Micro Retreat Series
What is a Micro Retreat? – An Escape As Unique As You Are!
The Rustic Mama Micro Retreat Series is a collection of intimate, themed retreats designed to explore specific passions, challenges, and wellness journeys. Each weekend brings together like-minded women for a curated experience with focused activities, expert guidance, and meaningful growth—all while keeping the Rustic Mama magic you know and love.
Whether you’re baking up something sweet at Whisked Away, reconnecting with nature at Re-Wilding, reigniting your health at KickStart, or learning some home repair skills at She Builds It, every micro retreat is thoughtfully curated to blend hands-on workshops, inspiring facilitators, delicious meals, and plenty of downtime to relax, reflect, and recharge.
These weekends are perfect for women who crave an immersive experience, connection, creativity, and a meaningful escape!
Small groups. Big impact. Deep connection.
What’s Included in your Micro Retreat Weekend?
Every Rustic Mama Micro Retreat is designed to give you the perfect balance of relaxation, creativity, and connection — all wrapped up in one unforgettable weekend experience.
Here’s what’s included:
✨ 2 Nights of Accommodations
Stay in cozy, rustic lodgings surrounded by nature. Comfortable beds, welcoming spaces, and a true “away from it all” feel.
🥗 Delicious, Chef-Prepared Meals
Enjoy hearty breakfasts, mouthwatering lunches, and indulgent dinners — plus snacks, coffee, tea, and sweet treats throughout the weekend.
🎨 Specifically Themed Workshops, Activities & Lessons
From baking, building, or wellness to mindfulness, art, or adventure — each retreat features a custom lineup of hands-on workshops designed around the specific retreat theme.
🔥 Evening Gatherings & Entertainment
Relax around the fire, laugh with new friends, or enjoy a fun social activity that brings everyone together.
💬 All Materials & Supplies
Everything you need for workshops and activities is provided — just bring your curiosity and creativity!
💖 A Supportive, Like-Minded Community
Connect with incredible women who share your love of learning, laughter, and self-discovery.
Location
Unless otherwise specified, our Micro Retreats are held at Camp Riverview — a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Boulter, Ontario, just outside Bancroft.
Set on over 100 acres of rolling meadows, whispering pines, and riverfront beauty along the Little Mississippi River, Camp Riverview is a peaceful sanctuary designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
Guests stay in cozy off-grid cabins, equipped with twin size beds and solar lights, blending rustic simplicity with comfort. The property features a central wash house, a welcoming dining hall, and a variety of breakout spaces perfect for workshops, wellness sessions, and quiet reflection. As the site continues to grow and evolve into a larger retreat centre, newer, more modern cabins are being added throughout the year — each one thoughtfully designed to enhance your comfort while maintaining that authentic, nature-immersed charm.
From the crackle of the campfire to the shimmer of starlight over the river, Camp Riverview offers the perfect backdrop for connection, creativity, and renewal.
Micro Series Retreats Events
The Rustic Table – Culinary Adventure Series
The Culinary Adventure Retreat Series is a celebration of food, flavour, and creativity — designed for women who love to cook, taste, and explore and led by a professional chef. Each themed weekend combines hands-on cooking workshops, chef-led demos, and interactive tastings that bring together the joy of learning and the art of indulgence. From mastering new techniques to creating beautiful dishes inspired by local ingredients, you’ll experience the magic of the kitchen in a relaxed, supportive, and laughter-filled atmosphere.
🌮 June – A Taste of Mexico (June 5-7, 2026)
Spice up your summer with vibrant flavours and fiery inspiration!
Our Mexican Culinary Adventure weekend celebrates bold, colorful cooking rooted in tradition and heart. Learn how to make homemade tortillas, craft authentic salsas and ceviches, and explore dishes like stuffed poblanos, chili-lime salmon, and chicken chili verde — all while discovering the joy of cooking from scratch. Between sessions, unwind with a margarita by the fire, enjoy delicious meals, and connect with other food lovers who share your zest for creativity and flavor.
🥐 July – A French Affair (July 10-12, 2026)
Indulge your senses in a weekend of elegance, artistry, and rich flavour.
Our French Culinary Adventure transports you to the heart of France, where every meal feels like a celebration. Learn how to prepare decadent mains like beef Wellington, craft delicate biscuits and risottos, and master classic desserts like pavlova, apple cake, and cherry clafoutis.
With each dish, you’ll explore balance, beauty, and the simple pleasure of slow, intentional cooking — all paired with great wine and even better company.
🍝 August – The Italian Table (August 14-16, 2026)
Gather, laugh, and cook like family.
Our Italian Culinary Adventure is a weekend of comfort, connection, and classic dishes made from the heart. Learn to handcraft fresh pasta and ravioli, simmer the perfect slow-cooked ragu, and explore flavourful sauces, bright salads, and irresistible desserts like tiramisu and berry torte.
