Wild Swim weekend
BACKCOUNTRY WELLNESS RETREAT
Where solitude and connection meet.
Unplug from your day-to-day and dive into the pristine, open waters of Vermont. Paddle to your remote campsite and spend the weekend open water swimming and paddling with like-minded women. Gather each evening around the fire with meditative and meaningful connection.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
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Women who are comfortable being outdoors, off the grid and tent camping
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You're ready to unplug, with no wifi or mobile reception
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You have a basic understanding of open water swimming and are capable of swimming a half mile to a mile at a time
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You are seeking connection, reflection and community in wild spaces
Highlights
Unplug in the wild
Leave the grid behind and immerse yourself in the backcountry.
Find your stillness
Connect your mind and body to the flow of water and nature.
Feast by the fire
Gather at each meal for nourishing food and shared connection.
Details
WHEN?
August 21-23, 2026
WHERE?
Green River Reservoir State Park
Hyde Park, Vermont
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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Fully guided, women-led 3-day backcountry swim and wellness retreat
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Nourishing meals prepared by your guides (Fri dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast and snacks)
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Group swims led by experienced open water guides
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Guided meditations
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Optional add-ons:
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6-week open water swim training plan ($125)
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Camping equipment rental(s)
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Kayak, canoe or paddleboard rental
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
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Transportation to and from Green River Reservoir State Park entrance
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Personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
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Kayak, canoe or paddleboard
COST
$595
Once applications are approved, payment is due in full.
Apply by July 1st
$695
AFTER July 1st
Meet your guides
We dreamed up this retreat during one of our wild swim adventures and are excited to share this amazing, life-changing experience with others.
XoXo,
Kristen + Brooke
Kristen Miller
Kristen blends a lifelong connection to water, movement, and nature with a deeply grounded, holistic approach to well-being.
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She has been swimming since the age of six and went on to compete at the Division I level for the University of New Mexico. Today, she is an avid open water swimmer, having completed events such as Lake George and Swim Across America Boston, along with many self-guided swims in wild, natural settings.
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Kristen holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a Level 1 USA Masters Swimming coach. She also holds a Mindfulness Teacher certification from the Engaged Mindfulness Institute, bringing a calm, present-centered awareness into her work.
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A passionate athlete and self-proclaimed nature enthusiast, Kristen has spent years exploring and engaging with the outdoors across a wide range of activities. At Vermont Wild Retreats, she creates an experience that helps women unplug, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover the strength, clarity, and quiet that comes from time spent in wild water and natural spaces.
Brooke Decker
Brooke Decker has basically been in the water since she could walk. She spent a decade swimming competitively with the Marietta Marlins in Marietta, Ohio and never really stopped — these days you’ll still find her lining up for triathlons, jumping into open water races, and in 2024, swimming the full length of Vermont's Lake Willoughby just for the fun of it.
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She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science (Environmental Education) from Antioch University, along with certifications in Wilderness First Aid and Health & Wellness Coaching from University of Vermont.
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Brooke has called Vermont home since 2001. By day, she works as the state’s Pollinator Health Specialist and Honeybee Inspector.
When she’s not working, Brooke is usually outside — bikepacking, swimming or training for her next endurance challenge. She’s happiest when she’s moving through the landscape, whether on two feet, two wheels or in the water.
Sample agenda
DAY 1: FRIDAY
Arrival & settling in
We will gather as a group and paddle to our remote campsite. After we set up camp and set intentions for the weekend, we can choose to explore further with a swim or a hike through the woods. We will gather for a nourishing fireside feast followed by nightfall meditation before we settle in for the night.
DAY 2: SATURDAY
Island day & long swim
Saturday is our longest day on the water. Early risers can enjoy a peaceful morning and quiet swim before breakfast. A warm and hearty breakfast will fuel our big adventure where we will set out to the island, the start of our long swim. We will share an energy boosting lunch along the shore mid-swim. After lunch, participants can decide to do a choice of swim distances as we head back to camp where we will relax and refuel for the evening. Another hearty dinner around the fire will warm our souls as we reflect on our water connections.
DAY 3: SUNDAY
Closing & return home
Our final morning swim and morning meditation before we take down camp and paddle back to shore, with our hearts full.