Embrace Adventure on the Kern
Are you the kind of girl who use to throw back tequila shots and dance on tables? Looking to channel that untamed energy into an epic sober escapade?
Join us July 9-13 for an EPIC retreat in the heart of the breathtaking Sequoia National Forest. This is your chance to step outside your comfort zone, tap into your wild side with a group of sober misfits who are ready to take on the world!
The highlight of our retreat? An overnight whitewater rafting trip on the legendary Kern River! Guided by the best whitewater pros on the Kern, we’ll paddle as a team through class III and IV rapids and sleep under the stars summer camp style.
When we're not rafting, we’ll be stationed in our cozy cabin that's just steps away from a beach and a magical hiking trail.
If you’re craving something fresh, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable, consider this your sign!
Adventure level: 3/5⛰︎
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 could!
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.
That night, we’ll channel all the SUMMER CAMP VIBES at our private riverside camp. Think delicious appetizers, dinner, and dessert whipped up by camp chefs, games that’ll have you laughing till your cheeks hurt, riverside chill time, and heartfelt conversations before dozing off under the stars.
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!
Home Base
On nights 1, 3 & 4 we'll be staying inside a 3,541 sq. ft luxury log home nestled in Sequoia National Forest on the scenic Kern River. This special log cabin was hand-built by the owner and was inspired by the workmanship of Frank Lloyd Wright!
Additional amenities include:
- Private beach access on the Kern River
- Access to hiking trails
- Game room with fooseball and pool table
- High Speed WiFi
- BBQ Grill
- Large Open Kitchen
- Cozy patio with outdoor seating
- SO MUCH ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1 Wednesday
5 pm – Check in
6:00 pm – Snacks, mocktails, meet & greet, and icebreakers!
7:00 pm – Family dinner
Day 2 Thursday
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 .
Day 3 Friday
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 showering and getting into our comfy cozies.
7 pm - Family Dinner
Day 4 Saturday
7 - 9 am - Self-serve continental style breakfast.
10am - Workshop
11am - 4pm - FREE DAY! Option to lounge on the beach or explore nearby trails (or both)!
5pm - GAME NIGHT
7pm - Family dinner
Day 4 Sunday
7 - 9am - Self-serve continental style breakfast.
10am - Checkout
*Please note we may modify our itinerary as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.
Meet Your Hosts
Laura Van Antwerp
Home: Reno, Nevada
Sober time: 7 years
Bio: Laura is a full-fledged adventure junkie who can’t resist the call of the wild! From hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing to whitewater rafting, snowboarding, mountain biking and canyoneering—if it’s outdoors, she’s probably already done it (and planned the sequel).
As a backpacking and hiking guide with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a guest speaker at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the proud recipient of the 2022 Windfeldt Inspire Award, Laura brings a mix of expertise, passion, and laughter to every adventure. She's on a mission to empower women to find connection, joy, and HAVE FUN in sobriety!
Some of Laura’s most epic escapades include conquering Snake Dike on the front face of Half Dome in Yosemite, trekking nine unforgettable days through the Andes mountains in Peru, and whitewater rafting the Kern River with her Sober Pals for the first time in 2024.
When she’s not blazing trails, you’ll find Laura tending to her 132 (and counting) houseplants, fostering dogs with her husband (to the eternal side-eye of their cat), or whipping up laugh-out-loud reels on Instagram at @yoursoberpal.
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder | CPR | Leave No Trace Level 2 | Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Practitioner
Photo Album
We're not going to lie - we've had some epic fun adventuring, connecting and laughing together. Check out some of the photos from last year's whitewater retreat!
Word on the Street
See testimonials from amazing women who said YES to joining the Whitewater Adventure Retreat!
Your Retreat Package Includes:
Accommodations (3 Nights in Cabin, 1 Night Riverside Camping*)
1 Professionally Guided Overnight Whitewater Rafting Adventure with the BEST outfitter on the Kern River!
Food (4 Breakfast, 4 Dinner, 3 Lunches, Snacks & more N/A drinks than we'll know what to do with)
Transportation to/from Whitewater Rafting
Custom 2025 YSP Adventures Whitewater Rafting Crew Hats (so we can match on the river) and Goodie Bags
Access to ALL the amazing photos/videos we take on our trip so you can be extra present (including professional photos from the whitewater trip)
Access to the private YSP Adventures community where you can connect with other sober, adventurous pals
*Camping equipment rentals available for additional fee
Not Included:
Transportation to cabin
Travel Insurance
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. NO TENTS NECESSARY. Nights are warm and there are no bugs or wildlife where we are camping.
