A transformative Adult summer camp
Rest-ival for the Soul
At this transformational “Summer Camp for Grownups” you can begin to unwind, unplug from your devices, and tune in to Nature, at this Restival for the Soul and spend 3 nights/4 days “chillaxing” on
one of California’s most beautiful Rivers, the American River.
Here at the River of Bliss, we bring a "transformational twist" adult summer camp, including rafting on Class 3 rapids, gourmet healthy meals, experiential movement, yoga classes, mindfulness meditation, inspirational playshops and being together in Community.
At night, featured kirtan performers and beloved musicians and guest DJs from the Bay Area's popular "Conscious Dance," "Ecstatic Dance" and "5Rhythms/Sweat Your Prayers"
lead the way for us to Dance under the Stars.
We here at the River of Bliss want you to come out and Play. Imagine a time when you were still a child ~ where all of Life was ahead and full of wonder and joy. Imagine you are sitting on the banks of the River.
It's your own personal "restival" where you can leave all of your cares behind and
enter the River of Bliss with your community by your side.
Tap into source. Tap into Nature. Flow into the River of Life and Bliss.
You might choose a hammock, deciding to lazily sun yourself on the nice warm rocks by the River, listening to the water rushing by. You might decide to join in to a Conscious Dance or movement class, dancing joyously and ecstatically under the trees. Maybe you will eat luscious strawberries right after a gentle yoga class. Pick up a drum and sing from your heart. Experience the wonder you had as a child, when you out playing outside in nature, the wonder and bliss of a summer's day when you were a kid and just being you. Feeling held in that Field of Love. Feeling held in the loving of arms of Nature and the Earth where the water and earth meet.
This is the River of Bliss. The River Tribe. A sense of Community and dancing and loving Life ~ Together.
Delicious Catered Meals ~Rafting ~ Playshops
Yoga ~ Live Music ~ Meditation ~ Sound Healing ~Conscious
Dance ~ Art Making ~ Connection ~ Love ~ Community ~
Sing alongs ~ Kirtan ~ Swimming Splashing ~ Talent show ~
Massage ~Kids Camp ~ Magic ~ Transformation
Dana Dharma Devi
Clarity Breathwork and Kirtan
Ashanna Solaris
Clarity Breathwork
Mika Scott
Contact Improv and Campfire sings alongs
Zora Coeur de Roy
Biodanza
Flo Lesur
Dolphin Dance
Sayrah Garrison
5Rhythms Dance
David Koltz
Campfire sing alongs
Spruce
Sound Healing
Elizabeth Moriarty
Spirit fire and Ritual Theater
Catherine Scherwenka
Oneness Meditation
Renee Benmeleh
Vocal Improv
Rajyo Markman
Yoga
Dr, Elson Hass
Lets Talk Health - health detoxing and healing
DJ Eminent Bee
(Emmet Brady)
3 night/4 day Retreat
Heart-centered dancing under the trees —
Such as 5 Rhythms, Biodanza, Contact Improv.
Intimate, participatory and experiential workshops including:
Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Sound Healing
Delicious locally sourced, healthy (mostly organic) gourmet catered meals
with gluten free house baked pastries and vegan options
(9 meals included) prepared by our chef.
Raft Class 2-3 river rapids together! YAY!
(The American is a majestic river with guaranteed flow!)
Professionally-guided rafting with guides on every boat.
(Peace boats and Pirates all aboard!)(Optional if not for you!)
Lovely outdoor swimming pool for swimming and water dance.
Private riverfront area for our River of Bliss with
many amazing beaches and swimming holes.
Exclusive shady group camp sites nestled in the trees
with fire rings, picnic tables, well water
Night-time DJs with dancing outdoors under the trees
with sparkly lights
Time to just chillax and read a book and
relax in hammocks or posh chill spaces
Wonderful Massage and Bodywork available
Deluxe riverfront cabins available --
with full bathroom, fireplace, kitchen, deck and bedding.
