Every Body Outside

Distances and entry

• Full Retreat registration — $1535.10
• Van ride from Seattle to North Cascades Institute — $55.79
• Retreat non refundable deposit (purchase if you cannot pay the full retreat price today) — $274.95
• Every Body Outside Retreat Balance — $1261.15

About Every Body Outside

Join us for 3 day, 2 night retreat in the beautiful North Cascades.  The retreat will be hosted at the North Cascades Institute - a nationally recognized education nonprofit organization that empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, enjoy and learn about the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest—so all will care for and protect this special place.  

The program will be led by best selling author and host of the award winning PBS show Out and Back, Alison Mariella Désir.  Co-led by Thu Anh Nguyen and Aaliyah Earvin, this retreat will offer community, empowerment and rest at a time when we need it most.  All are welcome to attend no matter your age, size, race, gender, sexuality, etc. 

BIOS:

Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, and a visionary with a passion for movement, mental health and racial equity.  Alison is the author of Running While Black and the tv host and producer of the award winning PBS show, Out & Back w/ Alison Mariella Désir.

Thu Anh Nguyen is a Vietnamese Floridian whose work as a poet, painter, and educator tells her immigration story. In her social practice art, Thu shapes poetry while listening to conversations about what makes a flourishing community. Thu also paints large-scale watercolors and is obsessed with flowers, their symbolism and beauty. 

Aaliyah Earvin is a certified personal trainer, run coach, and health and life coach, founder of North of Seattle Run Club and owner of Aaliyah Earvin coaching. She designs fitness content tailored to runners, offering strength and running tips, alongside running clinics and workshops.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: 

Friday, 6/19

• 3pm check in
• 4pm welcome/introductions/giveaways
• 5pm trail run/walk 
• 6pm -7pm dinner
• 8pm campfire + smores

Saturday 6/20

• 6:30am trail run/walk 
• 8am -9am breakfast
• 10am Strength and Flow: Join us for a dynamic 50-minute Strength & Flow class, combining bodyweight strength exercises with yoga and mobility work. Challenge yourself with a combination of functional strength moves, yoga poses to enhance flexibility, and mobility drills to improve joint range of motion. Whether you're new to fitness or experienced, this class offers a comprehensive workout for strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. See you on the mat! Be sure to bring water, mats are available. 
• 12pm lunch 
• 1pm  Every Body Creates: As a painter, poet, and runner, Thu is passionate about being outdoors and using the inspiration of the natural world to create art. During Every Body Creates, Thu will lead people in reflecting on their time outdoors with poetry and painting. She will teach sketching and watercolor painting techniques in plein air. She will also share poetry and writing prompts to help us reflect on our time together. The fun is in the practice, the mess-making, and Thu hopes we make a lot of beautiful messes together.
• 3pm - 6 pm water/time on your own
• 6pm -7pm dinner
• 8pm campfire + smores

Sunday 6/21

• 6:30am hike 
• 8am -9am breakfast
• 10am check out
• 11am closing activity
• 12pm lunch
• 1pm  group photo and home

ROOMING: 

There are three European-style lodges—Fir, Cedar and Pine—with guest rooms and shared bathrooms with private showers. We will be staying in the Cedar Lodge (8 rooms) and Fir Lodge (8 rooms), both lodges have common spaces with sofas, mini fridges and microwaves. Guests will stay in doubles (2 bunk beds).  Bedrooms include wireless Internet, writing desks and built-in wardrobes. Linens (pillow, sheets, blanket and towels) are supplied.  The lodge also has a lounge area with sofas, chairs, fireplace and a limited kitchenette — perfect for relaxing and late night conversations.

Check out photos of the facilities HERE

The North Cascades institute is located onthe ancestral homelands of Tribes, Bands, and First Nations, including most notably the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Tribe, Lummi Nation, Stó:lō Nation, Nlaka’pamux Nation, Colville Confederated Tribes, Syilx/Okanagan Nation.

Note: all retreat fees are non refundable