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Frequently Asked Questions

+ WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE 4-DAY RETREAT?

Our retreat program aims to provide a much-needed pause from busy schedules and overloaded to-dos, to allow you to breathe. As moms, it is easy to lose sight of who we are and miss out on that inner connection. Take this opportunity to discover your potential within and guide yourself to your highest path and truest nature.

Our retreat program offers space to reconnect with yourself through fitness, mindfulness, farm-to-table food, beautiful nature, and Montessori and Forest school inspired childcare.

Expect to leave feeling inspired, energized and transformed.

+ WHO COMES TO WANDERWILD FAMILY RETREATS?

We welcome all moms in various stages of motherhood. We attract anyone who is interested in or curious about a holistic healthy lifestyle for themselves and their children. We welcome pregnant moms and postpartum moms, with fitness modifications and dietary considerations taken for both. Most mothers who join us are in the early stages of motherhood, with children 8 years old and under.

+ WHAT IS HOLISTIC WELLNESS?

Holistic simply means addressing the person as a whole. Holistic wellness is the practice of balancing physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Physical health examples: Sleep, nutrition, exercise

Mental health examples: Self talk, daily moods and emotions, community

Spiritual health examples: Meditation, connection with nature, service

+ WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE LIKE?

Typical Day

7:00am-7:30am Morning sunrise yoga and stretch

7:30am-8:30am Light morning breakfast self-serve in pavilion lounge area

9:00am Children’s program begins

9:15am-10:15am Fusion yoga class

10:15am Mid-morning snack for children during childcare program

11:00am-12:00pm Mama brunch

11:30am Children’s lunch during childcare program

12:15pm-1:00pm Guided meditation

1:00pm Children’s program ends

1:30pm-2:30pm Guided mom and child hike

4:00pm-4:30pm Mom and child yoga

2:30pm-5:30pm Free time, smoothie bar, and bespoke experiences (additional childcare included as required during bespoke experiences which include massage, reiki, and synastry astrology readings)

5:30pm-6:30pm Group dinner

7:00pm-8:00pm Campfire storytime

8:00pm-10:00pm Women's circle (projector movie night or baby monitor watching for children)

Note: This is an example schedule, and every day is always a little different.

+ WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

Our retreats take place for the most part outside in nature no matter the weather conditions. We provide a packing list and recommend packing layers and rain gear. You can expect the Catskills in June to have hot, sunny days (78 degF) with cooler evenings (54 degF) and scattered rain showers. You can expect Cape Cod in June to have sunny days (72 degF) with cooler evenings (56 degF) and some rain showers.

We do have rain coverage and rain contingency plans for longer periods of rain fall.

+ IS THIS CONSIDERED GLAMPING?

We strive to make your experience the most comfortable possible while still being surrounded by nature in the wilderness. You will have a private bathroom with hot water and access to delicious and nutrient food for example, but you can also expect to have some critters, like bugs, visit you in your room. It all depends on your comfort level and experience with being in the outdoors, but the majority of our guests find the experience the perfect level of intimacy with nature.

+ ARE THE ROOMS DARK FOR SLEEPING?

Both the cabins in the Catskills and the Airstreams in Cape Cod have privacy curtains, but the sun does shine through them. We recommend using a SlumberPod (available for rent) to block out the sunlight if your child is sensitive to this.

+ ARE BEGINNERS AT YOGA WELCOME?

Yes! All are welcome, including anyone at any stage in their pregnancy or postpartum journey (if you’ve been cleared to exercise by your doctor). We will offer both modifications and enhancements throughout the practices. Modifications are included for pregnancy, c-sections, and diastasis recti.

+ WHAT IS FUSION YOGA?

Fusion yoga is the blending of yoga with other fitness disciplines, such as strength training, low impact cardio, barre and other types of yoga that are not as commonly practiced like buti and kundalini.

+ WHAT IS RESTORATIVE YOGA?

Restorative yoga is a meditative form of yoga that allows you to focus on your breath while releasing tension in your body. This type of yoga is for relaxing, calming and healing. We incorporate hip openers, pelvic floor, and pranayama for the spine, all wonderful for mamas.

+ WHAT IS A SOUND BATH?

A sound bath is best described as listening to healing instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, and chimes to bring balance and relaxation.

+ WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MOM + CHILD YOGA?

This yoga practice will have mom + child working together in traditional yoga poses that are adapted to incorporate child. The main goal of this practice is to deepen the connection between mom and child sprinkled with lighthearted fun.

+ WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

Our 4-day retreat programs are running May - June of 2024 in several locations. Please check our retreats page or sign up for our email list for the latest information.

+ HOW DO I GET THERE AND WHEN?

Once you reserve your retreat, you will receive full details on arrival and planning for your trip.

You can find a map with our location on each retreats page.

+ WHICH MEALS ARE INCLUDED?

All meals are included for both mom and child. The daily meal schedule consists of 3 main meals and a smoothie / snack bar each afternoon.

+ WHAT DO WE EAT?

We serve farm-to-table, healthy whole foods, that are preferably local and seasonal for ideal freshness.

Sample Menu

Light breakfast- Parfait board, roasted sweet potato hash, fresh squeezed OJ

Children snack- Full fat greek yogurt and fresh berries

Mama brunch- Assorted sourdough bread sandwiches, salads, fruit board, and dips

Children lunch- Grilled cheese and avocado sandwiches, fruit board, and dips

Smoothie bar- Vegan vampire smoothies (Pineapple, strawberry, carrots, beet juice, lemon juice, ginger and fresh squeezed OJ)

Dinner- Wood fired oven cauliflower crust cheese, margherita, and veggie pizza (vegan option available)

Finger foods and purees can be provided for infants. You are welcome to bring emergency food or your child's favorite foods if they are a more selective eater. We do not offer any foods that use processed sugar, seed oils, additives or chemicals. If you want to bring any personal food items, you can store it in your mini fridge.