(Additional fee)-Sold Out
Optional RV spaces with full hook ups.(Additional fee)
Hot showers -- and plenty of them.
Just 2 hours from the Bay Area — in the historic Sierra Foothills Gold Country
Work exchange available and community
supported scholarship fund
Tickets Details
*Ticket prices do not include rafting we have made it optional to as
some may not want to raft the class 2-3 rapids and or keep their costs down
(note we will have professionally safely guided boats this time safe for ages 8 and up) The rafting trip is approx 3hrs on one day*Please select the rafting ticket seperately
*Please note this is 3 night/4 day retreat with tent camping
(other accomodations are an addtional charge)
*Ticket prices include 9 meals and all workshops
*Yes we have kids camp! Parents need to
contact us when registering for approval CLICK HERE
It takes a village! If you wish to reduce your cost we have
work exchange opportunities!
Dancing on the river!
Lemonade says summer is just around the bend.
When we say Dance in the River we mean it!
All together now. It's about team work!
Circle of love.
Biodanza with Zora Coeur de Roy
Nia is a fun interactive movement practice.
Nia is a kick!
Sun filters through the magical light in the Russian River redwoods.
Watermellon and a shared picnic lunch.
In loving memory of Gail Orchier, river guide, the "Riverguidess" and founder of Riverguidess Adventures. May the river of bliss continue to caress you in it's gentle waters.
May the river guide us!
Do I need to have experience with conscious dance,
yoga, meditation or rafting?
No. All activities are for anyone at any level. We provide a safe, welcoming, non-judgmental environment for all. We invite you to explore and participate in any activity of interest, and connect with others at your own pace. All activities are optional, including rafting (you can stay on the property if you prefer while others are on the river). Our stretch of the river provides more of a float trip, rather than whitewater. You will be provided with safety instructions and all river gear from River Journey Adventures.
Who attends these retreats?
Most participants live in the San Francisco Bay Area, though many come from all over the state of California. Our focus is mainly on adults who want to relax and disconnect from their busy lives to enjoy nature, creativity and summer fun. You’ll get in touch with your inner child at camp, while you play and connect with others.
Can I bring my kids?
We have a limited number of spaces for children (up to 10% of total attendance), available on a first-come, first-served basis. We provide a part-time program for kids ages 8-12with prior approval (see specifics on our event page). This is a great way for both parents and their children to enjoy the weekend and participate in activities. Contact us for before registering your child.
Put "Kids Camp" in the subject line and email us CLICK HERE
What’s the rafting like, and how much rafting will we do? If the drought continues, will there be enough water to raft?
Very exciting! Our new location at the American river offers class 2-3 whitewater rafting. We only raft 3 hrs on one day, it is not a trip where we raft down the river and set-up camp. It is a stay put retreat. In recent years we have been doing a class 1 float. We will raft to camp safely in professionally guided boats (no need to figure out a leader just relax and enjoy the ride! Not tough paddling either just ride the river) Safe enough that the rafting company allows kids as young as 7. While all activities on the trip have always been optional we have decided to make rafting an optional purchase this year as some may not be up for the adventure or it may not be in some peoples budget.
Yes, there will be enough water to raft. One of the benefits of rafting on the American is that there is plenty of water and guaranteed flow vs some other California rivers.
Where do I sleep?
Guests camp in tents on shaded sites nestled in the trees within close proximity to activities, meals bathrooms, pool and river. Guests provide their own camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, pads, pillows and chairs. If you tend to go to bed early, or are a light sleeper, be sure to bring and wear a set of good ear plugs.
What if I’m absolutely NOT into camping?
At our new site there are a few deluxe cabins for an addtional charge, email us to inquire.You may choose to stay at a nearby hotel and drive back and forth to the property daily. There hotels are within 10-15 minutes each way. If you choose this option, please note that there is no discount on the retreat fee.
Is there any camping gear available for rent?
We may have access to tents, sleeping bags and pad rentals with advance notice, based on availability. Contact us for more information as we get closer to the date of the trip.
