FOUNDER

I am a mother, wife and artist living in a little red cabin, off the grid in Ontario, Canada.. My day to day revolves around painting, motherhood and all that living off the grid entails. We hunt, fish, trap, forage, garden and much more as a family. I am passionate about keeping traditional skills alive and bringing women outdoors, fostering new friendships and teaching them new skills. My mission is to give women the experience I wish that I had 10 years ago, all while creating an easy going, fun environment to learn.

GUEST INSTRUCTOR

Lindsay Persico is the lead coach at Bristol Bay Fitness and the Survival Instructor and Wilderness First Aid instructor at Bristol Bay Retreats. She is a wife and mama living in Montana and an avid hunter and outdoor adventurer. She's the health and fitness editor for Western Hunter Magazine and won the History Channel's first episode of their survival series, Alone: The Beast. She is passionate about empowering women, building their confidence and lighting that fire for adventures in them.

ASSISTANT

Tania has been by my side for well over a decade and I couldn’t imagine not having her there! Always up for anything, Tania is a huge asset in keeping everything running smoothly and keeping us all organized. She has been immersed in the world of camping since her early years and spends a lot of her weekends camping with her family.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Melissa grew up in rural Nova Scotia, where her and her sister spent their days outdoors—building tree houses, exploring rivers, and connecting deeply with nature. That connection has always been her source of peace in a fast-paced world.

In her early 20s, she moved to Manitoba, where she found her passion for hunting, fishing, and a sense of belonging. It’s where she truly discovered herself and her community.

Photography has been a long-time interest, but recently she has leaned into it more seriously, stepping out of her comfort zone to develop her creative style. She especially loves capturing lifestyle shots of people doing what they love, often in the outdoors.

These days, she is not in the woods or on the water, she has a camera in hand. What started as a way to preserve memories has grown into a passion for telling real, authentic stories through images.

We are excited to have Kirstyn Smith join us for the second year to teach traditional archery! Kirstyn is the owner of Sigma Archery, based in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. A Certified Archery Coach through the Coaching Association of Canada, Kirstyn combines her deep knowledge of biomechanics with a passion for empowering others to embrace their inner warrior.

As Canada’s #1 ranked professional Mounted Archer in her division, and a lifelong equestrian, Kirstyn brings a unique and dynamic perspective to her coaching. She specializes in blending the science of movement with the art of traditional archery, creating a strong, holistic foundation for students of all ages and disciplines.

When she’s not coaching or competing, you’ll find Kirstyn hiking Niagara’s scenic trails or paddling everything from quiet local creeks to the wild, rushing waters of Lake Superior.