Retreat! A Mountain Gratitude Thankful Challenge!

## Meetup Event Description

### Grit & Gratitude: Thankful on Purpose Retreat

Thanksgiving Weekend — Appalachia

Come any time Thursday afternoon until Sunday Eve. as long or short as you like. Although there is no fee for this trip donations are requested to cover cost of food and propane. Carpools can be arranged with gas and tolls shared.

This long-weekend retreat is designed for people who want to reset, reflect, reconnect with nature, and explore challenge on their own terms.
Some experiences change us simply because we choose them.
This weekend is about choosing presence, effort, community — and thanks.

Intentionally Inconvenienced
Deliberately Durable

We will have Q&A during 3 documentary nights prior to the trip.

### What This Weekend Is

A peaceful Appalachian gathering centered on:

• Daytime roughing it Nighttime reflection & gratitude
• Autumn air in the hills and hollers
• Practicing simplicity and primitive conditions
• Time out from Tech
• Campfire conversations
• Cooking together & sharing the meals
• Dirt road journey in the side by side

You are welcome to design your weekend your way:

### Challenge Options (if you want them)

Opportunities will be available to gently push yourself — safely and supported:

• Venison? Elk? Squirrel? you might just like it!
• Try cold weather camping (tents & sleeping bags provided)
• Glamping in the camper (hot showers in main house)
• Solo hikes around the camper site (safe, known trail)
• Group Night hike guided by moonlight
• Creek cold-water immersion (shallow wading)
• Practice building or tending a fire
• Chop wood, help cook, carry water, gather kindling
• Join a carpool instead of always being the driver
  (or drive yourself if solitude is your challenge)

Everything is an invitation, not a requirement.
The goal is not discomfort — it’s confidence, presence, and gratitude.

### Comfort & Backup Plans

This is a safe place to try something new.
If you decide sleeping outdoors isn’t for you — the camper is there.
If a solo hike feels too big — pair up.
If it's your first time doing any of this — welcome.
The idea is courage in a safe container.

### Shared Activities

• Campfire gatherings each evening
• Group meals prepared together
• Cold creek walk (like a firewalk but.. the opposite)
• Delivering a warm meal to neighbors in the community
• Fireside storytelling with a local elder
  (growing up in Appalachia, autumn of the 1940s — firsthand history)
• Archery practice (imagine if to eat you had to have good aim?)

### What to Bring

• Headlamps
• Warm clothing
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
• Layers for day & night temperature changes
• A journal or notebook, instrument or book.
• Your sense of curiosity and gratitude
• HEADLAMPS!!!!

Who This Is For
People who:

• Want to slow down and reset
• Appreciate nature and community
• Are curious about doing hard things in gentle ways
• Value meaningful experiences over comfort
• Are open, respectful, and intentional

Not for people who are looking for partying, drinking, or noise.
This retreat is for quiet strength, clarity, nature, and thanks.

### Where You’ll Stay

On 215 acres private land with:

• A large heated camper sleeps 6 with 2 bathrooms
• Tent options
• Campfires
• Mountain views
• Fields, woods, and creek access

***

We do not force hardship.
We offer challenge — and honor the courage to choose it.
Come as you are.
Leave a little stronger, a little quieter inside, and a lot more grateful.

***

### RSVP

Spaces are limited to maintain a peaceful environment.