1. Register and you'll receive an email and text a few days before the first hiking date with your invitation to join the private group for planning purposes, so please be on the lookout for your invitation! (Check your spam/trash box for the email if you do not see it within 1 week of the hike) 

2. Invite your support person or a small group of friends to register and join you, too!

A gentle, trauma‑informed approach to hiking together safely

Hiking to Heal is not about distance, pace, or performance. It is about presence, connection, and moving forward together in a way that honors the body, the nervous system, and each person’s story. This guide outlines the minimal expectations that help create a safe, supportive experience for everyone.

Before the Hike: What to Expect

• By registering online, you are agreeing to the WHS responsibilities, disclaimers, and waivers forms.

• Each hike planned in the Hiking to Heal FB Group will clearly communicate the place and approximate distance, terrain, pace, and estimated time.

• This is a non‑competitive, no‑pressure experience.

• We go at the slowest person's pace. Resting, slowing down, or turning back early is always allowed and honored.

• Start and end times, meeting location, and trail details will be shared in advance on the FB page.

Predictability helps the nervous system settle.

Participant Readiness (Self‑Assessment)

By joining, participants acknowledge that:

• They feel able to walk the stated distance at a gentle pace.

• They will bring any personal medications or medical supports they may need.

• They understand this is not medical care or therapy, but a supportive group experience.

Listening to your body is an act of wisdom.

Group Structure & Leadership

• Hikes are facilitated by designated leaders.

• The group stays together—no one hikes alone.

• At least one leader carries a first‑aid kit and charged phone with a list of every participants name, contact number, and emergency contact. We ask that ALL participants carry a charged phone as well in case of emergencies. 

• Leaders are familiar with the trail, exit points, and basic emergency response.

Safety increases when responsibility is shared.

Co‑Ed Boundaries & Emotional Safety

• Physical contact is optional and consent‑based.

• Sharing is always optional; silence is welcome.

• No fixing, advising, or spiritual correcting unless explicitly invited.

• Participants are encouraged to bring a support person if that feels safe and helpful.

Everyone’s story deserves respect.

What to Bring

Participants are responsible for bringing:

• Closed‑toe shoes suitable for trails

• Weather‑appropriate clothing

• A Day Pack - back pack or fanny pack is suggested with:
  • 1.5-2 Liters of Water and a light snack (Pack out what you Hike In - no trace left behind)
  • Sun or rain protection as needed
  • Optional: Journal & Pen
  • Optional: Yoga Mat, towel, or blanket for possible stretching/stillness practices.

Leaders may cancel or modify a hike if weather or trail conditions create unnecessary risk.

In Case of Discomfort or Emergency

• Notify a leader immediately if you feel unwell, overwhelmed, or unsafe.

• Safety always takes priority over completing the hike.

• Leaders will assist with next steps if support or help is needed.

Your wellbeing matters more than the plan.

Our Shared Commitment

Hiking to Heal is a space rooted in choice, compassion, and care. By participating, we agree to honor ourselves, one another, and the natural environment as we walk together.

Move gently. Breathe deeply. You belong here.

Includes: Access to the WHS Growing Resource Hub for training tips, tools, and further helpful resources (+more) will be granted upon registering. There you will find a variety of resources to help you prepare your whole body, mind, and spirit for this journey (+ more)!

Meet Your WilderMess Trail Guides: 

We’re delighted to introduce Jennifer Neufeld of Fresh Journey and author of "Hiking to Explore Grief" (the workbook you'll be using) as one of our Wilderness Trail Guides at Wild Haven Sanctuary.

Jenn brings a long history of grounded, compassionate presence to the trail, creating space for people to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with nature, their bodies, and themselves. Jenn founded Fresh Journey out of her own desire to walk alongside others with gentleness and encouragement, helping each person move forward with confidence to walk at a more mindful pace - rather than a race.

From her own experience and from hiking with others regularly, Jenn knows that the trail teaches us how to meet challenges with patience, courage, and trust. As you walk through creation, you may find yourself traveling lighter, sensing God’s caring presence, and being met right where you are—gently guided toward strength, clarity, and renewal.

We’re grateful for the wisdom, care, and steady leadership she brings to our Hiking to Heal experiences and we are honored to walk this journey with you - together.