Between workshops, relax over espresso and conversation, soak in the warmth of the kitchen, and experience la dolce vita — the sweet life — Rustic Mama style.
🥘 September – Cozy Comforts (September 11-13, 2026)
Wrap yourself in warmth, flavour, and nostalgia.
The Comfort Food Culinary Adventure is all about slowing down and rediscovering the dishes that feel like home — with a gourmet twist. Create hearty classics like elevated meatloaf, rosemary chicken, creamy risotto, and skillet apple pie, then top it off with sweet indulgences like butterscotch pudding and parsnip cake with lemon frosting.
It’s the perfect fall retreat — where laughter fills the kitchen, the aromas of home-cooked goodness fill the air, and every bite reminds you that comfort is an art form.
These Retreats are offered June 5-7, 2026 (Mexican), July 10-12, 2026 (French), August 14-16, 2026 (Italian), & September 11-13, 2026 (Comfort Foods) at Camp Riverview.
Registration cost is $425 + HST per person, per weekend.
KickStart Your Health
It’s time to put you back on your to-do list.
Join us for a rejuvenating weekend designed to reset your body, mind, and motivation. The KickStart Your Health Retreat blends fitness, wellness, and fun into an empowering experience that helps you rediscover your strength and balance.
Over the course of the weekend, you’ll enjoy inspiring workshops on nutrition, movement, mindset, and self-care, along with energizing fitness classes, outdoor activities, and healthy, chef-prepared meals that prove wellness can be delicious.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart a new routine, recharge your motivation, or simply reconnect with your healthiest, happiest self — this weekend is the perfect place to begin.
✨ Move your body. Nourish your soul. KickStart your health.
This retreat is offered January 23-25, 2026 at Cedar Ridge Camp near Bancroft, March 27-29, 2026 at Camp Kintail near Goderich and September 18-20, 2026 at Camp Riverview near Bancroft. Registration cost is $465 + HST pp.
Through The Lens- Photography Skills Weekend
See the world through a new lens.
The Photographer’s Skills Weekend is a hands-on, creative retreat designed for photographers of all levels — from curious beginners to seasoned shutterbugs — who want to sharpen their skills, find inspiration, and reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Over three immersive days, you’ll explore the art and technique of photography through guided workshops, outdoor shoots, and creative exercises that help you move beyond “automatic mode” and into intentional artistry. Capture golden sunsets, sparkling rivers, and starlit skies while learning about composition, lighting, editing, and storytelling through your lens.
Between shoots, enjoy chef-prepared meals, cozy accommodations, and the company of fellow creatives who share your passion for seeing the world differently. By weekend’s end, you’ll leave not only with stunning photos — but with a renewed sense of confidence, creativity, and connection.
✨ Capture moments. Create art. See the beauty in everything.
Retreat is offered June 26-28, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Registration is $350 + HST pp.
ArtVenture – An Art & Crafting Weekend
Let your creativity run wild and your imagination take the lead!
The ArtVenture Retreat is a weekend designed to spark inspiration, confidence, and joy through the power of artistic expression. Whether you’re a lifelong creator or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school, this retreat invites you to explore, experiment, and express yourself in a supportive, judgment-free space.
Over the weekend, you’ll enjoy guided art workshops in a variety of mediums — from painting and mixed media to journaling, nature art, and crafting — all inspired by the beauty of the world around you. Between sessions, relax fireside, share laughs with new friends, and indulge in chef-prepared meals and cozy downtime that fuel your body as much as your creativity.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence, passion, and the joy of creating something that’s uniquely you.
✨ Create. Connect. Discover.
Retreat is offered August 7-9, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Registration is $350 + HST pp
Re-Wilding – Outdoor Skills Weekend
Escape the everyday and rediscover your wild side.
The ReWilding Retreat is a hands-on, nature-immersed weekend where you’ll gain confidence in the outdoors through real wilderness workshops—think fire-building, shelter creation, foraging, navigation, and more.
Set at Camp Riverview in Boulter, Ontario, along the peaceful shores of the Little Mississippi River, the setting itself becomes your classroom. Cozy cabins, camp-fires, hearty meals and open skies invite true reflection and reconnection with nature.
Whether you’re ready to try something completely new or reconnect with your roots, this weekend offers skill-building, soul-soothing, and wild-awakening all in one.
✨ Explore. Awaken. Align.
This Retreat is offered July 3-5, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Registration is $295 + HST pp
She Builds It!
Intro to Building & Home Repairs Weekend
Roll up your sleeves and unleash your inner builder!
The She Builds It Retreat is all about empowering women to create with confidence — whether you’re a total beginner or already handy with tools. Spend the weekend learning practical skills through hands-on workshops in woodworking, tool use, home repair projects, and creative DIY design, all guided by experienced facilitators who make building approachable and fun.
Between projects, enjoy chef-prepared meals, campfire connections, and a supportive environment that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and courage.
