a mess. But somewhere, somehow, I knew this was the catalyst. The hunger I had for my goal to become self-sufficient only grew. It was almost as if, universally, I knew the end of our relationship was near, and I was preparing myself to exit, taking all the things I enjoyed from that relationship with me, for myself. 

3 months after having the rug ripped beneath me, I purchased my first 4WD. I was another step closer to my goal. My birthday was coming up and instead of doing the elaborate dinner party with a hot outfit and bags of coke, I chose to go on a 2-week road trip, alone, along a coastline I’ve never explored before, staying in completely empty and isolated spaces, pushing my boundaries, experiencing myself and nature in ways I never had before. 

Since then, camping alone and with people I love has become a top priority in my life. I walk away from each trip with a new perspective on something, journal pages full of reflections and internal processing, and a very calm, regulated nervous system to take into the days after. It’s more than just building fires and reading maps. It’s building a relationship with yourself, being humbled by the unpredictability of nature, and connecting with simple practices that strengthen your internal and external worlds. 

Slowly, I am still building the skills I need to reach my goal and am learning more about my capabilities as an independent traveller each time I go away. It’s also been a very interesting practice accepting a seat in my feminine energy when I’m camping with someone who is just as equipped as me. Because, although I believe firmly in women having a place in all spaces, we must be able to traverse our own masc/femme energies when required. Otherwise, we become hyper-independent and it becomes harder for us to soften, accept help, and allowing others to do things for us. 

Anywhoooo, my purpose in offering these female Outdoor Retreats is to give more women the opportunity to build a better relationship with themselves and our natural world by engaging in experiences like camping where confidence, independence and an adapatable mindset are required. 

SURVEY: If you’re interested in attending one of these retreats, I’d be so appreciative if you could please complete the survey below. This will help me to better understand your needs and expectations, and facilitate a retreat that is worth every minute of your time and every dollar you invest.