What You’ll Need:

We will have a Zoom call before the Camp Out to talk about the specific personal gear you'll need and the food you want to eat & share.

We will set up an outdoor community kitchen and cook and share meals together (I'll provide the food/ everyone cooks). 

You are welcome to bring your own snacks/ food/ cook your own meals as well.

In general, you’ll need to have these items for the 2023 Woman Re-Wilding Camp Out:

- comfortable hiking boots (that you’ve worn at least a few times already so that they are “broken in” a bit)

- a small backpack/daypack that can carry your snacks for the day and 2 water bottles (enough water for your day) plus any extra socks or additional gear (rain jacket, sunhat, insect repellant, sunscreen, snacky things, camera, sunglasses, notebook, necessary personal items, any necessary medications you might need for the day (like an Epi-pen if you are allergic to bees)

- a tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad, personal rain gear, flashlight

- transportation to and from Camp Out location (although ridesharing with other participants is highly encouraged)

- willingness to be/remain outside in all kinds of weather

Your Guide: 

Hi!  I’m Brooke Smokelin!  I’m a devoted naturalist and passionate environmental educator. I love creating experiences that awaken people to the beauty and intelligence of nature.  

I studied Environmental Education in college many moons ago.  Since then I’ve created a cornucopia of nature-oriented experiences.  I’ve run summer immersion programs for kids and taught environmental education in private and public schools.  I’ve co-directed an environmental art studio in upstate New York. I’ve led college students and groups of women on multi-day backpacking retreats.  I’ve done a mountaineering expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).  I’ve created nature therapy programs for trauma survivors after 9/11.  You can read more about all the nature fun I’ve had here.

The short of it is, I’m an experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy nature/ outdoor guide and I’m really excited about this Camp Out.  

The Questions:

1) Is this for me?

If you can walk for a few miles on a trail in the woods...

If you have good hiking shoes...

If you are eager to learn and slow to complain...

If you are able to be quiet and listen...

If you are in good health...

If you are willing to be outside, rain or shine, for a few days…

If you delight in the wild things and won’t try to kill them…

If you can carry your own food and water and provisions in a small backpack…

If you are genuinely interested in deepening your connection to the natural world

If you are open to new things, and the sacred ways of all cultures, not just your own…

If you can drive (or ride share with another participant) to our different locations…

If you can play by the covid rules (wear a mask, social distance, be respectful) for everyone’s benefit and comfort until it’s no longer necessary….

I think you’ll do just fine!

2) Where are we going?

For the safety of all participants I only disclose our Camp Out location to registered participants.  I can tell you we will be someplace quite wonderful in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern PA.