Journey above Alaska's Arctic Circle, deep into the Brooks Range, and fill yourself up with nature, the Northern Lights, nourishing yoga, and delicious homemade food among other D-Moms who “get it”.
Give back as you fundraise the cost to attend, which helps subsidize the cost of Riding On Insulin camps for kids with T1D.
Return home a brighter version of yourself.
(ONLY 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
Have you ever heard the saying: "You can't pour from an empty cup?" Yeah, I've been there, too.
I know that overwhelming feeling when you start your day with an insurmountable list of responsibilities that keeps getting longer.
I know that listless glance out the window, wondering how much longer you can last at your current capacity.
I know that fleeting desire to throw up your hands, quit, and book a one-way ticket to a far-away place just to escape it all for a moment.
I also know the feeling of Type 1 diabetes weighing on the entire family, leaving you wishing you could take it away from a loved one. The one thing I know for sure?
Regardless of our connection to T1D, we are all stronger together.
Hi, I'm Mollie Busby. In addition to serving as Riding On Insulin Operations Director, I'm a yoga instructor and teacher trainer, founder of Yoga Hive, co-founder of Arctic Hive, and loving supporter of my husband, Sean (founder of Riding On Insulin), who lives with T1D.
I’m proud to introduce you to ROI's newest fundraise-for-a-cause event: Sweet Retreat. Whether you’re a mom of a child with T1 in need of a serious reset, looking for adventure, or wanting to give back to a cause that feels close to home: I feel ya, sister.There comes a time when we need to stop, take a step back to breathe, and reboot.
After one weekend in Alaska at Sweet Retreat 2022, you’ll be able to think more clearly, better manage your family's (or your own) relationship with T1D, and best of all? No lectures. No keynote speakers. No medical jargon.
Sweet Retreats are intimate, boutique gatherings that use yoga and mindfulness, winter fun, good food and like-minded company in the most incredible places to help you fill yourself up, give back and shine bright.
Ladies, it’s time to fill that empty cup — this Sweet Retreat is for you.
THE DETAILS
Imagine having the time to meditate daily — and real-time instruction on how to do it!
Afterward, you cozy up in a comfy chair, enjoying a cup of piping hot, organic coffee while you journal your intentions for the day.
You have the space to notice the warm sun during the day (and the northern lights by night!). You look out at sweeping views of Alaska's Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park, awaiting the day’s transformational morning yoga class in a magical geodesic yoga dome with all the creature comforts you need, and then some.
Oh... and the incredible quiet, without city noise pollution.
And you need less than week to make this happen. Simply leave Tuesday, arrive home Monday. A small blip of time to invest in yourself — and allow your family the freedom and opportunity to exist without Y-O-U!
During our 5 days and 4 nights together (plus a night on the front end at a Fairbanks hotel), you’ll be challenged (in the best way!) by interactive and incredibly fun winter activities, yoga classes and group gatherings to get to the core of how you want to feel on a day-to-day basis.
You’ll laugh, dream, learn and plan in the company of other women who are working through the same discovery process alongside you, and who understand you from that deeper level of shared human experience.
And the best part? No experience with yoga or mindfulness of any kind is necessary to attend — we teach to every ability level, and we meet you where you're at.
Dogsledding, village tours, crafts, and snowshoeing are balanced out with ample freedom to relax, unwind and take in the majestic views. An abundance of happy sled dogs, organic coffee, afternoon tea and the absence of high-speed internet and daily distractions allows you to truly disconnect from the outside world and connect to our inner self.
Evenings at Arctic Hive might feature game night in our main lodge, craft-making, or a more restorative yoga practice, designed to reset your nervous system and fill your cup until it runneth over.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll fuel up with nourishing vegetarian cuisine, custom crafted to give your body the most balanced fuel so you can think, see and move clearly for the weekend. It's the most commonly mentioned feature of Arctic Hive in the cabin guest books — so don't just take our word for it. The food is the best!
Sometimes all it takes is a few days in nature to give you the boost you need — but this isn’t a “vacation from your life” where you’re sad to leave after 4 days in Alaska. Oh no. You’ll leave this retreat with the best gift of all: A brighter version of yourself, with the tools to change your life for the better.
You’ll be excited to get home and get in the driver’s seat of your own life, and tackle whatever T1D throws your way.
To support you beyond our time together, you’ll be connected to a new sisterhood of women that you’ve spent this time with.
And most of all, you’ll get your life back with a full cup — and the knowledge to keep it that way.
THE LOCATION
Travel seven hours away from the nearest grocery store, cross the Arctic Circle, and travel 63 more miles north to the village of Wiseman. There, you’ll get the chance to see the Northern Lights, in an area deemed as having some of the best northern light displays in the world.
