Grown-up summer camp for the soul!
The As Well Experiences are 5-day, 4-night peer support wilderness retreats. They take place in some of the most spectacular settings in the American West. Our goal is to educate and connect people seeking to learn new skills and grow a sense of wonder. We offer support and coaching for all types of recovery and strengthening your mental health while preparing you for "reentry". Let us help you flourish and thrive, not just survive.
"It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings"
What We Teach
"Reentry"
For or clients coming from treatment or sober living. We will teach you how to re-enter life smoothly and successfully. I have yet to meet a program that prepares people for hard reentry really is. Too many people "burn up" entering their old atmosphere. We will create safety and accountability plans that work for you. We will teach you how to use the sensory immersion supplies and coping skills for times when you are triggered and make sure that you have the support you need. This is not a small step, but a giant leap indeed.
Survival Skills
We will teach you how to make a "bow and tinder bundle" fire, filter water, make a coal bed, identify local plants, first aid, Make cordage from local plants, find water and more. These skills build courage and give you faith in your ability to thrive no matter what. You will get a chance to put your new skills to the test. Everyone deserves to see what they are made of and be brave.
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" The strong survive but the courageous triumph"
Coping Skills
Coping skills are different from life skills. Coping skills are the foundation in which to practice life skills. Coping skills are what you do during panic and trigger moments. When PTSD has us frozen and/or ready to pounce. Or ways to address feelings of mania and/or depression. They can help us find focus when our thoughts are all over the place. They tend more to involve our physical bodies rather than our thoughts.
Personal Coaching
We do not analyze you, judge you, or decide what your life should look like. We hear you, see you, and accept you as you are. We will teach you the skills that will work best for YOU. Then, we will create safety plans and daily practices to help you to feel brave and to trust yourself again. Focusing on harm reduction will ease the path towards your goals and give you a sense of pride in the life that you are living.
"There are 8 billion people on the planet. Which means that there are 8 billion ways to do something right."
Life Skills
We have all used them. They are interpersonal skills that help us make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, cope with and manage our lives, and build relationships.
We will teach you how to incorporate new skills and help you to streamline the ones you already have.
"Ah, to be lucky enough to live a life of one's own choosing."
Peer Support
We will facilitate ways to truly connect with people through group sessions, team challenges, adventure and
PLAY.
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"None of us can do this on our own and none of us are ever truly alone."
What We Provide
Lodging
The lodging that is provided will differ from trip to trip. Depending on the state, it will range from quaint mountain cabins to restored VW buses. Lodging will include necessities and incorporate your immersion supplies. As we are coming here to create genuine connection. There are no single occupancy accommodations.
"Between every two pines is a doorway to new world"
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Nutrition
The things that we put in our bodies directly affect our physical and mental health. As well as healthy farming and sourcing practices makes for stronger and healthier communities and land. We use this as a guiding principle for all the meals and snacks we provide. We also incorporate teaching moments to help you understand the fundamentals of nutrition and cooking to bring joy and help you realize good nutrition is self-love.
Supplies
We will provide all of the supplies for the retreat, including, but not limited to, the sensory immersive aspects, first aid tools, survival equipment, and "solo night" supplies. We will also provide all of the nutritious and delicious meals and snacks. Mother Nature will provide the rest.
"always be prepared"
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Who We Are
About Our Company
We are a group of like minded people that believe in the importance of disconnecting from technology and judgement while reconnecting with the power of natural world and friendship.
Kristen C Calhoun
Founder, CEO