Recently, we had the opportunity to travel to central Oregon for our annual camping event along with 21 other participants, who not only learned how to camp for the first time but also enjoyed nature and a complete disconnect from technology.
Our camping event took place in Culver, Oregon, specifically in a state park called Cove Palisades, from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25.
On Friday, we had the opportunity to enjoy the landscape, teach our participants all the recommendations for a fun and safe camping experience, from how to set up their tents to indicating where to shower, avoid rodents, and enjoy the absence of phone signal and internet.
That same day, we enjoyed getting to know each other, making a campfire, eating together, toasting, organizing plans for the next day, making the famous "S'mores," and stargazing together.
Saturday could be defined as 100% non-stop fun.
We woke up very early to eat together and get everything ready for our highly anticipated boat ride.
During this outing, we had the opportunity to navigate for almost 8 hours through the canyons of Deschutes and Crooked River, delighting in their impressive rock formations, the refreshing water (especially on a sunny day), and disconnecting from everyday life.
I must admit that these 8 hours flew by, as so many simultaneous activities took place that in the blink of an eye, we were already back.
During this trip, we had the opportunity to ride jet skis, paddle board, cook together, swim, enjoy a dance therapy class, slide down a water slide, and sing together.
Upon returning to the campground, we had the opportunity to laugh and share everything we experienced, make a farewell campfire, and even play like children, without the need for a phone.
On Sunday after breakfast, it was our official closing of the activity. We had the opportunity to show our team how to dismantle the campsite, the importance of leaving everything clean and tidy, just as we found it, and even the opportunity to close with gratitude and a special raffle from one of our partners, Arc’teryx Portland.
We couldn’t be happier with the success of this camping weekend. It was a perfect weekend, with sunny and ideal weather to enjoy, a group of wonderful people, willing to live this experience with enthusiasm and a touch of excitement and adrenaline with all the water activities.
However, beyond all the activities and fun, the most meaningful thing was having the opportunity to disconnect from technology and fully connect with the majesty of Cove Palisades.
During this weekend, we moved away from our electronic devices and immersed ourselves in the grandeur of nature. It was an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and serenity that only nature can offer.
We are immensely grateful to our partners for being part of this very special journey. To Arcteryx Portland for advising us on clothing, to Guayaki for hydration throughout the trip, and of course, to Ron Santa Teresa, for allowing us to have a warmer and more pleasant evening.
To farewell this incredible weekend, before returning home, we decided to make a technical stop at another beautiful park in Oregon, called Smith Rock…. And of course, we couldn’t miss taking a photo to remember the moment and close with a golden brooch this unforgettable trip.
