2026 She Builds It!

2026 She Builds It! Skill Building Weekend

June 19-21 2026 – Camp Riverview, Boulter, ON (near Bancroft)

Empower your inner builder and discover just how capable you really are. The She Builds It Retreat is a hands-on weekend designed to help women gain real, practical skills in construction, home repair, and DIY — all in a supportive, laughter-filled environment. Whether you’ve never picked up a drill before or already have a growing toolbox, you’ll leave with newfound confidence, knowledge, and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from saying, “I built that myself.”

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll learn to safely use both manual and power tools, tackle common home repair projects, and work together on a group build — like crafting a potting bench, garden shed, or outdoor storage structure from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll patch drywall, hang shelves, replace a faucet, and discover how to turn “I could never do that” into “I totally can.”

Evenings bring connection and creativity — with campfire socials, hands-on mini craft builds, and inspiring conversations with other women learning and growing right beside you.

No experience necessary — just bring curiosity, courage, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

Registration Costs

She Builds It Weekend registration cost is $350 + HST

Here’s the breakdown and what is Included:

* 6 chef prepared meals & snacks (Friday dinner thru Sunday Lunch)

* 2 nights cabin accommodations

* All Workshops & Projects (see workshop descriptions below)

* Expert Guidance & Instruction from experienced facilitators

* All Tools & Materials

* Evening group activities & campfires

* Access to all other camp activities (trails, canoeing, kayaking, archery etc)

Camp Riverview

Welcome to Camp Riverview, located in beautiful Boulter, Ontario, along the serene shores of the Little Mississippi River. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest, open meadows, and fresh country air — and bordered by thousands more of untouched crown land — this peaceful retreat centre offers the perfect setting to learn, create, and build something real.

Here, nature and creativity come together. The sound of saws blends with birdsong, and laughter fills the air as women roll up their sleeves and get to work. Our outdoor workspaces and sheltered build areas give you plenty of room to learn, experiment, and bring your projects to life — all with the guidance and encouragement of supportive instructors and new friends.

Accommodations include cozy off-grid cabins, a central washhouse, and a welcoming dining hall and workshop space where you’ll gather for meals, lessons, and connection. As Camp Riverview continues to grow, new modern cabins and expanded workshop facilities are being added throughout the year — creating even more space for creativity and community.

Between builds, unwind by the river, explore the forest trails, or relax fireside as the sun sets behind the trees. Riverview offers the perfect balance of productivity and peace — a place to feel strong, capable, and completely at home.

She Builds It Weekend Workshops

The She Builds It retreat is designed to give you practical skills, creative confidence, and the thrill of building something with your own two hands. Whether you’re a total beginner or already love a good DIY challenge, you’ll learn the fundamentals of working safely with tools, tackling home projects, and bringing your ideas to life. Each hands-on workshop combines learning, doing, and laughter, ensuring you leave with both knowledge and a sense of pride in what you’ve accomplished.

🔨 Workshop 1: Tools 101 – Getting Comfortable with Power & Hand Tools

Learn the basics of workshop safety, measurement, and tool use. You’ll get hands-on experience with drills, saws, levels, sanders, and more — learning what each tool does and how to use it safely and confidently. You’ll Learn:

• How to handle and operate common power and hand tools

• Safety practices and proper techniques

• Measuring, cutting, and fastening basics

🪚 Workshop 2: Home Repair Basics

Gain confidence tackling simple repairs around your home. From patching drywall and replacing a faucet to hanging shelves and fixing squeaky hinges — you’ll learn easy, practical skills that save money and make you feel capable.
You’ll Learn:

• Basic household maintenance and fixes

• Using anchors, screws, and hardware

• Painting, patching, and finishing skills

🪵 Workshop 3: Build It Yourself – Group Project Build

Work together with other participants on a larger group build — like constructing a potting bench, small storage shed, or garden project. This collaborative session blends teamwork, creativity, and accomplishment as you see your project come to life piece by piece. You’ll Learn:

• Reading simple build plans and measurements

• Working as a team to assemble and finish a project

• Painting, sanding, and sealing for durability

   

🎨 Workshop 4: Creative Mini Build

Put your new skills to use in a smaller personal project you can take home — such as a wall shelf, planter box, or decorative wooden sign. A fun, creative wrap-up to the weekend that celebrates how far you’ve come. You’ll Learn:

• Project planning and customization

• Painting and finishing techniques

• Pride in creating something uniquely yours

This weekend isn’t just about using tools — it’s about building confidence, friendship, and the belief that you can do anything you set your mind to.