Quick Highlights
Begommer-friendly
No backpacking experience required—just a willingness to learn.
Nervous-system reset
Nature immersion + simple mindfulness practices along the trail.
Supportive community
A small group moving together at a steady, caring pace.
Why Backpacking?!
Backpacking is a rare kind of reset: you carry what you need, walk until your mind gets quiet, and remember what “enough” feels like. With experienced, first-aid trained leaders, you can step into challenge safely, and come home steadier, clearer, and more connected.
It's an activity that strips you down to what it means to be a human fundamentally. You are an alive (and likely smelly!) creature moving and breathing, dependent on the goodness and tribulations of the world around you. In this open state, nature and other humans get a closer seat to your soul - you are able to feel so much more than you ever thought possible, and remember once again what you might have learned over years of 'the same' to forget." "I can't wait to get back in the forest and go backpacking! My experience backpacking and being in nature is healing and brings peace to my soul. My spiritual side awakens, as I watch in awe how everything works together to create balance. It helps clear my head and stimulates my senses. Everyone working together towards one common goal builds a sense of community. In some way, my experience backpacking is like conquering myself. It is a transformative experience that brings about a feeling of empowerment and rejuvenation upon returning to everyday life." "To me backpacking is a way of completely unplugging and resetting myself. Back to simplicity and what really matters. It' a way of cleaning house for my cluttered, overused brain". On top of things, it reconnects me with the essence of my spirituality." "To me backpacking is a way of completely unplugging and resetting myself. Back to simplicity and what really matters. It's a way of cleaning house for my cluttered, overused brain. On top of things, it reconnects me with the essence of my spirituality." "Backpacking allows me an opportunity to quiet my mind, allow my soul to feel restored....allowing myself the space to put away my cell phone, email, and the like allows me to be present. Even though I'm focused on tackling mile and after mile, each step into the forest gently creates a stillness within me. Carrying the gear that I NEED helps me to remember what the essentials of life are comprised of and everything else that's....extra."
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Upcoming Trips
What to Expect (typical weekend)
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Friday: Meet, orient, and camp in a state park with bathrooms/running water.
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Saturday: Backpack into the woods, learn trail skills + nature-informed wellness practices, and camp in a wild area (no facilities).
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Sunday: Hike out and return mid-afternoon.
Who It’s For
Great fit if you can hike at a moderate pace for two days and you want:
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a real digital detox
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a confidence boost
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a mental “recalibration” in community
Gear + Food
We provide all food and group cooking gear. You’ll get a clear packing list plus options to rent key items (pack, sleeping bag, pad, tent).
Scholarships
Need-based scholarship support may be available upon request.
EVERYTHING IS BETTER
IN HIKING BOOTS
There have been numerous scientific studies that show the mental health benefit of hiking. Backpacking enhances those benefits even more. Getting away from the masses, being surrounded by the forest and experiencing full nature immersion can be a life-changing experience. Spending two nights in the wilderness and hiking miles of forest trail with a pack on is an immense confidence booster. However, it’s wise to embark on such a journey in the company of experienced, first-aid trained therapists who will keep you safe, and ensure your personal growth through mind, body and spirit connection to self, others and the more-than-human world. Say “yes” to being transformed, with our adventure therapy program for adults in Towson, Monkton, and Owings Mills. If you have fears and worries about being in the wilderness, that’s part of the adventure. You will be invited to a phone conversation to walk through all the details and process any fears. If you are interested in learning more about our adventure therapy programs for adults in Mid Atlantic Region, contact the Center of Nature Informed Therapy today!
TESTIMONIALS
“This was my first experience with backpacking and my first experience with a wellness type of retreat. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better experience."
"I was not expecting the sense of community that our leaders and participants created in such a short amount of time. The mindfulness activities and journaling were boosted by the stories we shared with each other as we hiked. It was beautiful. While it was not designed to be all woman, I was very glad it was. It felt very safe to me. I can't name a single thorn."
"Meeting wonderful strong ladies with common interests, sharing stories and learning from each others; building a supportive community and adding to my toolbox of self-care."
"Gear I rented seemed top notch - I was warm and comfortable, pack held what I needed; gathering around a fire each evening was wonderful - there's just something about a fire.... - good people to spend the weekend with - no judgment, warm and welcoming from the start."