We’re honored to also introduce Wild Haven’s founder, Trish McCall, as one of our Wilderness Trail Guides.

Rooted in the mountains of North Carolina and shaped by a deep respect for nature’s healing power, she brings a steady, compassionate presence to every trail. Her approach is gentle and encouraging—meeting each participant where they are and guiding them forward with care, patience, and trust in the process.

As a Trail Guide, she embodies the belief that nature reveals God's healing nature—believing that strength is built one grounded step at a time, and that every journey looks different. With an understanding of trauma-informed care, nervous-system safety, and embodied healing, she creates a space where participants can reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and begin to conquer their own mountain—at their own pace.

Whether you’re new to hiking or returning to the trail, you’ll be met with warmth, wisdom, and an unwavering belief in your capacity to grow.

1. Purchase the workbook to begin your personal journey of healing grief. 

2. Invite your support group, fitness club, church, or counseling ministry to complete the hiking training and book study together.

3. Join one of the quarterly Hiking to Explore Grief Workshops to have the support of an online community.  You can plan your own hike or join up with others in your area.

 Workbook Discussions: Sundays, 3:30pm EST/1:30pm PST (1 hour Zoom session, not recorded)

Training Sessions: You will be granted access to our on-demand "Growing Resource Hub" upon contributing the suggested donation. You will find a variety of workouts to help you prepare your whole body, mind, and spirit for this journey (+ more)!

The It's $17.58 for the workbook

Suggested $150 (minimum $40) donation.

All proceeds benefit Wild Haven Sanctuary to help us create scholarships and grow so that we can serve more people.  

Each Destination Hike Includes:

• 6 week training program with coaching and accountability focused on using the daily self- and soul-care essentials practices

• Coaching and check-in calls in addition to the workshop

• 3 days and 2 nights lodging

• Full round-trip transportation from the selected airport to the Destination Hike and back again to the airport and all the in betweens for the three day event.

• Tips, tools, and support for fundraising

• A holistic (mind, body, & spirit) approach to the entire event

• A team of experienced guides (trailblazers)

• A commemorative shirt and souvenir swag bag

• An authentic compassionate community to journey with - for a lifetime if you so choose! 

Plan, train, and take a moderate hike where you are. You can train on your own, or join a group near you. Or join us, if you're close to the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC in Ashe County or near Bakersfield CA.

Once you sign up, you'll receive emails to keep you posted as to when and where we will offer group hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC or near Bakersfield CA where Trish and Jenn can be your in-person hiking guides!! 

All calls are Mondays, 8:30 PM Eastern  (Zoom, no recording)

Training check-in calls, every other Thursday 8:30 PM (Zoom, recording available)

• • $1055 registration fee per person

  • Payment Plans available 

Payments start immediately and are charged every 30 days for up to three payments.  Registration fees must be paid if full 30 days prior to the event start date.

• • Refund Policy

The registration fee is non-refundable. Participants who withdraw from training prior to the start of the 6-week training period will have their fee converted into a tax-deductible donation to Wild Haven Sanctuary.

In addition to the registration fee, each hiker agrees to fundraise $ 1,500 in tax-deductible donations for Wild Haven Sanctuary to continue cultivating healing, hope and restoration for those who have experienced hurt, loss, trauma, or suffering to help restore them to lifestyles of freedom, peace, and purpose.

Most trails are rugged wilderness trails but are maintained. The trails may be rocky in many places, with uneven, muddy, gravel or sandy patches.  At times there may be little shade and temperatures may be extreme.

Trails may have thorny plants along the path. You will likely need to step over irregular obstacles up to 18 inches in height in places.  Some hikes have caves, but exploration of caves will always be optional. 

When hiking canyons of any kind, we will likely hike moderate trails with short but steep canyon entrances and exits. You are likely to encounter to mud, puddles, or streams in canyons.  The trails can be narrow, inside the walls of the canyons or following the canyon's edge. These kinds of hikes may not be well suited for those with fear of heights or claustrophobia. 

*Please check the area you want to hike for typical weather patterns during the planned seasons of hiking so that you can dress/pack appropriately.

• Smart Devices - All hikers must own a smartwatch or smartphone to track training hikes. You agree to be accountable to our team of experienced trailblazers through the day of the event.

