Camp Ollie Lou is Connecting Women to Nature!
Help us build the first phase of our nature retreat, converting shipping containers to a safe indoor/outdoor space for day retreats.
Project Description
Camp Ollie Lou is a nature retreat in the Texas Hill Country, and it's been designed with modern day women's mental health in mind. We are raising money to help us fund the first phase of Camp Ollie Lou, converting shipping containers into a comfortable and safe indoor and outdoor space to host day retreats for small groups of women and overnight stays for solo self-care retreats.
We know that rates of mental health issues skyrocketed during the pandemic. In fact, 75% of American women said their mental health worsened during that time. We know that in these post-pandemic times, our mental health continues to suffer. 32% of women report anxiety and 22% report depression. Almost 60% of employees report at least moderate levels of burnout. 46% of us will have a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in our lives, and even more concerning, over 12 million adults experience serious suicidal thoughts.
The pandemic also proved that we’re all craving time outdoors. Being in nature is self-care, but a lot of women don’t feel safe getting outdoors and it feels inaccessible and intimidating. Modern women are juggling a million responsibilities and having more difficulty putting themselves first.
Imagine a place where women can prioritize their mental health and be in nature. As a Psychologist, co-founder Dr. Amanda Wetegrove-Romine has the training to create activities that are evidence-based and proven to restore your mental health. Imagine leaving a retreat with tools that are backed by research and that you can continue using at home to cope with real life stressors. Imagine going home knowing a new group of women that you can continue safely exploring nature with.
As many of you know, this mission is deeply personal. Being in nature saved me (Dr. Amanda) after my dad’s death. Before I was ever a mental health expert, I was a daughter who lost her dad and quite literally hiked my way through my grief. It ultimately led me to finding my purpose as a Psychologist: teaching women how to harness the mood-boosting power of nature. We named Camp Ollie Lou after my great-grandmother Ollie and Daniel's grandmother Louise. Both these women modeled strength and resilience after experiencing trauma and hardship. They managed their day-to-day lives without having access to the mental health tools we have today, and we are inspired by their courage.
To thank you for supporting this campaign, Dr. Amanda has curated some rewards with your mental health in mind. Thank you so much for helping Camp Ollie Lou grow into a nature getaway that will support women and their mental health for years to come.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What will the funds be used for? We need help funding the first phase of building at Camp Ollie Lou. This includes the purchase of two converted shipping containers, construction and equipment rentals, landscaping costs, the addition of rain catchment and septic systems, furniture, and permit fees.
- When will Camp Ollie Lou open? We hope to have a soft opening in mid-October with food, a community campfire, and camping under the stars. Follow @campollielou on Instagram to be informed when it's scheduled. The first scheduled retreat is slated for November 11, 2023.
- What is a converted shipping container? A tiny home of sorts! We purchased two shipping containers that will be welded together side by side; additionally, the two inner walls that are touching are removed to create a wider, usable gathering space. The containers also include 1 bedroom, a bathroom with shower, and a kitchen, along with the gathering/living space.
- Can I donate even if I don't live in Texas and can't come on a retreat? Certainly! We appreciate all donations, and any amount helps. If you select the MH First Aid Kit reward, we can ship it anywhere in the U.S.
Just Because I Care
Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity, and spending time in nature can improve the mental health of your employees and protect them from burnout. Celebrate your employees with a team building and wellness day at Camp Ollie Lou. 8 hours includes psychoeducation on self-care and mental health Q&A with licensed psychologist Dr. Amanda Wetegrove-Romine, access to converted shipping container with kitchen, bathroom, and living room, covered patio with scenic Hill Country view, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, indoor and outdoor team building activities and games, hiking trail, and nutritious lunch and snacks (up to 12 employees).
Want to get away from the hustle and noise of the city and still access comfortable and modern accommodations? Host your own retreat or celebration on 11 acres in the serene Texas Hill Country! Whether you’re planning a birthday or book club, team building or wellness retreat, connect to nature and friends at Camp Ollie Lou. (8 hours, up to 10 adults) .
Includes access to converted shipping container with kitchen, bathroom, and living room, covered patio with scenic Hill Country view, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, yard games for recreation and team building, and hiking trail.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with a 2 night, weekend stay in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple; choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with a 2 night stay (Sun-Thurs only) in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple (Sun-Thurs only); choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with an overnight stay in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple (Sun-Thurs only); choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Help us make Camp Ollie Lou accessible to all women! Purchase a ticket to a future retreat for a Camp Ollie Lou scholarship recipient in 2024-2025.
Can't make it to our first retreat but want to make sure it goes off without a hitch? Contribute to the purchase of supplies to ensure that it's a wonderful experience for the women who attend.
With direction from licensed Psychologist Dr. Mistie Seawell, use biofeedback to improve your emotional wellbeing, learn how to change your heart rhythm pattern, and increase order and harmony in your mind, emotions, and body. Shift from feeling stressed to feeling calm and learn how to approach situations with more emotional balance, compassion, clarity, and confidence. Valued at $225.
Prioritize your mental health with this self-care kit curated by licensed psychologist Dr. Amanda Wetegrove-Romine. Kit includes practical items for grounding and soothing as well as instructions on how to continue building a kit that’s unique to your needs. Use these tools when you are faced with difficult emotions during a stressful time. Makes a wonderful self-care gift for yourself or loved ones.