Arctic Hive is located just 1 mile from the village, which is hike-in access in the winter. We use a snow-machine to haul in all the gear, so you'll just strap on a pair of snowshoes (we have them for you!) and hike! The opportunity to approach the land on foot is a uniquely Alaskan experience — and you'll find it invigorating and grounding.
Meet your hosts, Sean and Mollie Busby
Here are some of the spaces you'll experience at Arctic Hive:
The Cabins
Here at Arctic Hive, we have three cabins to keep you comfortable and cozy during your stay with us — there are plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the Northern Lights! Each cabin will be home to two retreat attendees in twin or double beds (depending on the cabin).
All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm, with solar/battery powered lighting with inverter batteries for charging small devices. There is no cell phone reception from the cabins — although we do have access to service for emergencies, and for those who may need to check in with home once and a while.
The Igloo
This is where we'll gather for all our meals, games and general good times.
The Yoga Dome
This is where we'll practice yoga every day! It's a 24-foot geodesic dome with added insulation and a cozy Nordic oil-drip stove to keep it toasty warm for practice. Check out the expansive views of the mountains while you practice out the giant bay window!
The Dog Yard
We may not have children ourselves, but these dogs are our family — and they'll be delighted to tell you all about it (and then pull you on a dog sled!). Spend time snuggling with an Alaskan Husky as long as you'd like — and we assure you there are more than enough kisses and ah-wooooo's to go around!
THE AGENDA
No experience is necessary, and all activities are optional (yes, even the yoga!) so you are assured to have enough space and time to breathe.
Day 1
Your group will depart Fairbanks early in the morning, as much of our first day is spent traveling to the Arctic. The drive is 7-9 hours long!
On the epic drive up the Dalton Highway (famed from the show "Ice Road Truckers"), you'll get to cross the mighty Yukon River, dine on local fare from the historic Yukon River Camp, cross the Arctic Circle — of course have your photo taken, and see the most gorgeous, dynamic landscapes featuring arctic tundra, Black Spruce forests, and rolling hills until the massive Brooks Range comes into view.
The experience driving the "Haul Road," as it's affectionately called, is one few people have ever experienced and is sure to delight and thrill!
On our first night in camp, we’ll have a delicious first meal together after everyone gets settled into their cabins.
Days 2-4: The days that follow will include hiking/snowshoeing around the village of Wiseman and its surrounding wilderness, taking in the views and experiencing radical aliveness away from the distractions of cell phones and computers. There's no cell service in this village, or at Arctic Hive, so the temptation of home, work and life won't even be present.
Yoga, meditation and other activities in the igloo are balanced out with ample road adventures to mountain passes on the Dalton Highway. Pending weather, you'll dogsled through the snow-covered landscape, and take a private tour of the village with Alaskan legends living the subsistence lifestyle in Wiseman, Alaska. We'll channel our creative energy into our own handmade arctic crafts with an Artist in Residence in Wiseman, as well as make malas (and learn how to use them!) one evening after dinner in the igloo.
We will dine together twice a day in the igloo (plus coffee and snacks before yoga), and we will typically pack up lunch to go with us, wherever we're headed for the day. Although many activities are custom-planned depending on the specific weather we're dealt with (which is how life in Alaska just is!), you may find yourself at a bonfire on the river, experiencing yoga under a blanket of stars and dancing Northern Lights in the igloo, sharing a glass of wine over a board game with new friends and more.
This retreat is a reflection of how we (Sean and Mollie) live our life in wild places — the perfect combination of activities, relaxation, and good company.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll fuel up with nourishing vegetarian cuisine, custom crafted by Mollie (who is certified in plant-based nutrition and an avid cook who loves to entertain!) to give your body the most balanced fuel so you can think, see and move clearly for the weekend. There will always be tea, coffee and snacks available.
Day 5: We will pack up and depart Arctic Hive in the late morning, and make the same trek back to Fairbanks — experiencing new stops along the way depending on weather. We typically close out a trip down the Dalton with dinner on the town in Fairbanks.
FUNDRAISE TO SUPPORT CAMPS FOR KIDS WITH T1D
FUNDRAISING
This retreat doesn’t ask you to pay your way... rather, we ask you to fundraise for a cause that’s near and dear to all of our hearts.
Take what you need in Alaska, but give back to the cause that got you there.
