River Of Nourishment
A Rogue River Rafting Retreat for Climate Advocates
2027 Information and Application
Thank you for your interest in this unique, exciting opportunity! Here you'll find logistical information as well as the application form.
Description
The River of Nourishment is a 6-day retreat that includes a 4-day rafting journey along the stunning Rogue River in Oregon. We welcome everyone who cares about climate—whether that care is part of your professional life, your personal life, or both. Immersed in a wild and beautiful setting, we’ll engage in nourishing practices to replenish our inner resources, connect with fellow climate-engaged folks, and renew our relationship with the natural world.
Dates: August 16-21, 2027
Arrive by 3PM to get settled on Monday, August 16th.
Finish by 5PM on Saturday, August 21st.
Location
Merlin, Oregon. River trip along the Rogue River.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive by 3PM at the Galice Resort in Merlin, Oregon to get settled. We'll share dinner and facilitated time together to get acquainted as a group.
DAY 2
A facilitated on-land retreat with guided reflective exercises and activities inspired by Good Grief Network, Work That Reconnects, and Change Narrative, with plenty of time for rest interspersed throughout.
DAYS 3-6
A four-day river rafting experience on the stunning Rogue River. Guided by Momentum River Expeditions, an excellent, small, eco-conscious, guide-owned & operated adventure travel company. All gear, including tents, mats & sleeping bags, will be provided, along with delicious meals featuring local and organic ingredients, as well as wine and hors d'oeuvres.
While the river features Class 1–3 rapids, it also offers quiet stretches, creating a lovely mix of group challenge and relaxation. No prior rafting experience is required. We welcome both first-time and experienced rafters.
The group will return to the Galice Resort by approximately 5 PM on August 21st.
Please read this Information Packet from Momentum River Expeditions. It has detailed information on:
- Trip logistics & itinerary
- Packing information
- "Camp life' & "on the river"
- Boat and activity options
- "Getting here & away"
- Pre- and post-trip accommodation options
- Trip insurance option
PROGRAM COSTS
The total program cost is $1575.
The actual program cost has been generously subsidized by an anonymous donor who wishes to support climate-engaged people reconnecting with the natural world so they can sustain their good work. We are grateful for this generous support and hope that it makes the trip possible for you.
Several past participants have had their trip costs partially or fully covered through their work.
Here is what $1575 includes
-Two nights' lodging at the wonderful Galice Resort in Merlin, Oregon, 8/16 & 8/17
-Facilitator-cooked meals at Galice (8/16 dinner, 8/17 breakfast, lunch & dinner, 8/18 breakfast)
-The full on-land retreat day
-Four-day river trip with all camping gear and organic meals. 8/18- 8/21 (includes lunch on the final day)
-A contribution to the local Indigenous land and river stewardship organization Rios to Rivers
Here is what the program cost does not include
-Transportation to & from Galice Lodge, Oregon
-Optional trip insurance
-Gratuity for river guides
-Lodging the night after the river trip
We recognize that climate change is perpetuated by an economy of extraction, which is deeply interconnected with issues of racial and social justice. We acknowledge that critical discussions and decision-making on climate change in mainstream spaces have historically excluded certain voices, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and others who bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts. We seek to have a cohort that is inclusive of diverse identities.
We are very willing to help group members connect and find ways to share/save costs (e.g., sharing a rental car from the airport, etc.). Please refer to the packet in the section above for more details on the logistics for the river trip.
River of Nourishment Facilitation Team
Kristan Childs (she/her) is a teacher, facilitator, speaker, nature-based guide, and ritual holder. She works in the fields of ecological grief and community resilience. Certified in both Eco-Psychology and Climate Psychology, and a long-time facilitator for the Good Grief Network, The Work That Reconnects, and the Climate Emotional Resilience Institute, she helps people metabolize their painful feelings about the world into a deeper sense of vitality and purpose.
Jothsna Harris(she/her) is the founder of Change Narrative LLC. With over a decade of experience building capacity for the climate justice movement, Through a coaching practice, Jothsna works with front-line leaders, legislators, artists, organizations, and community groups to co-produce climate narratives to advocate for solutions. Jothsna has designed and implemented award-winning climate change programs rooted in community, centering personal stories and other values-based ways that resonate, coaching thousands of people to find compelling narratives to share at live events, on radio, and in print media. Jothsna was a 2023 Obama USA Leaders Fellow, as part of a cohort of 100 change makers nationwide working to strengthen democracy.
Teddy Kellam (she/her) is a climate-aware somatic and transpersonal therapist and facilitator working with scientists, mental health professionals, parents, educators and climate professionals. She supports individuals and groups to metabolize raw feelings about the state of the world, in order to re-orient to wisdom, purpose, and resourcing in joy. She uses her skills and training in Somatic Experiencing, griefwork with Francis Weller, Work That Reconnects, and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Processing) to support people who are awake to the polycrisis.
Testimonials
"How can I describe it in words? It made me feel HELD, PROPELLED, AND EXUBERANTLY MYSELF. Immersed in community with a group of the highest-concentration world healers working from all dimensions. I am taking deep connections with humans, full nervous-system reset, cell-level rest, a significantly lighter load in my grief backpack, a blueprint of exemplary women leadership and collaboration, and so, so many memories of joy and fun. I will genuinely credit this experience for keeping me going in my climate work." - 2026 Participant
"River of Nourishment is unlike any experience I've had before. Our big-hearted facilitators took us through awe, wonderment, deep connection, and a grief spiral process that is bound to make any person feel greater resilience in these uncertain times." - 2025 Participant
"The River of Nourishment 2025 trip was one of the most enriching weeks of my life. The excellent facilitation, remote nature environment, and exhilarating whitewater rafting allowed me to deeply explore grief, fear, community, and connection. I felt nourished, seen, heard, and honored in ways I didn't know I needed." - 2025 Participant
"The River of Nourishment experience was exactly what my spirit and soul needed. It provided me with community, rest, relaxation, and solidarity, lightening a heavy heart." - 2024 Participant
"The trip was exhilarating, challenging, rewarding, grounding, and absolutely nourishing!" - 2024 Participant
"The River of Nourishment was a much needed experience to help re-energize my commitment to my work as well as a reminder to pay attention to the beauty that is still here. The world can be incredibly overwhelming so to be able to step away from the frenzy, slow down in nature and engage in deeply meaningful conversations was a balm for my soul. " - 2024 Participant