   

•  Training - You must train diligently for this event. Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating in this event should you not meet the training requirements. This includes the physical cardio/strength training, the required training hikes, weekly training calls, and regular correspondence with your trailblazer.

•  Injury - Because of the nature of this event and the Palo Duro Canyon, if you sustain an injury or illness at any time throughout the training period, you must notify your trail guide. If the injury or illness compromises your safety or the safety of the group, Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating on the day of the hike.

•  Important Medical Advisory - Hiking is for individuals cleared for exercise by their physician, who are active 3-5 times a week, and no more than 40 pounds overweight. Each participant will be required to receive a clearance from a medical provider.

  Leading up to the 6-week training program, all participants must train cardio 3-4x per week and strength 2x per week.

  The 6 weeks of training hikes will range from 2.5 – 8 miles, with time on your feet ranging from 1.5 – 4+ hours. If you don’t live near mountains or hills, you may still train as a “flatlander” using hill-repeats or stadium stairs. (Stair machines and treadmills are not allowed for training hikes.)

Fundraising - You agree to the fundraising goal of $1500. You will be provided a fundraising page to share with supporters. You can start fundraising now. 

If you prefer, you may cover the fundraising amount on your own rather than fundraise. Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to withhold your spot if you have not met the fundraising goal by the time you arrive for the hike.

• Who These Retreats Are For

  RESTore to ROAR is for women who:

  • Feel weary, disconnected, or stretched thin

  • Carry unresolved stress, grief, or soul wounds

  • Have spent years caring for others and are ready to tend to themselves

  • Desire deeper alignment between faith, body, and lived experience

  • Long for a safe, compassionate community without pressure or performance

  • Are ready to gently reclaim their voice, strength, and vitality

  You do not need to be “strong enough,” healed enough, or spiritual enough to attend. You simply need to arrive as you are.

The Heart of RESTore to ROAR

These retreats are rooted in Wild Haven Sanctuary’s core values of Wholeness, Sacred Identity, Gentle Strength, Faithful Stewardship, and Hope & Healing in Action.

Each experience is intentionally designed to support:

• Nervous-system safety and restoration

• Trauma-informed, body-aware practices

• Spacious rhythms of rest and reflection

• Choice, consent, and personal autonomy

• Faith-centered practices offered with tenderness and respect, with sensitivity to those who have experienced spiritual or religious harm

Healing here is never rushed. Growth is never forced. Transformation unfolds at a human pace.

What You’ll Experience

While each RESTore to ROAR Retreat is unique, experiences may include:

• Gentle, trauma-sensitive movement and breathwork

• Nature immersion, guided hikes, and grounding practices

• Reflective journaling, creative expression, and guided rest

• Group circles rooted in compassion, confidentiality, and choice

• Faith-centered reflection and prayer offered as invitation, not expectation

• Time for silence, solitude, and spacious integration

Everything is optional. Listening to your body and honoring your boundaries is always the priority.

A Safe & Brave Community

At RESTore to ROAR, you are never asked to share more than you wish.
Stories are honored. Silence is respected. Boundaries are sacred.

This is a place where women are met with dignity, tenderness, and truth—where healing is held within community, but guided by personal agency.

You are not alone here. And you are never required to perform for healing.

• Location: Nature-based retreat settings in North Carolina

• Group Size: Intentionally small - 8-12 typically - for safety, connection, and care

• Length: Varies by retreat (weekend and multi-day options available), but typically 3 days with an optional 4th day for "soaking" it all in and simply BEing.

• Accessibility: Adaptations and support available upon request

Specific dates, locations, and retreat themes will be listed on individual retreat pages.

Our Donation-Based Model

RESTore to ROAR Retreats are offered through a suggested donation and a minimum donation model.

This structure allows women from different financial circumstances to participate with dignity and integrity. Those who are able to give at the suggested donation help subsidize the experience for women who can only contribute the minimum—creating a shared circle of care where no one is excluded due to finances.

We intentionally do not offer these retreats for free. We believe that investing in ourselves—at any level—is a powerful act of self-worth. Even a minimum contribution reflects a commitment to your healing, your growth, and the woman you are becoming.

This model honors both personal agency and communal generosity—allowing each participant to give what they can, while collectively sustaining the work and widening access for others.

