C.A.M.P.P.
Couples Adventure for Marital/Partnership Preparedness
What is it?
CAMPP Weekends are led by relationship expert and couples therapist, DJ Hilley, LPC and hosted with certified guides for exciting adventures designed to grow your relationship through experiences and education.
Why adventure? Couples who keep novelty and new experiences as a part of their relationship tend to view their relationship and their partners through a more positive lens - and that’s a crucial foundation for navigating the inevitable challenges of long-term partnership.
Why should we do it?
Long-term partnership is, in and of itself, an adventure - and like all great adventures, preparation is as important as the ability to adapt when things invariably get tough.
The skillset to successfully navigate long-term relationships is something most of us (*75%) don’t have when entering our partnerships. The good news, though, is we can readily learn and acquire them.
Invest early and the payoff will show itself in the long-term. And you’ll have some truly awesome experiences along the way.
“We love because it’s the only true adventure”
Apostle Islands Overnight Kayak Tour - Bayfield, Wisconsin
About
The CAMP Apostle Islands Adventure Weekend will take you to the charming and beautiful town of Bayfield, Wisconsin, for a weekend of learning and exploring with your partner and other couples.
No camping or kayaking experience is needed, but you must be physically able to kayak for up to three hours at a time. You will receive training on safety and rescue procedures, some of which can be challenging. Please see below for more details. Other than that, just bring yourself, your partner, some gear (see below), and readiness for a unique and growth-oriented adventure weekend!
Kayaking and Camping led by certified guides with Trek & Trial Sea Kayaking, Bayfield, Wisconsin.
-
Please note: If you know adventure, you know that Mother Nature sometimes makes her own plans. As such, the itinerary below is tentative and may be modified as needed according to weather. Safety is the number one priority. And fittingly, a healthy readiness for things to change and to adapt is a necessary part of successful relationships. So come with an idea and with an open mind, knowing we will all make the best of whatever life throws at us.
CAMPP’s Bayfield Adventure Weekend begins Friday evening at 6pm and ends Sunday afternoon, with one night spent in your own lodging (see below for recommendations) and one night camping on a nearby island* with instruction, all meals, and equipment provided by Trek & Trail Sea Kayaking.
Friday
Welcome & Orientation
Lesson 1: Habits & History - an introduction to the world of relationship research and an overview of the habits embodied by successful couples, as well as a brief discussion of how our early love experiences (upbringing) inform our way of giving and receiving love.
Saturday
Kayaking Safety Instruction with Trek & Trail Guides (3 hours)
Lunch & Departure
Weather-permitting, the tour will include visiting the beautiful sea caves along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Arrival on the Island* - once we arrive, you may enjoy a brief hike around the Island to stretch your legs, or simply relax on shore. Then we’ll settle in around camp for Lesson 2: Survive & Thrive - exploration of how couples maintain connection (including sexual intimacy) and navigate growth and change as individuals and as couples.
Dinner & Overnight - Trek & Trail Guides
Sunday
Breakfast & Breaking Camp - Trek & Trail Guides
Coffee, Tea, and Lesson 3: The Individual Habits - a big takeaway from relationship research is this: successful couples are comprise of successful and effective individual partners. We’ll review the individual skills needed for navigating conflict - then apply them on the kayak tour back to the mainland.
*Location may vary according to weather.
-
As mentioned above, Trek & Trail will provide a morning of training to ensure everyone is able to maintain safety during the kayaking portion of the trip.
Per Trek & Trail Staff:
“The training instruction on Saturday can be fairly intense, as it does involve demonstrating a 'wet exit'. This involves capsizing the kayaks and exiting underwater by removing the sprayskirt. Obviously, this can be emotionally and physically intense for some, and so we try to be as up front as possible about that expectation so there are no surprises.”
If you have questions about this training, please reach out to Trek & Trail directly at info@trek-trail.com.
-
Bayfield is a tourist town filled with a wide variety of lodging to fit your individual needs.
You’ll find DJ staying at Dalrymple Campground, located just .6 miles from Trek & Trail and about a mile from Downtown Bayfield. Camping is first come, first serve and there are some fantastic sites overlooking Lake Superior and Basswood Island. And on top of that, it’s only $30/night - best deal you’ll find in Bayfield.
If camping isn’t your preference, there is no shortage of places to stay. Inns and motels, bed & breakfasts, yurts and boats - you’ll be sure to find something that fits your fancy.
-
Basic
Our guide service and outfitter, Trek & Trail Sea Kayaking, will provide all kayaking and safety gear.
Trek & Trail can also provide tents and camping pads.
Minimum Packing Requirements
Toiletries, layered clothing, swimwear, rain gear**, sun protection/sunglasses, footwear, sleeping bag, quick-dry towel, sunscreen (environmentally friendly please, all water drains to the ocean), bug spray, snacks if you’re the hungry hippo type.
*For those who wish to bring their own gear, you must work with Trek & Trail to ensure gear is adequate and acceptable for their trip requirements. They have the final say to meet their safety standards.
**Sea Kayaking is an all-weather sport, so be prepared for a “rain or shine” adventure.
-
Payment will take place in two steps:
Payment to Empowered-Communication, LLC
Payment to Trek & Trail Sea Kayaking Adventures. A confirmation email will be sent with instructions for making payment directly with Trek & Trail.
