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EXPLORE THIS SWAHILI GEM

MAGICAL LAMU CREATIVE RETREAT

What is creativity? How do we cultivate more of it?

Creativity is a vast and wide subject, and yet it mystifies many. But if we can better understand how it works, we can better put it into practice. 

This special creative retreat has been developed by artist, art educator, and Coalition Ambassador Andrea Slusarski to help deepen our understanding of creativity. It is designed for anyone interested in the inner working of the creative process.

Join Andrea and our CEO Jen Gurecki, who has spent nearly 20 years traveling through Africa, for a magical 10 days in Kenya where you get to explore your creative practice and deeply experience a people and place.

On this 10-day adventure and creative retreat in Kenya you'll also sail on traditional dhows, indulge in traditional Swahili cuisine, and find hidden gems that will take your breath away with every twist and turn through the carless streets.

Extra bonus: You'll get to meet the women of Zawadisha, learn about their community and way of life, and be wowed by the wildlife. 

Cost: $2,999 - $3,499

Dates: July 30th - August 8th, 2024

Skill level: Whether you're an artist, an educator, or simply creativity-curious, this retreat will help you to better tap into creative process and begin to make new creative connections to the world around you. All you need is an open mind, big heart, and a passion to explore.

Impact: HIGH!! All funds benefit Zawadisha, a micro-lending nonprofit serving women in rural Kenya founded by our CEO Jen Gurecki.

👋 Hi bb we're so happy you're here 👋

🌍 Let's travel the world and make memories together 🌍

💌 Have questions about this trip? Let's chat 💌

Our Secret Sauce

When you book a Far Out Adventure you know that you can count on us to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space. We acheive this through little things, like monthly Zoom calls to get to know one another, sharing our pronouns, and all agreeing to a set of formal, co-created set of norms.

We also work with locals who are excited to share the gems in their communities that will make your trip less touristy and more transformational.

Finally, we create intentional opportunities for growth and learning through evening fireside chats that bring us together in thoughtful conversation on everything from our skiing/riding goals to social issues that we care about the most.

What's Included

✔️ Five days of small group creative exploration, led by Andrea Slusarski

✔️ Two wildlife game drive where you'll see elephants, giraffe, zebra, and more

✔️ Cultural immersion in the community with Zawadisha

✔️ Two traditional Swahili dhow sailing trips

✔️ One massage and three yoga classes with certified Kenyan instructors at the Banana House Wellness Center

✔️ One tour of Lamu's Old Town

✔️ Accommodation in shared rooms, including Kivuli Camp in the Tsavo Conservancy and the Banana House and Wellness Center in Lamu

✔️ All in-country transportation including train and flights

✔️ All meals except for two lunches and two dinners in Lamu (so that you can explore the island yourself)

Please note that airfare, insurance, alcohol, and tip for services is not included.

July 2024 -- Dates Coming Soon!

Itinerary

DAY 1, July 30th: Evening orientation in Nairobi with Andrea Slusarski and Monica Makori, Zawadisha's head of operations in Kenya. You'll have an Ethiopian dinner at one of our most favorite restaurants, and a night at a lovely guest house next to the Village Market (so you can take care of any last minute needs!)

DAY 2, July 31st: Hop on a quick flight to Lamu where you'll meet up with Jen. Get ready to be transported to somewhere very, very different as you take a water taxi from the airport to our accommodation at the Banana House and Wellness Center. Spend the afternoon at the pool or strolling through the streets of Lamu.

DAY 3, August 1st: Andrea will facilitate a We are all Creative / What is Creativity?half-day session. You also will have ample time to gather your creative energy poolside, explore the carless streets of Lamu, enjoy a coffee, visit Jen's secret gems, sun on the beach, read a book, chat with the locals, rest, and dream. In the evening we'll unwind with a sail on a dhow, a traditional Swahili wooden boat.

DAY 4, August 2nd: Andrea will guide you through visual journaling. You'll also have time to explore the old town of Lamu with a local guide who will explain the history of the island. You'll get to meet woodworkers, silversmiths, and more. And you'll love the boat taxi to and from our guest house.

DAY 5, August 3rd: Get ready for 1:1 critiques and more time to explore the island. Don't forget your yoga classes and spa treatment!

DAY 6, August 4th: This is your day. Dream, vision, explore, and connect. We'll end the day with a Swahili dinner on a dhow.