By fundraising for Riding On Insulin using our easy-to-use partner fundraising website, Classy, you’ll rest assured that your trip is not only a needed boost for you, but also provides necessary life experience for kids with T1D at our action sports camps around the world. Other than hard costs like food, transport, etc., nearly the entire amount fundraised will go toward camp programming for kids. The Busbys are donating the entire facility to this cause during one of the most spectacular seasons in the Arctic — and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Only 6 spots are available.
A Classy Fundraising Page + a $1,000 USD nonrefundable donation to that page is required to secure your spot. Yes, the $1,000 USD counts toward your fundraising total! All fundraising goals are shown in Classy in US Dollars.
Flights:
We will be leaving from Fairbanks no earlier than 8 AM on the first day of the retreat. We will arrive back in the early evening of the final day of the retreat, depending on weather.
To be absolutely sure you're on time, we recommend arriving into Fairbanks Airport (FAI) the day before the retreat, and flying out on a red eye flight in the early morning after we arrive back to Fairbanks — most people leaving FAI take red-eye flights back to the lower 48.
If you do arrive the night before the retreat, we will connect you with others who are too, and you will be responsible for booking lodging for that night.
Once you've paid your deposit, just make sure to coordinate with Mollie on booking your flights. Travel to and from (and within) Alaska is a tricky business — but we've got your back. We've been doing this for a while! We'll help you every step of the way to assure you have exactly what you need.
COVID PROTOCOL:
Only 6 spots are available per retreat, 2 people per cabin.
Due to Sean living with multiple autoimmune diseases + the unpredictable nature of the current strains of COVID-19, we will require retreat guests provide proof of either: COVID-19 Vaccination (full dose completed within time to be as protected as possible before you come to Alaska — completion minimum 2 weeks prior to arrival), or verifiable proof of natural immunity from COVID-19 (such as current antibodies, doctor’s note of positive test, etc.)
We also require a negative test administered 7 days before arrival, and 3 days before arrival (results of which must be sent to us prior to your time at Arctic Hive), plus guests must take the free COVID test in the Fairbanks airport upon arrival, too.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman and back
Lodging for 4 nights from the retreat start date
5 days of dynamic programming, includes crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, hikes/snowshoeing, crafts, dogsledding, northern lights tour, mingling with Wiseman village folk, yoga, meditation and more!
Three delicious meals a day, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including coffee/tea/snacks throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
All linens, duvet, a hand towel — freshly washed and ready for you!
Baby wipes and dry shampoo!
Yoga mats and props
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Flight/Transport to Fairbanks
Lodging in Fairbanks before and after the retreat, if applicable
Breakfast on day 1
Showers (You won't need one, we promise!)
Alcohol— but you are welcome to grab what you want at the grocery store on Wednesday before we leave Fairbanks!
Day 5 dinner (on your own, back in Fairbanks)
Travel Insurance, should your trip be interrupted for reasons beyond your control... we HIGHLY recommend getting some insurance.
The cost associated with you negative COVID-19 test dated within 3 days of your arrival into Fairbanks (more info on this above, under COVID protocol)
Fundraising Minimum:
$7,500
...for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — that can not only change your life, but also the lives of kids with T1D!
YOUR HOST
MEET MOLLIE BUSBY
Mollie Busby is a driven entrepreneur with the spirit of a summer camp counselor and a kind, midwestern smile. She is a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher and off-grid home builder with her husband, Sean.
The Busbys choose to live close to the land off-the-grid and pursue their life’s work. The pair started Riding On Insulin, which Mollie ran as Executive Director for 7 years, until Sean took over in 2017. It was then that Mollie shifted much of her focus to Yoga Hive, and now, to Yoga Hive Studios, a collective of yoga studios and teacher trainings located in Montana, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Alaska. Yoga Hive is known for its inviting vibe, friendly instructors, and willingness to show anyone that yoga is for everybody and every body.
Regardless of the method, Mollie sees her purpose on this planet as cultivating community in small groups — whether in a yoga retreat setting or during the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings she runs in Montana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alaska, and beyond. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing and dogsledding in the winter, hiking in the summer, and playing with all their sled dogs all year round
She and Sean have built a dynamic off-the-grid homestead in the heart of Whitefish, Montana, that’s been featured on HGTV, the DIY Network, Discovery Channel, Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and more. They've also built off-grid homesteads in Homer, Alaska and now, Arctic Hive, Alaska.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings her warm, midwestern hospitality mixed with a wide range of yoga training. Her teaching draws inspiration from the Baptiste Yoga community, Unnata Aerial Yoga, and a mix of Tantric Kriya and mantra-based meditation from Sattva Yoga Academy at the foothills of the Himalayas in India. This unique mix gives her classes a magical feel, with a love for teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn, layered with a profound gift of teaching for transformation.