*Not intended to be used during a mental health emergency; instructions included on how to access emergency support if needed.*
Support your mental health with a 1 month Patreon subscription to yoga sessions with Stacy Orsagh, RDT of Awakening Gardens.
Learn to carve out time for self-care and set boundaries in your business and personal life with this self-guided course created by The Productive Wellnesspreneur Renee Clair, MA. Valued at $99.
Raffle ticket for a chance to win a two night, weekend stay at Camp Ollie Lou, with your choice of one of four Self-Care SOS packages (see Self-Care SOS reward for details). Each $10 reward = 1 raffle ticket and you can purchase as many as you want.
Rewards
Just Because I Care
Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity, and spending time in nature can improve the mental health of your employees and protect them from burnout. Celebrate your employees with a team building and wellness day at Camp Ollie Lou. 8 hours includes psychoeducation on self-care and mental health Q&A with licensed psychologist Dr. Amanda Wetegrove-Romine, access to converted shipping container with kitchen, bathroom, and living room, covered patio with scenic Hill Country view, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, indoor and outdoor team building activities and games, hiking trail, and nutritious lunch and snacks (up to 12 employees).
Want to get away from the hustle and noise of the city and still access comfortable and modern accommodations? Host your own retreat or celebration on 11 acres in the serene Texas Hill Country! Whether you’re planning a birthday or book club, team building or wellness retreat, connect to nature and friends at Camp Ollie Lou. (8 hours, up to 10 adults) .
Includes access to converted shipping container with kitchen, bathroom, and living room, covered patio with scenic Hill Country view, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, yard games for recreation and team building, and hiking trail.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with a 2 night, weekend stay in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple; choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with a 2 night stay (Sun-Thurs only) in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple (Sun-Thurs only); choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Attend your very own solo retreat, with an overnight stay in Camp Ollie Lou's 1 bedroom/1 bath converted shipping container. Includes access to the property's 11 acres of scenic Hill Country views, hammocks and shaded seating areas for relaxing, and hiking trail.
Accommodations for a single person or couple (Sun-Thurs only); choose one of the following retreat packages, which includes a curated care package with journaling prompts, self-guided activities, relevant reading materials, and more:
For the Woman Seeking R&R - Restore: You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for way too long. You can feel your emotional and physical health taking the toll. You can’t sleep, you don’t have the energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors, and you disconnect from the stress by scrolling for hours, which only makes you feel worse. Experience the mood-boosting benefits of nature while engaging in restorative activities that will offer the rest and relaxation your body’s been asking for. Schedule your own Self-Care Solo Retreat!
For the Woman Seeking Inspiration - Reignite: You understand your general purpose and have a vision for your life but can’t seem to execute it. You’re a dreamer and have lots of ideas, but where do you start? Maybe the kids have left the house for college or you’re transitioning out of your position as a stay-at-home mom or considering a change in career. If you’re entering a new season of life and want to set new goals that set your life ablaze with passion and purpose, the Reignite Package is for you!
For the Business Owner Looking to Level Up - Reboot: You’re a small business owner who understands that scaling requires creativity and a laser focus. Research proves that spending time in nature boosts attention, focus, and creativity. Carve out the time for your own CEO Day, Content or Quarterly Goal-Setting Solo Retreat!
For the Couple Seeking Intimacy - Reconnect: You recognize the importance of nurturing your relationship and know that an extraordinary one takes work. You are looking for creative ways to connect and remove the distractions of your busy lives. You know the daily hustle and grind is starting to take a toll on your relationship and the time is NOW to reconnect and pour into your partner.
Help us make Camp Ollie Lou accessible to all women! Purchase a ticket to a future retreat for a Camp Ollie Lou scholarship recipient in 2024-2025.
Can't make it to our first retreat but want to make sure it goes off without a hitch? Contribute to the purchase of supplies to ensure that it's a wonderful experience for the women who attend.
With direction from licensed Psychologist Dr. Mistie Seawell, use biofeedback to improve your emotional wellbeing, learn how to change your heart rhythm pattern, and increase order and harmony in your mind, emotions, and body. Shift from feeling stressed to feeling calm and learn how to approach situations with more emotional balance, compassion, clarity, and confidence. Valued at $225.
Prioritize your mental health with this self-care kit curated by licensed psychologist Dr. Amanda Wetegrove-Romine. Kit includes practical items for grounding and soothing as well as instructions on how to continue building a kit that’s unique to your needs. Use these tools when you are faced with difficult emotions during a stressful time. Makes a wonderful self-care gift for yourself or loved ones.
*Not intended to be used during a mental health emergency; instructions included on how to access emergency support if needed.*
Support your mental health with a 1 month Patreon subscription to yoga sessions with Stacy Orsagh, RDT of Awakening Gardens.
Learn to carve out time for self-care and set boundaries in your business and personal life with this self-guided course created by The Productive Wellnesspreneur Renee Clair, MA. Valued at $99.
Raffle ticket for a chance to win a two night, weekend stay at Camp Ollie Lou, with your choice of one of four Self-Care SOS packages (see Self-Care SOS reward for details). Each $10 reward = 1 raffle ticket and you can purchase as many as you want.