River Of Nourishment
A Rogue River Rafting Retreat for Climate Advocates
2026 Information and Application
Thank you for your interest in this unique, exciting opportunity! Here you'll find lots of logistical information as well as an application form.
Description: The River of Nourishment is a 6-day retreat including a 4-day rafting trip along the stunning Rogue River in Oregon. We welcome everyone who cares about climate—whether you advocate for a healthy climate professionally or personally. We will be immersed in a pristine setting where we can engage in nourishing practices to rebuild our inner resources, connect with other climate advocates, and fall back in love with the natural world.
Dates: August 17-22, 2026
Arrive by 3PM to get settled on Monday, August 17th.
Finish by 5PM on Saturday, August 22nd.
Location: Merlin, Oregon. River trip along the Rogue River.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 Arrival by 3PM at the Galice Resort in Merlin, Oregon to get settled. We'll share dinner and facilitated time together to get acquainted as a group.
DAY 2 A facilitated on-land retreat with guided reflective exercises and activities inspired by Good Grief Network, Work That Reconnects, and Change Narrative. A nourishing, connection-filled day with resting time interspersed throughout. Takes place on the rustic grounds of the Galice Resort.
DAYS 3-6 A four-day river rafting experience on the stunning Rogue River. Guided by Momentum River Expeditions, an excellent, small, eco-conscious, guide-owned & operated adventure travel company. All gear, including tents, mats & sleeping bags, as well as delicious local organic hors d'oeuvres and meals, will be provided. While the river features Class 1-3 rapids, it also offers quiet stretches, creating a nice mix of group challenge and relaxation. No prior rafting experience is required. We welcome both first-time and experienced rafters. The group will return to the Galice Resort by approximately 5 PM on August 22nd.
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Please read this Information Packet from Momentum River Expeditions.
It has detailed information on:
- Trip logistics & itinerary
- Packing information
- "Camp life' & "on the river"
- Boat and activity options
- "Getting here & away"
- Pre- and post-trip accommodation options
- Trip insurance option​
​PROGRAM COSTS
The total program cost is $1450
The actual program cost of $2122 per person has been generously subsidized by an anonymous donor who wishes to support climate-engaged people reconnecting with the natural world so they can sustain their good work. We are grateful for this generous support and hope that it makes the trip possible for you.
Here is what the $1450 includes:
-Two nights' lodging at the wonderful Galice Lodge in Merlin, Oregon, 8/17 & 8/18
-Meals in Merlin - 8/17 dinner, 8/18 breakfast & lunch, 8/19 breakfast (8/18 dinners is self-funded).
-The full on-land retreat day
-Four-day river trip with all camping gear and organic meals, wine, and hors d'oeuvres on the river 8/19- 8/22 (includes lunch on the final day)
-A contribution to the local Indigenous land and river stewardship organization Rios to Rivers
Here is what the program cost does not include:
-Transportation to Merlin, Oregon
-Optional trip insurance
-Dinner on 8/18
-Any lodging after the river trip
We recognize that climate change is perpetuated by an economy of extraction, which is deeply interconnected with issues of racial and social justice. We acknowledge that critical discussions and decision-making on climate change in mainstream spaces have historically excluded certain voices, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and others who bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts. We seek to have a cohort that is inclusive of diverse identities.
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We are very willing to help group members connect and find ways to share/save costs (e.g., sharing a rental car from the airport, etc.). Please refer to the packet in the section above for more details on the logistics for the river trip.
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To Apply, click here:
River of Nourishment Facilitation Team
Kristan Childs (she/her) is a teacher, facilitator, nature lover, and grief ritual holder. Certified in climate psychology and eco-psychology, she supports individuals experiencing ecological distress and helps them build inner resilience through The Good Grief Network and The Work that Reconnects. She also co-chairs the Climate Psychology Alliance’s Committee to support climate scientists. She loves to create heart-centered groups where people can connect deeply with themselves, with others, and with our precious earth - so that we all might step more fully into our healing gifts.
Jothsna Harris(she/her) is the founder of Change Narrative LLC. With over a decade of experience building capacity for the climate justice movement, Through a coaching practice, Jothsna works with front-line leaders, legislators, artists, organizations, and community groups to co-produce climate narratives to advocate for solutions. Jothsna has designed and implemented award-winning climate change programs rooted in community, centering personal stories and other values-based ways that resonate, coaching thousands of people to find compelling narratives to share at live events, on radio, and in print media. Jothsna was a 2023 Obama USA Leaders Fellow, as part of a cohort of 100 change makers nationwide working to strengthen democracy.
Teddy Kellam (she/her) is a climate-aware somatic and transpersonal therapist and facilitator working with scientists, mental health professionals, parents, educators and climate professionals. She supports individuals and groups to metabolize raw feelings about the state of the world, in order to re-orient to wisdom, purpose, and resourcing in joy. She uses her skills and training in Somatic Experiencing, griefwork with Francis Weller, Work That Reconnects, and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Processing) to support people who are awake to the polycrisis.
Testimonials
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"River of Nourishment is unlike any experience I've had before. Our big-hearted facilitators took us through awe, wonderment, deep connection, and a grief spiral process that is bound to make any person feel greater resilience in these uncertain times." - 2025 Participant
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"The River of Nourishment 2025 trip was one of the most enriching weeks of my life. The excellent facilitation, remote nature environment, and exhilarating whitewater rafting allowed me to deeply explore grief, fear, community, and connection. I felt nourished, seen, heard, and honored in ways I didn't know I needed." - 2025 Participant
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"The River of Nourishment experience was exactly what my spirit and soul needed. It provided me with community, rest, relaxation, and solidarity, lightening a heavy heart." - 2024 Participant
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"The trip was exhilarating, challenging, rewarding, grounding, and absolutely nourishing!" - 2024 Participant
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"The River of Nourishment was a much needed experience to help re-energize my commitment to my work as well as a reminder to pay attention to the beauty that is still here. The world can be incredibly overwhelming so to be able to step away from the frenzy, slow down in nature and engage in deeply meaningful conversations was a balm for my soul. " - 2024 Participant
