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.

• 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.