The Understory

Reflections, Resources & Real Talk from the Heart of Spirit Camp

The Road to Spirit Camp: From the Golden Gate to the Pacific Redwoods
Travel Guides Julian from Spirit Camp Travel Guides Julian from Spirit Camp

The Road to Spirit Camp: From the Golden Gate to the Pacific Redwoods

The road to Spirit Camp is part of the retreat itself. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, winding through Sonoma’s wine country, and curving past Anderson Valley orchards, your journey unfolds like a story. From coffee at Equator in Mill Valley to farm-fresh stops in Boonville, to the redwood “portal” that opens onto the Pacific Ocean—this guide shares the best tips, stops, and insights to make your arrival at Spirit Camp as memorable as your stay.

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The Journey Home: Three Ways to Ease Back After Spirit Camp
Travel Guides, Retreat Planning, Spirit Camp Blog Julian from Spirit Camp Travel Guides, Retreat Planning, Spirit Camp Blog Julian from Spirit Camp

The Journey Home: Three Ways to Ease Back After Spirit Camp

The journey home from Spirit Camp can be just as meaningful as the journey there. Whether you’re heading straight back to the Bay Area, savoring the coastal route through Point Arena and Point Reyes, or pausing for a restorative soak at Orr Hot Springs, these three travel paths offer their own rhythm of reintegration—helping you carry the peace and presence of Spirit Camp back into your everyday life.

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Growing Your Retreat: Tips for Boosting Group Size Without Losing the Magic
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Growing Your Retreat: Tips for Boosting Group Size Without Losing the Magic

Filling a retreat can be tough — marketing often stirs up perfectionism, doubts, and fears of not enough. After 15 years of leading and assisting retreats worldwide, I’ve learned that growth comes from consistency, clarity, and care. From crafting a clear message to sharing vulnerably, building partnerships, and pricing wisely, these are the strategies that actually work to grow your retreat without losing intimacy.

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How to Market a Retreat: The Complete Guide for Retreat Leaders
Retreat Planning & Marketing Julian from Spirit Camp Retreat Planning & Marketing Julian from Spirit Camp

How to Market a Retreat: The Complete Guide for Retreat Leaders

Want to fill your retreat with ease and alignment? This simple, encouraging guide walks you step-by-step through how to market your retreat with clarity and confidence — from defining your offer to sharing it online and reaching the right people. Perfect for retreat leaders and wellness facilitators at any stage.

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Birthing Spirit Camp
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Birthing Spirit Camp

It wasn’t just about land. It was about love. About grief. About listening. In this post, I share what I learned about emotions, relationships, and real authenticity during the wild, winding birth of Spirit Camp.

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