Do I need to be experienced in order to go
on a trip?
Women of all experience levels are welcome. If previous experience
is needed for a particular trip, it is clearly stated in the trip
description.
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What do I need to bring?
Typically you bring just your personal gear, a sleeping bag, and a
sleeping pad. When you register for a trip, we’ll send you a
detailed packing list so you’ll be sure to have what you need. If
you’d like to bring your own tent or other gear, that’s fine. Just
let us know ahead of time.
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Will I be the only one signing up on my
own?
Many women sign up on their own. Others bring friends, sisters,
partners, mothers, or adult daughters.
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How large are the groups?
This depends on the activity. Generally, groups range from 6-12
women.
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How in shape do I need to be?
Generally, an adventurous spirit is all you’ll need in terms of
conditioning. However, many women use their trip as a motivator to
do some stretching and exercising prior to and during their
adventure.
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Will I be the oldest/youngest on the trip?
We have a wide range of ages on our trips. To date, the youngest
adult has been 18 and the oldest 91. Most women are between 35 and
65 (excluding our custom trips with families, of course).
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What are the meals like?
Food matters. We serve hearty and delicious, primarily vegetarian
meals. We consistently hear from participants how excellent the food
is, and how much better they eat on the trail than at home.
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Who are the guides?
Founding Wild Institute director Chris Heeter guides every trip. She
has led women’s trips since 1982, so you can count on a tremendous
amount of experience, excellent leadership, and an easy-going
manner. Her co-guides also have decades of experience, and include a
lawyer, accessible product designer, mom, sled dog musher, and
business manager.
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Do all of the trips require sleeping on the ground?
There is something for everyone at The Wild Institute. Trips range
from deep woods adventures requiring back country camping to
cabin-based trips with saunas.
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Custom Trip FAQ
How large a group do I need?
Though it depends somewhat on the activity, generally we need
between 6 and 12 participants to put together a contract trip.
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Are contract trips for women only?
While the majority of our programs are designed for women, we are
open to designing trips that include mixed gender participants.
Examples include family reunions, family outings, father/daughter
excursions, etc.
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What are my responsibilities as the contact
person on behalf of a group?
You are the primary contact person for The Wild Institute. You
are responsible for recruiting group members, securing firm commitments
from at least the minimum number needed to run the trip, ensuring
deposits and payments are collected, and answering general questions
for your group.
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What
does The Wild Institute provide?
We provide all the trip planning and support to help you build
your group. On the trips, we provide all camping and/or group gear,
food, permits, insurance, and guides with decades of experience.
We also provide detailed letters to each participant describing
the trip, including logistics, a packing list, and health forms.
For personal or professional retreat groups, we also offer programs
in the areas of teamwork/improved communication, productivity/balance,
women and leadership, overcoming obstacles, and meeting facilitation.
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How do I begin the process of designing a
custom trip?
Contract trips begin with a phone call or e-mail from you. We’ll
discuss your group’s needs, hopes, and desires. If we are a good
match for you, we’ll explore pricing, dates, and logistics. When all
the details are settled, we’ll reserve your dates as soon as
we receive your deposit.
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