What if I want to bring my camper or RV?
There is a designated parking area for RVs, and hooh-ups. Please contact us before you register if you’d like to bring a camper or RV. There is an addtional fee for RV camping and needs to be reserved in advance
Can I bring my own raft or kayak?
No not on this trip. Our insurance would not cover you if you supplied your own vessel, we raft in organized professionally guided boats.
What should I bring?
For what to bring CLICK HERE
What should I leave at home?
Pets, preconceived notions, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, candles, perfumes and other scented products. Cigarette smoking is permitted in very limited areas. We offer a conscious environment where we get high on the joy of allowing our inner child to play and connect with others.
What is the process once I arrive at camp?
Registration is open from 2pm-6pm on the first day. We encourage you to arrive in time for the sound healing to drop in after setting up, which is usually before dinner on the first night (see schedule when planning transportation). Upon arrival, you must check in at registration and receive your wristband before proceeding any further on the property. Anyone found not wearing a wristband on the property risks being asked to leave, as per our agreement with the owners. When you arrive, you will receive more information about where to park and set-up your camp.
What if I arrive after registration is closed or another time during the weekend?
We encourage you to arrive during registration hours. If not possible, please let us know in advance so we can have someone meet you at registration. (Guests must obtain a wristband before proceeding further onto the property, without exception.)
Can I leave camp early?
Surely if you must, however we strongly encourage you to stay for the entire experience. If you make plans that require you to leave early, you’ll likely regret it the moment you arrive. (Seriously, Dorothy, this is as far from Kansas as you can get!)
Are there “In’s & Out’s?”
Yes, though you likely won’t want to go out once you’ve come in. That said, if you need to run into town for any reason, it is only 5 minutes away.
Will my cell phone work at camp?
Yes, verizon cell phones only work on the property. There are scattered outlets to charge such devices, however, this retreat is all about unplugging, unwinding and connecting with spirit and community. So turn off your cell phones. Put away your watches. We will blow the conch shell 5 minutes before meals and activities are set to begin.
What if I have a medical emergency?
We have crew that are trained in first aid and CPR and we have a basic first aid kit. An urgent care center is nearby; a hospital is within 5-10 minutes of the property.
What if there is an emergency back home and someone needs to reach me?
We will provide you with our camp emergency contact in your confirmation email.
What kind of food will be served?
You will be amazed by the quality, variety and presentation our chefs bring to our kitchen. All meals are included, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Our menus include chicken and fish for those who desire it. Our chefs strive to use local organic fresh fruits and vegetables. You will be asked when you register about any dietary concerns or allergies. We will do our best to accommodate requests with prior notice, but if it is out of our scope you may want to supplement by bringing a cooler for your personal use.
Are there restrooms and showers
We have a central bath-house with separate and individual men’s and women’s shower stalls, sinks and flush toilets. In addition, we will have additional porta-potties in other areas of the property for our guests’ convenience.
How about carpooling and ride-shares?
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and because of limited parking on the property, we encourage and support carpooling and ride-shares.
For the carpooling app CLICK HERE
Can I bring a dog or my favorite pet?
No. Guests are allowed to bring animals onto the property at this location but it can detract from the experience so we do not allow them in our group camp area. The exception is for guests with Certified Service Animals.
Can I participate by leading a workshop?
Contact us at CLICK HERE if you are a professional interested in offering a workshop, and we will send you a presenter application if appropriate. There may be an opportunity for camper-led activities that you can sign up for onsite.
Can I sign up for work exchange and reduce my cost further?
Yes, we do offer a work exchange program. To contact us CLICK HERE.
Do you offer group pricing or organizer incentives?
Email us CLICK HERE for info on our “pied piper” or “ambassador” program, should either describe you. :)
Will bodywork be available at the river?
Yes, we have a wonderful team of healers. Getting a massage at the river is another great way to relax and enjoy your stay. Massage is offered on each retreat for $20 for every 15-minute block. Sign-ups will be taken onsite.