Costs:
$200/person to Empowered Communication, LLC
$335/person to Trek & Trail Sea Kayaking Adventures.
Total: $535/person.
Cancellations
Cancellations made 45+ days prior to departure will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to departure will receive a refund of payment minus 15 percent of total trip cost.
Cancellations made less than 30 days but more than 10 days prior to departure will receive no refund, but 50 percent of the payment may be credited toward a future trip or rental within 1 year.
Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to departure or no show will receive no refund and no credit.
Trips are sold as a package, and credits are not given for services not used.
Substitute with Image I have Rights to
Whitewater Rafting Adventure Weekend - Peshtigo & Menominee Rivers, Marinette County, Wisconsin
about
CAMP Whitewater Rafting Adventure Weekend is based at the Wildman Adventure Resort’s Peshtigo River Outpost in Athelstane, Wisconsin, approximately 1 hour north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Located along the Peshtigo River, Wildman leads adventures in some of the Midwest’s finest whitewater rafting. And don’t be mistaken as I was when I first visited - these are legit whitewater rafting waters. Enthusiasts travel from around the country to ride these rapids, especially for the spring high water season.
As with all CAMP adventure weekends, no experience is required. Simply the physical ability to engage in adventure sports, a partner, and openness to an adventure!
-
Whitewater Adventure Weekends begin Friday afternoon and end Sunday afternoon, with all adventures outfitted and guided buy Wildman Adventure Resort. The following itinerary is a sample and subject to change.
Friday
Welcome Dinner & Orientation
Lesson 1: Habits & History - an introduction to the world of relationship research and an overview of the habits embodied by successful couples, as well as a brief discussion of how our early love experiences (upbringing) inform our way of giving and receiving love.
Saturday
Whitewater Rafting Trip 1 - Peshtigo River (Athelstane) with Wildman Guides (3 hours)
Lesson 2: Survive & Thrive - exploration of how couples maintain connection (including sexual intimacy) and navigate growth and change as individuals and as couples.
Lunch
Afternoon Zipline Adventure with Wildman Guides (2 hours)
Lesson 3: The Individual Habits - around a bonfire, we’ll explore a big takeaway from relationship research: successful couples are comprise of successful and effective individual partners. We’ll review the individual skills needed for navigating conflict.
Sunday
Whitewater Rafting Trip 1 - Meominee River (Iron Mountain) with Wildman Guides (4 hours)
Closing Discussion & Wrap Up
-
Wildman Adventure Resort offers a wide range of lodging options, from riverfront camping to deluxe cabins and lodge rooms. Those who wish to stay off site can enjoy a variety of camping and lodging options in the Peshtigo River Valley.
-
All required adventure and safety gear will be provided by Wildman Adventure Resort.
Basic
Aside from your basic clothing and travel needs, the following are recommended:
Quick-dry towels, sunscreen/other sun protection, bug-spray, layered clothing, swimsuit, water shoes (closed toe), full-foot shoes (for zipline), snacks as needed.
Denali National Park, Alaska. Photo by DJ Hilley, 2021
-
Are CAMPP Adventure Weekends Just for Married or New Couples?
Certainly not - all couples are welcome, and certainly not just those with marriage in mind. Commitment and partnership come in many forms.
Are CAMPP Adventure Weekends LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Absolutely! Over more than 40 years, the research on relationships has been replicated and affirmed across cultures and relationship types. Additionally, participants are required to sign an agreement stating that their participation means supporting an open and welcoming environment for all.
What if I’m part of a poly relationship? Can I come with more than one partner?
Of course! Some modifications may be needed, while some trips don’t work well with uneven numbers - for example, sea kayaks are tandem (2 people). That being said, we believe that relationships come in many shapes and sizes, and all can benefit from the skills and experiences we’ve created.
What if I’m uncomfortable with the idea of relationships that are different from my own?
Often people are uneasy around what’s different from what we know. If you’re open to new experiences all around, then this may be an opportunity to grow and expand. That being said, if you do not feel you can be an open and affirming ally to others, then CAMPP Adventure Weekends are not for you.
What if my partner can’t come or if I don’t have a partner?
CAMPP Adventure Weekends are built with the participation of all relationship partners in mind. Some trips also require an even number of participants, and similarly, discussions will not be geared toward navigating single life or dating relationships.
If you’d like to bring a friend, please contact us at dj@empowered-communication.com.
Are CAMPP Adventure Weekends safe?
Yes! All adventure activities are led by certified guides whose top priority is the safety of their guests.
As with any outdoor adventure, certain risks are inherent. However, no one is required to participate in activities they deem to be unsafe. Please note, however, that per adventure guide service policies, no refunds are provided for activities participants choose to opt out of once the weekend occurs.
Can I opt out of activities in advance?
CAMPP Adventure Weekends are built with the shared experiences of partners in mind. If you have limitations or questions, please contact us at dj@empowered-communication.com.
-
CAMPP Adventure Weekends were created by therapist and adventure enthusiast, DJ Hilley, a licensed professional counselor with more than 15 years of experience and extensive training in the areas of intimate and family relationships, attachment, and interpersonal neurobiology.
DJ believes that good preparation and skill development are key aspects of any adventure’s success. That, of course, includes our intimate relationships.
DJ is a practicing professional counselor with The Psychology Center in Madison, Wisconsin. He resides in Appleton Wisconsin.