Sober & Badass. Together.
Join me July 18-21 for an EPIC weekend retreat in the luscious Sequoia National Forest.
This retreat includes an overnight whitewater rafting trip on the legendary Kern river, and two nights in a cozy cabin on a 7.5 acre property overlooking Isabella Lake .
I've always wanted to go on an overnight whitewater rafting trip, and I'm so excited to share my FIRST-EVER experience with an amazing group of sober pals with a thirst for adventure!
About the Whitewater Trip
Our rafting trip will run a 20+ mile on Class III-IV stretch of the Lower Kern River with a night at a private, riverside campground. This rafting trip is safe and beginner-friendly but will definitely get your heart pumping and make you feel more alive than any cocktail ever has!
On Friday we'll run the Class III "Jungle Run" which runs through a breathtaking granite gorge lined with pine, sycamore and willow. We'll stop at "Jungle Run Jumping Rock" where we can jump into the refreshing 70 degree water! The first day offers easier rafting so we can hone our skills for day 2.
At camp we'll enjoy appetizers, dinner and dessert prepared by camp chefs. We'll have an uplifting recovery meeting around a campfire before going to sleep under the stars together SUMMER CAMP STYLE!
Saturday is the big adventure! We'll run a 12 mile "Bigwater" stretch of Class III and IV rapids. We'll also stop for a jumping party at "Horseshoe Jumping Rock." By this point we'll feel like a team and total rockstars on the river!
The Weekend Digs
On nights 1 and 3 we'll be staying inside a GORGEOUS 2,700 square foot 4 bed/2.5 bath cabin nestled on a 7.5 acre property in Sequoia National Forest overlooking Isabella Lake.
Additional amenities include:
- Five Person Hot Tub
- Cozy outdoor seating area where we'll watch the sunset over the lake
- Hammock overlooking the lake
- High Speed WiFi
- Games including darts, corn hole, and an indoor/outdoor ping pong table
- Large Open Kitchen
- SO MUCH ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1 Thursday
4-6 pm – Check in
6:00 pm – Snacks, mocktails, meet & greet, and icebreakers!
7:00 pm – Family dinner
7:50 pm – Evening share meeting outside while watching the sun set over Lake Isabella.
Day 2 Friday
7-9 am – Self-serve continental style breakfast.
10 am – Depart for whitewater rafting adventure.
11 am - Meet with whitewater guide team, load overnight gear into trailer for guides to take to campground. Mini whitewater rafting course with guide!
Noon - LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!
4:30ish - Arrive at camp. Appetizers and N/A bubbly will be waiting for us.
6pm - Guides will prepare a sumptuous dinner and dessert.
7:30 - Evening share meeting around the fire.
Day 3 Saturday
7 - 8am - Sumptuous breakfast is served. Camping gear is loaded back onto trailer.
9 am - Load onto the raft for day 2 of adventure! We'll stop for lunch and rock jumping along the way.
4pm - Arrive back at Kernville. Pack up and head back to the house.
5:30pm - Snacks, mocktails, and casual hang after cleaning up and getting into our comfy cozies.
7 pm - Family Dinner
7:50 - Evening share meeting while watching the sunset, followed by an optional game of Fishbowl (get ready to laugh until your sides hurt lol)!
Day 4 Sunday
7 - 8am - Self-serve continental style breakfast.
8-9:30am - OPTIONAL morning hike/walk or jacuzzi hang
11am - Checkout
11:30am - OPTIONAL group lunch at local restaurant (not included in cost of retreat)
Your Adventure Retreat Package Includes:
Accommodations (2 Nights in Cabin, 1 Night Riverside Camping*)
1 Professionally Guided Overnight Whitewater Rafting Adventure with the BEST outfitter on the Kern River!
Food (3 Breakfast, 3 Dinner, 2 Lunches, Snacks & more N/A drinks than we'll know what to do with)
Transportation to/from Whitewater Rafting
Custom 2024 YSP Adventures Whitewater Rafting Crew Hats (so we can match on the river) and Goodie Bags
Access to the private YSP Adventures Facebook community where you can connect with other sober, adventurous pals
*camping equipment rentals available
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
2024 YSP Adventures Whitewater Rafting Crew oversized hoodie ($50)
Pricing
Top Bunk: $1,250
*All bedrooms share bathrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical requirements?