This retreat isn’t just about what you build — it’s about discovering the strength, confidence, and satisfaction that come from doing it yourself.
✨ Create. Build. Believe.
This Retreat is June 19-21, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Registration cost is $350 + HST pp
Whisked Away – Baker’s Dream Weekend
Get ready to be whisked away for a weekend filled with sweetness, creativity, and connection!
The Whisked Away Retreat is a baker’s dream — a cozy, hands-on getaway where you’ll roll up your sleeves and dive into the delicious art of baking.
Spend your days learning and creating in workshops led by passionate bakers as you craft breads, cookies, pies, and decadent desserts from scratch. Between bakes, enjoy chef-prepared meals, cozy accommodations, and plenty of time to relax fireside with new friends and a warm cup of coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this weekend is about more than recipes — it’s about feeding your soul, indulging your senses, and rediscovering the simple joy of slowing down and savoring every bite.
✨ Stir. Bake. Laugh. Repeat.
This Retreat runs August 21-23, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Registration is $350 + HST pp
Paddler’s Escape – Canoe Tripping Weekend
Adventure awaits on the water!
The Paddler’s Escape is a weekend designed for women who crave connection, confidence, and a little splash of adventure. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn the essentials of canoeing, portaging, packing a canoe, and navigating the river — all while discovering the peaceful rhythm of life on the water.
Your journey includes a guided river paddle and an overnight campout, where you’ll cook over an open fire, fall asleep beneath the stars (in a tent), and wake to the sound of nature.
No experience is necessary — just a willingness to learn, laugh, and get your paddle wet! Whether you come solo or with a friend, this empowering weekend will leave you stronger, more grounded, and deeply connected to the wilderness within and around you.
✨ Paddle. Explore. Empower.
This Retreat is running July 17-19, 2026 at Camp Riverview. Cost is $295 + HST pp
Unplugged – A Wellness Retreat Weekend
Step away from the noise and return to what truly matters.
The Unplugged Retreat is your chance to disconnect from technology and the chaos of daily life, and reconnect with yourself, nature, and the simple joy of being present.
Spend a peaceful weekend immersed in mindfulness, movement, and creativity — with workshops like wildcrafting, sound bathing, barefoot grounding, reiki, yoga, and past-life regression. Enjoy nourishing chef-prepared meals, cozy accommodations, and the serene beauty of nature as your backdrop.
Whether you’re craving stillness, inspiration, or deep personal renewal, this retreat is designed to help you recenter and recharge — no screens, no stress, just soulful connection.
✨ Breathe deeply. Be present. Come Unplugged.
This retreat is offered March 27-29, 2026 at Camp Kintail near Goderich, July 17-19, 2026 at Camp Riverview and October 2-4, 2026 at Cedar Ridge Camp near Bancroft.
Registration cost is $465 + HST pp.
The Write Escape – A Writer’s Retreat Weekend
Your story deserves to be told.
The Writers’ Retreat is an inspiring weekend escape designed to help you reconnect with your creativity and find your voice — whether you’re journaling for self-discovery, polishing a novel, or simply craving time to write without distraction.
Set against the peaceful backdrop of nature, you’ll enjoy guided writing workshops, creative prompts, and quiet reflection time to let your ideas flow freely. Share your words (if you wish) in supportive group circles, learn new techniques from passionate facilitators, and find inspiration in the stillness and simplicity of the retreat environment.
Between writing sessions, enjoy chef-prepared meals, fireside chats, and moments of laughter and connection with fellow storytellers who understand the magic of the written word.
✨ Write. Reflect. Renew.
This Retreat date is July 3-5 at Camp Riverview. Registration cost is $450 + HST pp.
The Great Game Getaway
Laugh. Compete. Connect. Repeat.
Step away from screens and dive into a weekend of classic fun, strategy, and laughter! The Game Plan Retreat is designed for women who love to play — from casual card sharks to die-hard strategists. Over the course of three unforgettable days, you’ll enjoy friendly competitions, team challenges, trivia tournaments, and late-night laughter by the fire, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Learn new games, rediscover old favourites, and join in themed parties, collaborative challenges, and cozy fireside socials. Between the laughter and the playful rivalry, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of time to unwind, snack, and connect with incredible women who share your love of fun.
No experience needed — just bring your curiosity, a playful spirit, and a love for good company. Because the only thing better than winning… is laughing until your sides hurt.
✨ Laugh, Compete. Connect.
This Retreat is coming October 2-4 2026 at Camp Riverview.
Registration cost is $295 + HST pp.
Whether you’re baking, building, writing, paddling, or simply rediscovering yourself, each Rustic Mama Micro Retreat is designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and remember what lights you up. These bite-sized getaways blend hands-on workshops, meaningful connection, and unforgettable experiences — all wrapped in laughter, learning, and the beauty of nature. Step into a weekend that’s just for you. Because sometimes, a few days away can change everything.