Post Montana Campout Thoughts
Our 2026 Summer Solstice Montana Campout wrapped up last weekend, and before the memories begin to fade, I want to share a few thoughts and feelings that surfaced during our time together.
This was only our second campout. In 2025, we were completely rained out, yet despite the downpour, we had an incredible time. I spent the next year manifesting perfect weather for 2026, and it worked! The four-day gathering at the stunning Tobacco River Ranch in Eureka, Montana, was everything we imagined it could be and more.
Witnessing both events revealed a beautiful, consistent truth: women supporting women. Whether it was helping someone stake down a tent or welcoming a solo traveler who felt a bit out of place in a large crowd, women showed up for each other through all of it.
The experience reminded me of a time, nearly 20 years ago, when I worked for a small non-profit. Our tight-knit crew consisted of just three women and one male director. During a hiring round, after a slew of interviews, the director remarked that we should prioritize hiring another man to "balance out the female energy." Because, you know... women can be so catty.
What I have witnessed in the decades since turns that stereotype completely on its head.
We are a woman-founded company, run by women, for women, with the explicit purpose of empowering women. Do we face headaches in this business? Of course! What business doesn’t? But watching over 100 women camp together, hold space for one another and lift each other up was nothing short of incredible. It puts my old boss's comment to absolute shame.
I’m not a particularly spiritual person, but there is an undeniable power that activates when women gather. It’s a collective strength that stays with you long after everyone packs up and goes their separate ways.
On our smaller trips, I’ve seen time and time again how differently women act in a women-only setting compared to mixed-gender groups. They are goofy. They let their hair down. They allow themselves to be vulnerable and, in my opinion, feel entirely free to just be. Scaling that up to over 100 women simply magnified the magic. With 400 acres of private wilderness to explore, everyone had the space to be silly, raw and unapologetically themselves.
I get how an event like this can sound intimidating. Believe me, the 25-year-old version of me probably wouldn’t have attended. Back then, I allowed society (and bosses like mine) to convince me that too many women together would be too emotional, messy, sensitive and difficult to manage.
Now? I look at those exact traits and think: Yes, we are emotional, messy and sensitive. We are human, after all. But it is precisely those qualities that make us fierce, empathetic, intuitive and deeply compassionate.
When I was a young woman, I used to proudly claim that I preferred male friends because they were "uncomplicated." I didn't have many female friends and I truly didn't know what I was missing. Today? Bring on the complex, beautiful network of female friendship. Looking back, I realize I wasn't avoiding drama; I was just intimidated, scared, and honestly, a little lazy in how I approached connections.
If you’ve read this far and are still wondering if a 100-woman summer camp is right for you, I can assure you: it is. There is room for every type of woman here, and there is plenty of acreage if you just need some quiet time to yourself. There is absolute magic to behold when women gather, and it is 100% worth being a part of.
Written by: Melissa Wright | Co-Owner Women Who Explore
Melissa resides in Arizona and works full time for Women Who Explore. When she’s not hosting trips around the world, you can find her hiking, mountain biking, backpacking or climbing. Many an hour is spent behind the computer screen working, but as soon as that laptop closes she’s outside.
She’s passionate believer that adventure and travel changes lives. She did not embrace her adventurous side until her 30s, but hasn’t looked back since. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and she doesn’t plan on missing out.
Personal IG: @melissaexploresitall