Your contribution is not just a "payment"; it is participation in something larger—restoring lives, strengthening community, and creating a ripple of healing that extends beyond the retreat itself.

There are payment scheduling options if you use paypal.  Registration fees must be paid if full within 30 days of a retreat.

Refund Policy

The minimum registration fee is non-refundable - unless Wild Haven Sanctuary has to cancel - it will be considered a tax-deductible donation to Wild Haven Sanctuary.

If you must cancel, please cancel more than 30 days prior to the start of the retreat and consider donating the monies invested above the minimum registration fee. 

Just cannot make the minimum donation fee?

If Finances Are a Barrier and you just cannot make the minimum donation fee...

...we invite you to reach out to us directly HERE. We are committed to offering every reasonable opportunity for women to participate and may have limited scholarships or alternative arrangements available.

We approach these conversations with care, confidentiality, and respect. Your financial circumstances do not define your worth or your readiness for healing. When possible, we will work together to explore options that honor both your needs and the sustainability of this work.

Often, our retreats involve an invitational "Hiking to Heal" exploration. Most trails are rugged wilderness trails but are fairly well maintained. The trails may be rocky in many places, with uneven, muddy, gravel or sandy patches.  At times there may be little shade and temperatures may be extreme.

Trails may have thorny plants along the path. You will likely need to step over irregular obstacles up to 18 inches in height in places.  Some hikes have caves, but exploration of caves will always be optional. 

When hiking canyons of any kind, we will likely hike moderate trails with short but steep canyon entrances and exits. You are likely to encounter to mud, puddles, or streams in canyons.  The trails can be narrow, inside the walls of the canyons or following the canyon's edge. These kinds of hikes may not be well suited for those with fear of heights or claustrophobia. 

*Please check the area you want to hike for typical weather patterns during the planned seasons of hiking so that you can dress/pack appropriately.

• Smart Devices - All participants must own a smartwatch or smartphone to participate in our hikes. You agree to be accountable to our team of experienced trailblazers throughout the event.

   

•  Injury - Because of the nature of the great outdoors as most of our retreats are, if you sustain an injury or illness at any time throughout the retreat time period, you must notify your guide. If the injury or illness compromises your safety or the safety of the group, Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating in the rest of the activity, maybe even the rest of the retreat.

•  Important Medical Advisory - Our retreats are for individuals cleared for exercise and for saunas by their physician if you will be participating in these physically and physiologically impacting experiences. 

   

In addition to supporting each participant’s healing journey, RESTore to ROAR Retreats may also serve as a fundraiser for Wild Haven Sanctuary.

Contributions beyond the minimum donation help sustain our programs, expand access to trauma-informed, nature-based healing experiences, and allow us to continue serving women who need safe, compassionate spaces to restore and rebuild. When possible, these offerings help strengthen the long-term mission of Wild Haven Sanctuary—ensuring this work can grow, reach more women, and endure for generations.

Your participation becomes part of a shared investment: in your own restoration, in the healing of others, and in the future of this sanctuary and the community it serves.

Can’t Attend but Want to Sponsor Someone?

Your generosity helps make RESTore to ROAR accessible to women who may not otherwise be able to attend.
Your gift becomes part of a larger ripple—restoring hope, healing, and embodied strength beyond yourself.

Please contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

• Who These Events Are For

  Build Your Own Events are ideal for those who want something more catered to their needs:

  • Churches, ministries, and faith-based groups

  • Nonprofits and community organizations

  • Healthcare teams, caregivers, teachers, and first responders

  • Retreat leaders, facilitators, and coaches

  • Women’s groups, leadership teams, or private gatherings

  Whether your group is faith-centered, secular, or somewhere in between, we meet you where you are.

The Heart of Wild Haven Warriors is to War a Different Way

All of our events are rooted in Wild Haven Sanctuary’s core values of Wholeness, Sacred Identity, Gentle Strength, Faithful Stewardship, and Hope & Healing in Action.

Each experience is intentionally designed to support:

• Nervous-system safety and restoration

• Trauma-informed, body-aware practices

• Spacious rhythms of rest and reflection

• Choice, consent, and personal autonomy

• Faith-centered practices offered with tenderness and respect, with sensitivity to those who have experienced spiritual or religious harm

Healing here is never rushed. Growth is never forced. Transformation unfolds at a human pace.