Attendees much be able to swim and fit the provided life jackets with all buckles fastened. The adult life jackets fit a maximum torso circumference of 52 inches. You'll also need to be comfortable with paddling for a few hours each day. People with a history of heart trouble, asthma, epilepsy, allergy to bee stings, or any other potentially serious medical condition should consult their doctor before applying. People who are pregnant are advised against attending.
How extreme/dangerous are the white water rapids?
There are 6 different classes of whitewater, ranging from Class 1 to Class 6. We'll be doing Class 3 and Class 4. Class III (3) rapid are considered fun and forgiving. Class IV (4) are considered adventurous! Your heart will be pumping, you'll get splashed, but you're not likely to fall out of the raft. To put things into perspective, lot's of middle school boy scout and girl scout clubs do this whitewater rafting trip. So yes, YOU CAN DO THIS!
What do I need to bring?
You'll need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, waterproof shoes/aquatic sandals, dry bag, and bathing suit/quick-drying clothing. We will also send you a detailed packing list of what to bring for the weekend.
Don't own camping gear? No worries! You can rent a setup from us for only $15.
I'm vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free!
Don't worry, we gotchu boo! We'll gather information about your dietary requirements and make sure you're well-nourished for this adventure!
I'M SCARED!
It's totally natural and normal to feel anxious about trying something new and adventurous. I carefully chose this trip so that it's safe but also EXCITING! You'll also be with a bunch of other girlie pops who are also doing it for their first time! I recently did my first whitewater rafting day trip and I was SO FRIGGIN NERVOUS but once it was over I was like OMFG I CAN'T WAIT TO DO THIS AGAIN! I promise you won't regret this! Besides, we're sober now and YOLO so let's live it up TOGETHER!
- Laura
Is a payment plan available?
Yes! We understand that paying the full cost upfront would prevent some folks from being able to attend. Click here to learn more about our payment plan!
PLEASE, if you are struggling to conquer credit card debt or meet your basic needs, this adventure is not for you. I ask that you prioritize your financial healing journey and keep an eye out for our FREE day hikes throughout the year.
If you are struggling with credit card debt, visit this link below to set up a free session with a nonprofit credit counseling service.
Payment Plan & Cancellation Policy
Payment Plan Option
After a 25% deposit, your remaining balance will be split into FOUR installments that are due by the following schedule:
Payment 1: 4 months before the retreat
Payment 2: 3 months before the retreat
Payment 3: 2 months before the retreat
Payment 4: One month before the retreat date
Due dates for payment plans will have a seven day grace period. Any payments 14 days overdue will be assessed a $25/week late fee. We will make every effort to contact you before the 14 day fees are applied. Payments exceeding 30 days overdue will be subject to trip cancellation with no refund.
Cancellation Policy
This cancellation policy has been designed to be as flexible and compassionate as possible because we know LIFE HAPPENS, but please understand that it also serves to protect the Sober Pal team and the blood, sweat and tears we put into these retreats.
- Cancellations must be made within 90 days of your deposit to get a full refund.
- After 90 days from your paid deposit, you will get a 50% refund.
- Within 30 days of your retreat no refunds given, no exceptions.
- Retreat bookings are transferable, meaning someone can take your spot as long as their application is approved. This must be done at least two weeks before your retreat dates!
No one books a retreat with the intention of canceling, but unexpected events do occur, so please consider purchasing travel insurance. We put months of work into each retreat and cancellations cost us time, labor, and money (I learned this the hard way and it was not fun). Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat, or for arriving late or leaving early.
I recommend that you purchase travel insurance if you want additional protection with things like flights, transportation, lost luggage, etc. Trip cancellation insurance is also a good idea because fees will be covered should you have a medical problem prior to your trip or while on the trip. Trip insurance can also cover medical expenses in the event you have an accident while on the retreat. TRUST ME it’s worth the investment!
Here is a link to a travel insurance policy that past sober pal attendees have used and loved!
Button to this link: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/travel-insurance/benefits/trip-cancellation-interruption
In the unlikely event that we cancel a retreat, your payment will be credited to a future retreat or a full refund will be provided.