Don't own camping gear? No worries! You can rent a setup (sleeping bag, pillow, liner, headlamp) from us for only $25.
How sober do I have to be?
This retreat is specifically crafted for women who are committed to sobriety. While we welcome women at all stages of their journey with alcohol, it’s important to note that the retreat environment centers around open and vulnerable conversations about sobriety and personal growth.
If you are sober-curious or early in your journey, we ask that you reflect on whether you are ready to engage in a supportive, safe space where sobriety is a shared commitment among participants and openly discussed. Most importantly, we seek to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels supported in their unique path in sobriety.
I've never rafted and 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! In fact, almost half of the group last year was doing it for their first time! We were NERVOUS but once it was over everyone was like OMFG I CAN'T WAIT TO DO THIS AGAIN! I promise you won't regret this! If it makes your whole body tingle, that's your sign to say YES!
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.
Let's Do This!
Private Rooms
King Bed: $3,200
King Bed: $3,200
Shared Rooms
Double Bed: $2,900
Double Bed: $2,900
Bottom Bunk: $2,700
Top Bunk: $2,500
Single Bed: $2,500
*Please note all bathrooms are shared summer camp style
*Payment plans available!
Payment Plan & Cancellation Policy
Payment Plan Option
We’re all about making this dream adventure as accessible (and stress-free) as possible. If you opt for the payment plan, here’s how it works:
Deposit: $200 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
Payment 1: 4 months before the retreat
Payment 2: 3 months before the retreat
Payment 3: 2 months before the retreat
Payment 4: 1 month before the retreat
You’ll get a friendly email reminder a few days before each payment is due, so keep an eye on that inbox.
We know life can get a little messy sometimes, so we’ve built in a seven-day grace period for each payment. If a payment is overdue by 14 days, a $25/week late fee will be applied (but don’t worry, we’ll do our absolute best to reach you before that happens!).
If payments fall 30 days overdue, your spot on the retreat may be canceled without a refund, which we really don’t want to happen—so please keep us in the loop if you’re having any issues. We’re here to help!
Let’s make this adventure happen, stress-free and on time!
Cancellation Policy
We get it—LIFE HAPPENS. This cancellation policy is designed to be as flexible and compassionate as possible because we truly understand the unexpected, but it’s also here to protect the blood, sweat, and (occasionally happy) tears the Sober Pal team pours into crafting these magical retreats.
Here’s the deal:
- Cancel within 60 days of your deposit: Full refund (except deposit amount)
- Cancel after 60 days of your deposit: You’ll get 50% back.
- Cancel within 30 days of your retreat: No refunds, no exceptions.
But here’s some good news: retreat bookings are transferable! If you find someone who wants to take your spot (and their application is approved), they’re in—just make sure this is done at least two weeks before the retreat.
We know no one signs up for an adventure like this planning to cancel, but we’ve learned (the hard way) that last-minute changes cost us big in time, energy, and resources. While we’d love to make exceptions, we simply can’t—for any reason, including weather, illness, personal emergencies, or other unexpected life curveballs.
This is why we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance—trust us, it’s worth it! Trip insurance can cover fees if you need to cancel for medical reasons, flights, lost luggage, and more.
If you’re looking for a good travel insurance option, here’s a link to one past attendees have used and loved: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
We’re here to help make your experience as smooth as possible—just remember, a little prep goes a long way when it comes to protecting your investment in yourself and this epic adventure. 💛
Apply Now!
If you are interested in participating in this retreat, we ask that you please fill out this application. This helps us ensure that all participants are aligned with our mission: creating a sober space where you can feel seen, supported, and free to show up as your whole, authentic self. That’s where the real magic happens—and we can’t wait for you to be part of it! ✨