We will have an area available for you to wash baby bottles.

Cow’s milk and plant based milks are provided.

+ I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES, CAN YOU CATER TO THAT?

Yes, we can cater to food allergies. Please let us know in the comments section when making your reservation. We don’t, however, cater to serious food allergies that require medical supervision or medical conditions that require a specialized diet.

+ IS THERE A FRIDGE TO STORE MILK?

Yes, each cabin at the Catskills location and each Airstream at the Cape Cod location have a mini fridge.

+ CAN I DRINK WINE AT THE RETREAT?

All our retreats are alcohol free, as we encourage you to treat yourself to a detox from alcohol.

+ CAN MY PARTNER / HUSBAND / GRANDMA COME TO THE RETREAT?

Our retreat program was designed with mothers in mind, however we do welcome partners, husbands, and grandmas. They would not be able to follow the full retreat activity schedule, but we would make an effort to incorporate them whenever possible throughout the retreat.

+ WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM?

Our Children’s program focuses on activities in nature and the outdoors that encourage self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play, using Montessori and Forest school approach.

+ WHAT ARE THE CREDENTIALS OF THE CHILDCARE TEAM?

We work with universities, schools, and agencies to find high quality candidates that have a strong interest in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, or Forest school education and enjoy adventure in the outdoors. We run background checks and have a diligent screening process for our staff. We enjoy employing a range of team members from seasoned professionals to passionate students who lead the childcare program activities and are passionate to share their knowledge.

+ CAN I BRING MORE THAN 1 CHILD?

Yes! The accomodations can comfortably fit more than 1 child. After you reserve your retreat spot, there will be instructions on how to add up to 3 children total to your reservation.

+ SHOULD I BRING TOYS AND BOOKS FOR MY CHILD?

During the Children’s program, we will provide fun activities to facilitate exploring nature and the outdoors. If your child does have favorite toys and books, we would recommend bringing just a few favorites for any free time after the Children’s program and to have something from the comforts of home with them.

+ WHAT IF MY BABY NEEDS TO TAKE THEIR NAP DURING CHILDCARE PROGRAM?

Babies all have individual routines and regardless of whether your baby is napping multiple times per day or once per day, breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the childcare team will review with you your child’s individual needs on the first day.

+ HOW OLD SHOULD MY CHILD BE?

All babies and children are welcome. You can bring your newborn or grade schooler. We have welcomed babies as small as 6 weeks old and children up to 15 years old. Most commonly, children are between 18 months and 8 years old.

+ SHOULD I BRING DIAPERS FOR THE WHOLE RETREAT?

If you can find space in your travel bags, it is preferred. If not, we recommend bringing enough for the first day or two and then we can make a shopping run for you and will charge you the cost price.

+ CAN I ENHANCE MY CHILDCARE?

The childcarer to child ratio is 1:4 which is very comfortable compared to usual daycare programs. However, do keep in mind that some children need more attention with new surroundings and change in routines. We recommend that babies under 12 months and toddlers with separation challenges have someone assigned to them. You can decide to have a personal childcarer assigned to your child for an additional fee of $950 USD.

We will always come and get you if your baby needs you, such as for breastfeeding or if inconsolably crying. You will be in walking distance to the childcare program so you can always come and check on your baby.

+ WHAT IF I NEED EXTRA BABY SITTING?

Childcare is generally provided from 9am-1pm. We also provide complimentary childcare during free time bespoke experiences and in the evenings. We usually have at least 2 members of the childcare team available to support guests as needed throughout the day.

+ WHAT ARE BESPOKE EXPERIENCES?

Bespoke Experiences are carefully curated to enhance your experience and are available exclusively at the retreat. You can access the Bespoke Experiences available at your retreat from the welcome email you will receive after booking.

+ I’M ON MEDICATION, DOES THAT MATTER?

Yes, you will need to disclose all medication that you are taking. If you are on strong medication, you must provide a Doctor’s note stating that you are able to participate in the retreat program.

+ WHAT IF I’M RECOVERING FROM AN INJURY?

You are still welcome to come but are reminded to take it slow and stay within your comfort level. If you are recovering from a serious injury, you must provide a Doctor’s note stating you are able to participate in the retreat program.

+ CAN I GET PHONE RECEPTION?

Yes, there is good phone reception on most of the retreat properties.

+ HOW OFTEN DO OUR BEDROOMS GET CLEANED?

We are no longer offering room cleaning services, with sustainability and privacy in mind. You can request fresh towels, new linens, and trash disposal as needed.

+ ARE TOWELS PROVIDED?

Yes, there will be a set for both mom and child.

+ DO YOU HAVE A LAUNDRY SERVICE?

Currently, we do not offer a laundry service.

+ WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

The Packing List is available for download on our website.

+ WHAT IF I CANNOT BRING EVERYTHING ON THE RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST?

With advance notice we can provide strollers, baby wear harnesses, child wear hiking backpacks, pack n plays, toddler beds, SlumberPods, and portable tubs upon availability for additional fees. Highchairs will be provided. We do highly recommend bringing rain gear and sun hats.

If there are any questions that we have not answered, please email us at hello@wanderwildfamilyretreats.com and we will get back to you shortly.