About Girlhood in the Woods
A women's retreat experience built around comfort, connection, and nature.
Our Story
A community built around nature, connection, and the magic of girlhood.
Girlhood in the Woods was created for women who are craving something many of us quietly miss as adults... time outside, meaningful connection, and space to simply be ourselves.
What started as a personal journey back to nature has grown into a welcoming outdoor community where women can gather, explore, and reconnect with both the outdoors and each other.
Through community hikes, outdoor gatherings, and nature retreats, Girlhood in the Woods creates opportunities for women to slow down, step outside their comfort zones, and experience the kind of joy that comes from fresh air, shared adventure, and genuine friendship.
Whether you're brand new to the outdoors or someone who has always felt at home in the woods, you belong here.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
To create welcoming outdoor spaces where women can reconnect with nature, build meaningful friendships, and rediscover the freedom and curiosity that often gets lost in adulthood.
We believe the outdoors should feel accessible, supportive, and joyful - not intimidating.
That's why our experiences are intentionally designed to be beginner-friendly, community-driven, and rooted in connection rather than performance.
Because nature isn't something you have to conquer.
Sometimes it's simply a place to breathe.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I'm Raelyn.
Girlhood in the Woods truly started with my own love for nature and the memories I grew up with outdoors.
Some of my favorite childhood moments were spent at my family's cottages - swimming in the lake, wandering through the woods, running barefoot, and feeling completely free.
Those were the moments where I felt most like myself: curious, adventurous, and full of joy.
As I got older, I realized how much I missed that version of me. The girl who felt brave exploring new places and found peace in the quiet of the woods.
So, I started returning to nature more intentionally - hiking, camping, and seeking out those small moments of adventure again.
And slowly, I realized something important.
A lot of women were craving the same thing.
Girlhood in the Woods was created for that realization: a desire to build a space where women could reconnect with nature, feel supported trying new experiences, and find a community that celebrates adventure, curiosity, and friendship.
This community is truly something special to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to create spaces where women can feel a little more wild, a little more free, and a lot more like themselves.
What We Offer
Girlhood in the Woods creates opportunities for women in their 20s and 30s to gather, explore, and build genuine friendships through shared experiences across West Michigan and beyond.
Our experiences included:
Community Nights
Low-pressure local gatherings where women can meet new people through hikes, coffee outings, creative activities, seasonal events, games, and more.
Day Trip
Full-day adventures around Michigan that give women the chance to explore somewhere new, try something different, and make memories together.
Nature Retreats
Small-group weekend getaways designed for deeper connections, outdoor adventure, and meaningful time away from everyday life. Retreats may range from cozy glamping stays to traditional camping experiences.
Seasonal & Special Experiences
From Friendsgiving and holiday baking to pumpkin carving. bonfires, and other seasonal gatherings, these experiences give us reason to slow down, celebrate, and connect throughout the year.
Every Girlhood in the Woods experience is designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and rooted in connection.
You don't have to be outdoorsy.
you don't have to know anyone.
You don't have to bring a friend.
Just come as you are.
Our Values
At the heart of Girlhood in the Woods are a few simple values:
🌲 Community over competition
Nature is better when shared.
🌲 Adventure at your own pace
No pressure, no expectations.
🌲Welcoming for all experience levels
You don't have to be "outdoorsy" to belong here.
🌲 Safety and intention
Every experience is thoughtfully planned so women feel supported and comfortable.
Join the Community
Whether you're joining a community hike, attending an event, or planning a retreat, Girlhood in the Woods is a place where women can reconnect with nature and rediscover the joy of outdoor adventure.
Join the email list to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming retreats and community events.