Trekking FAQ’s

  • What do I bring?
    • Well… we are going to be in a cabin with air/heat at a lakeside resort so you won’t freeze or melt; however, Tahoe is unpredictable and we are going to be playing outside with water options so layers, bathing suits, wetsuits, etc are all fine.  That said, if you are traveling with our van, room is limited!
    • If you have extra outdoor clothing, bring it, we have a variety of participants that could put it to use!
    • Anything you bring is going to be in a communal living environment so try not to bring things of too much value… and we emphasis sharing with toys, food, etc so be generous:)
  • Whats it cost?
    • $300 covers most everything and if paid by check, can be qualified as a donation.  Scholarships are available and we will work directly with you to make the trip happen regardless so DON’T LET MONEY BE A BARRIER!
  • Im nervous…
    • Of course you are! Thats the point! These trips are about creating formative spaces where ‘everyone is safe but no one is comfortable’.  You will be physically comfortable (a great cabin in a heavenly setting… literally next to Heavenly) however, the social interactions across populations is exciting and a little bit scary.   EMBRACE IT!
    • There is plenty of opportunity to take time for yourself and plenty of space to make that possible… we also have a team of qualified leaders with various counseling, ministerial, recreational, etc gifts so make use of their wisdom and companionship!
  • I can only come for part of it…
    • Good… we want you! Let us know and lets get you there even if just for a day!
  • Food…
    • Everyone has interesting eating issues… We will be doing group meals but with that in mind, there is a cafeteria offering up a healthy buffet options 3 meals a day for additional cost right on site as well as local grocery and restaurant options if needed.  We have a commercial kitchen and you may bring your own food; however, be cognizant that though we will try to emphasis not eating others food, it may get thrown in the mix:).
    • Meal time, whether you actually eat with the group or not, is a valuable time of conversation and communion (literally breaking bread together) and we hope you embrace these opportunities for community!
  • RELIGION!
    • The elephant in the room… Yes, this is hosted at a “Christian Camp;” however, though we completely embrace the spiritual component of a holistic retreat THERE IS NO pushing of any prescribed faith doctrines… In fact, we have a diverse leadership representative of a variety of world faith practices with Christian, Jewish, Hindu, etc roots and look forward to exploring a variety of themes from philosophical, faith, social, and personal perspectives that GIVE EVERYONE A VOICE!
      • This retreat strives to be COMPLETELY INCLUSIVE of all faith traditions, sexual orientations, ages, genders, social situations and physical needs.  Realizing the value that each diverse neighbor bears for the evolution of the larger whole.  We practice a ‘oneness’ that stands apart from ‘sameness’… a ‘unity THROUGH diversity’!
  • Why join us?
    • Because it will be a retreat like one you’ve never experienced before, bridging communities and disrupting stigma! You can contribute as a paid participant or as a donating volunteer on scholarship. Plus a million other reasons like:
      • A good story to tell
      • A fun thing to put on your resume that you helped out at
      • An opportunity to visit Zephyr Cove and give back to your community in the process
  • YOGA!!!???
    • Sunrise Yoga will be for all levels. Just as in one wakes up for morning worship, this retreat is waking up yoga style to embrace mother nature and all the gifts she delivers. Optional and donation-based. Any additional donations are greatly appreciated towards Yoga For All Movement making the practice of yoga accessible to all in Santa Cruz County, the Coast and beyond.
    • Who are we?
      • Yoga For All Movement is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to make yoga accessible to all. We define accessible as equity- which to us means that yoga should be physically safe, trauma-informed, culturally competent and affordable. We are participating with Trekking with the hOMies from this vain: contributing to an impact of equity, healing and authentic inclusion for all.
    • Do i have to be experienced at yoga?
      • Heck no! We teach to all levels and are embracing of literally all– yoga should be availed to all regardless of race, age, socioeconomic status, size or gender.
    • Who’s my teacher?
      • Shandara burns for equity and justice for all. The journey to the yoga mat in 2007 started as a desire to recover from a lifetime of self-doubt, heal from various eating disorders and illnesses as well as, the array of self-harm that had created a disconnect from her mind and body. Shandara, known as Shanie to friends and family, moved to Santa Cruz specifically to be a yoga teacher and integrate her passion for activism with holistic healing. She completed her teacher training in 2011, fusing her background with ananda yoga and her newfound love in vinyasa flow to provide the full mental, emotional and physical package! While receiving her master’s degree in social work, Shanie founded a yoga collective of volunteers that would serve our community’s most vulnerable populations. In 2017, this collective has become a full-fledged nonprofit organization, Yoga For All Movement.

  • I still have questions!

    • We all do!   Contact Ryan at Ryan@saltysheep.org or 443-223-7334