Note: Carpool seats purchased together automatically receive 20% off!

Join me on the first weekend of spring, March 22-24, for two nights of camping in the shelter of an oak grove beside a rambling creek in the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains north of Ojai. We’ll welcome the change of season among burgeoning, vibrant blooms of wildflowers and enjoy two days of communal plant dyeing, hiking, swimming, exploring, and connecting with each other and the land, with all (seasonal, delicious, plant-based) meals included, prepared by camp chef Kylie.

During our time together we’ll explore the land around us, learning about its plant life, ecology, geology, and natural and human history, discussing ethnobotany, plant lore and science, and engaging in hands-on activities delving into ethical wild-harvesting of plants for dye, food and drink, and more.

Along with the herbs and flowers awakening with the lengthening days, we’ll celebrate spring equinox—“equal night”—as the halfway point between winter’s midnight and summer’s high noon, creating dyes from abundant plants around us, ethically wild-harvesting herbs for tea, and even learning a wild-crafted “soap”making technique.

For the first time on a retreat, we’ll have generous time to complete the entire plant dyeing process front to back: from mordanting (preparing fabric for dye), to brewing dye pots from scratch over the fire, and finally creating color together to naturally and ritually dye goods brought from home and/or soft goods (socks, bandanas, hats) which I’ll provide.

The stream running through our campsite is flowing high from winter’s rains, nourishing the dormant willows and chaparral currants back to verdant life; elderberries are leafing out, on their way to summer’s fruitful fullness; lupines and peonies are about to burst into vibrant bloom. Mugwort is springing up all along the creek banks, which are strewn with ancient boulders, smoothed by time and running water, inviting us to bask on their sun-warmed surfaces after bathing in the creek’s cool, clear water.

Join together in celebration with the reawakening earth, with hands in soil, feet in flowing water, face in the sun, and the scents of brewing dyes, delicious food, chaparral plants, and campfire lingering in the air around us!

See below for details, and don’t hesitate to reach out to erin@berbo.studio with any questions.

ACTIVITIES:

• Hiking

• Swimming

• Natural dyeing

• Guided tea forage

• Wild “soap”making

• Exploring, relaxing, eating, and enjoying!

ITINERARY:

Friday 3/22

• 3-5pm: Arrive & setup at camp

• 5:30pm: Leisurely “get to know you” activity

• 7pm: Welcome dinner

• 8pm to bedtime: Relax around the campfire

Saturday 3/23

• 7:30am: Coffee, tea, breakfast

• 8:30am: Dyeing Step 1: mordanting

• 10:30am: Plant walk & tea foraging (making sun tea!)

• 12pm: Lunch

• 1-2pm: Free time

• 2pm: Walk & swim at the creek

• 3pm: Dyeing Step 2: brewing dye

• 4pm: Wild “soap”making demo

• 5pm: Dyeing Step 3: creating color!

• 6-7pm: Free time

• 7pm: Dinner

• 8pm: Campfire

• (9pm: Optional moonlit walk—it’s almost a full moon!)

Sunday 3/24

• 7:30am: Coffee, tea, breakfast

• 8:30-9:30am: Break down camp

• 10:00am: Final (optional) hike to Matilija Creek or Wheeler Gorge (TBD)

• 12pm: Safe travels home!

FOOD: 

All meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast/lunch/dinner, Sunday breakfast) are included on the retreat! Limited snacks and drinks will be supplied; you are encouraged to bring some supplementary snacks (and water) to sustain yourself during the duration of our time together.

Our exact menu is TBD, but see below for the delicious menu from our last retreat!

• Dinner: Fire-roasted vegetables (think sweet potato, kabocha, bell peppers, portobello) with ginger white miso sauce and koshikari rice

• Snacks: Mom’s granola - dried cherries, 5 spice, coconut, all kindsss of nuts and seeds

• Breakfast: Savory steel cut oats with cherry tomatoes, ‘vegan parmesan,’ balsamic glaze, fresh herbs

Please make note of any dietary restrictions, needs, or allergies in the window that appears upon checkout.

LOGISTICS:

• No extensive camping experience is necessary to attend, but you’ll need to bring your own tent and sleeping arrangement (mattress, pad, sleeping bag, bedding, etc). Nearly all other camping essentials will be provided, and a spreadsheet with shared extras (lanterns, camping chairs, etc.) and recommended supplies will be sent out by email.

• Our campsite is at a moderate 2000 feet of elevation, but evenings can be chilly, getting down into the 40s overnight. Average daytime highs are in the 60s/70s.

• There is no potable water available at our campsite. I will bring 10-15 gallons of water, but please plan to bring your own supply of water (e.g. one of those 2.5 gallon jugs of spring water).

• Vault toilets are available on site. Keep in mind that this is a somewhat primitive campsite, although only about 9 miles from the town of Ojai.

• Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on the retreat.

Exact location of our campsite, necessary supplies to bring, and other essential information will be provided by email in the weeks leading up to the retreat. Please ensure your email is correct when checking out, and don’t hesitate to reach out to erin@berbo.studio with any questions.