DAY 7. August 5th: For your last day in Lamu, Andrea will guide you though a Creative Share.

DAY 8, August 6th: Fly to Mombasa and take the train to Voi where you'll be picked up for a short drive to the rural community that Zawadisha calls home. Spend the afternoon learning about our work and enjoy the mini-game drive on the way to Kivuli Camp in the Tsavo Conservancy.

DAY 9, August 7th: Keep your eyeballs peeled for elephant, giraffe, zebra, and more during our morning game drive. Then you're off to  learn about life in rural Kenya from the women of Zawadisha. You'll travel into the community, visit their homesteads, and meet the Neema Women's Group. Bring your box of tissues and some extra cash for those handmade baskets. Lodging at Kivuli Camp in the Tsavo Conservancy. 

DAY 10, August 8th: Enjoy a first-class seat on the Standard Guage Railway as you gaze at the countryside (and if you're lucky see zebra and elephant) as you make your way to Nairobi. You'll have lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Nairobi (it will be one of the best meals you've ever had) and make your way to the airport to depart for home.

FAQs

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, we offer multiple payment plans. Pay the $250 deposit today and we will bill you the remainder in three equal payments. ShopPay, which you can select in checkout and pay in four installments over four months, is also available for both the deposit and full trip payment.

How does donation/fundraising part work? 

You can opt for a reduced rate of $2,499 if you commit to fundraising a minimum of $500 for Zawadisha. You will have access to a personalized fundraising page like this one that makes it easy for you to raise tax-deductible donations. We do encourage everyone to fundraise so that we can make the most positive impact in the lives of the women Zawadisha serves. If you opt not to fundraise, the cost of the trip is $2,999.

What will the food be like?

Meals will vary from Western dishes, to Swahili dishes such as ugali and Sukuma wiki, to Indian food. All meals will be prepared for you, and we can accommodate dietary needs. It is all healthy and delicious.

What will the accommodation be like?

Expect double occupancy, a cozy bed and mosquito net, uninterrupted views of the landscape, and the sounds of wild animals at night at Kivuli Camp.

At Banana House expect double occupancy, a cozy bed and mosquito net, views of the ocean from the property, a private pool and veranda, and daily breakfast. 

How can I get to know the people on this trip?

We will hold optional monthly Zoom calls. Please be prepared to share your pronouns, the native land you reside on, and a little bit about yourself. You are welcome to join the calls before you commit to learn about the trip prior to booking. Please contact us for the registration link for the calls.

What's your refund policy? 

You can receive a full refund less the deposit up to six months before the departure of the trip. If you need to cancel within three to five months of the departure, we will provide credit for a future trip. There is no refund provided for cancellations within one month of the departure date. If we are not able to run the trip due to COVID-19 or other circumstances out of our control, we will reschedule the trip for 2025. 

I Still Have Questions... HELP!

Best way to reach us is via email at hello@coalitionsnow.com, Monday through Friday. As a small team, we do our best to respond in less than 24 hours.

What else do I need to know?

Travel insurance is required. We are committed to creating a safe space for all participants and as such have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and/or verbal/physical abuse.

Magical Lamu Creative Retreat

Book Your SpotDeposit
$250.00
Why Coalition Snow?

Women Owned & Operated

We knew we deserved better equipment and a community that saw us, heard us, valued us, and put us front and center. So we said goodbye to shrink-it-and-pink-it and toxic bro culture and said hello to something more: a community that values camaraderie over competition, solidarity over sending, and compassion over cuntery.

Performance Driven

We believe that the recipe for making a kick-ass pair of skis or snowboards has nothing to do with what's between your legs but what's between your ears and in your heart. We start with a concept that meets our unique needs and work with a team of engineers to bring our designs to life. We manufacture in reputable factories that prioritize the health and safety of their team and the environment. We test, bring in our Ambassadors and Athletes (did you know that our skis have been in the Olympics?), refine, and then deliver a finished product to you.

Building An Inclusive Community

From the beginning, we’ve been willing to do and say what our peers won’t. There is no place for the status quo, no room for hanging back, no time for wait or play it safe. In everything we create, we aim to make a positive impact in the world of snowsports and beyond. And that’s what makes us different. We're Coalition Snow, and we're the ones we've been waiting for.

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