That means:

• No forced participation

• No pressure to share personal stories

• No expectation to perform or “push through”

• Respect for boundaries, bodies, and beliefs

We design experiences that are grounded, human-paced, and sustainable—supporting real restoration, not burnout disguised as growth.

Each Build Your Own Event is collaboratively designed and may include:

• Trauma-informed yoga or gentle movement

• Guided hikes or Hiking to Heal experiences

• Nature immersion and grounding practices

• Restorative breathwork and nervous-system regulation

• Reflective journaling and creative expression

• Group circles focused on resilience, restoration, and connection

• Faith-centered reflection or prayer (optional and always invitational)

Every element is adaptable. Choice and consent are woven into the experience.

1. Share Your Vision
   Tell us about your group, goals, setting, and desired tone.

2. Collaborative Design
   We co-create an experience aligned with your needs, values, and participants.

3. Intentional Facilitation
   Our trained guides and facilitators hold the space with care, clarity, and presence.

4. Integration & Impact
   Participants leave with practical tools, embodied insight, and space to carry the experience forward.

• We’ll help you discern what best supports your people.

  Location: On-site, off-site, or nature-based locations but always natural settings. 
• Lodging: Currently, we offer streamside Tent, Hammock, or RV camping on our land. We have special rates with an Inn and an ABnB nearby where we can provide transport. Otherwise, you can arrange your own lodging and transport for your group.

• Group Size: Intentionally small - 8-12 typically - for safety, connection, and care. However, we can accomodate as many as 30. 

• Length: Varies by event - Half-day, full-day, or multi-day options

• Accessibility: Adaptations and support available upon request.

• Timing: Specific dates, locations, and retreat themes are up to you ... it's first paid, first reserved.

Pricing varies based on group size, location, length, and offerings. Donation-based or subsidized options MAY be available for nonprofits or mission-aligned groups.

We believe investing in these experiences reflects the value placed on wellbeing, restoration, and long-term impact.

Often, our retreats involve an invitational "Hiking to Heal" exploration. Most trails are rugged wilderness trails but are fairly well maintained. The trails may be rocky in many places, with uneven, muddy, gravel or sandy patches.  At times there may be little shade and temperatures may be extreme.

Trails may have thorny plants along the path. You will likely need to step over irregular obstacles up to 18 inches in height in places.  Some hikes have caves, but exploration of caves will always be optional. 

When hiking canyons of any kind, we will likely hike moderate trails with short but steep canyon entrances and exits. You are likely to encounter to mud, puddles, or streams in canyons.  The trails can be narrow, inside the walls of the canyons or following the canyon's edge. These kinds of hikes may not be well suited for those with fear of heights or claustrophobia. 

*Please check the area you want to hike for typical weather patterns during the planned seasons of hiking so that you can dress/pack appropriately.

• Smart Devices - All participants must own a smartwatch or smartphone to participate in our hikes. You agree to be accountable to our team of experienced trailblazers throughout the event.

   

•  Injury - Because of the nature of the great outdoors as most of our retreats are, if you sustain an injury or illness at any time throughout the retreat time period, you must notify your guide. If the injury or illness compromises your safety or the safety of the group, Wild Haven Sanctuary reserves the right to excuse you from participating in the rest of the activity, maybe even the rest of the retreat.

•  Important Medical Advisory - Our retreats are for individuals cleared for exercise and for saunas by their physician if you will be participating in these physically and physiologically impacting experiences. 

   

In addition to supporting your event, it can also serve as fundraisers for Wild Haven Sanctuary and your outreach, too.

Contributions beyond the minimum fees help sustain our programs, expand access to trauma-informed, nature-based healing experiences, and allow us to continue serving women who need safe, compassionate spaces to restore and rebuild. When possible, these offerings help strengthen the long-term mission of Wild Haven Sanctuary—ensuring this work can grow, reach more women, and endure for generations.

Your participation becomes part of a shared investment: in your own restoration, in the healing of others, and in the future of this sanctuary and the community it serves.

Your generosity helps make our WHS events accessible to trauma survivors who may not otherwise be able to attend.
Your gift becomes part of a larger ripple—restoring hope, healing, and embodied strength beyond yourself.

Please contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.