B A S E C A M P
A T1D Teen Retreat
JULY 24-31, 2023
*Air travel is July 24 to Fairbanks, Alaska, flying back home July 31

Teens ages 15-17 living with Type 1 diabetes

An ​all-inclusive wilderness adventure in the depths of Alaska's Brooks Range

SIGN UP NOW

Travel seven hours north of the nearest grocery store, cross the Arctic Circle, and travel 63 more miles to the village of Wiseman. There, from the comfort of Arctic Hive — an off-grid retreat center — you’ll share a boutique cabin with your new T1D friends, go on daily hikes, have a bonfire by the Koyukuk River, learn about the ecology of The Arctic and much, much more!
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We're channeling 15+ years of experience in outdoor programs for those living with T1D into a unique opportunity to support our mission while giving T1D teens the trip of a lifetime. 

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Mollie & Sean Busby

We're inviting you to come to our home in far northern Alaska and experience what few people in the world will ever get to see (let alone, explore): The glory of Alaska’s arctic Brooks Range from our basecamp: Arctic Hive.

AND... this trip isn't only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Alaska's Brooks Range, and spend a week in community with like-minded folks in the T1D community.

It's a chance to give back to a cause that's near to all of our hearts — helping kids with T1D feel like kids, and experience action sports with others who are just like them. All proceeds of the fundraising requirement will go toward Riding On Insulin's mission, helping more kids surf and ride with T1D. 

Due to the remote wilderness of our location, we will have an experienced Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist on-hand throughout the entirety of the retreat. Carla Cox, PhD, RD, CDCE has 40+ years experience in diabetes camping and we're thrilled to have her join us and your teenagers for this retreat!

... press play below to get an insider's view into what our retreats are like:

ON THE AGENDA

Day 1 (July 25)
You'll fly from your preferred location to Fairbanks, Alaska! Your flight and one night in a shared hotel room is covered as a part of your retreat experience. You'll land in Fairbanks and shuttle to the hotel to meet up with other retreat guests for dinner and meet-and-greet (depending on your time of arrival).


​Day 2 (July 26)
We'll depart Fairbanks first thing in the morning, with a quick stop at a grocery store so everyone can grab any snacks they want for the week. Much of our first day is spent getting up to the Arctic because the drive north of Fairbanks takes between 7-9 hours.

On the epic drive up the Dalton Highway (Of "Ice Road Truckers" TV fame), you'll get to cross the mighty Yukon River, 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 3-6 (July 27-30)
Four full days at Arctic Hive will include hiking around the village of Wiseman and its surrounding wilderness, taking in the views and experiencing radical aliveness away from the distractions of cellphones and computers. There's no cell service in this village, or at Arctic Hive!

In-town activities are balanced out with ample road adventures to mountain passes on the Dalton Highway. The weather during this time of year is usually chilly — right around freezing temps after the fall colors have died down. The ground is prime for hiking thanks to the hard-packed tundra (which is otherwise very squishy to walk on). It's likely that we'll experience our first snowfall during this time, too! Although it isn't quite time to dogsled on snow, you will get to experience life with a working dog team — and get to take a Husky Hike in the woods with dogs! If you want, there are always lots of pets and snuggles to be had! 

You'll take a private tour of the village with an Alaskan legend, living the subsistence lifestyle in Wiseman. Evenings are marked by game time in the Igloo, optional restorative yoga/stretching after the long days hiking, and one evening we'll channel our creative energy into arctic crafts!

We will dine together twice a day in the igloo, 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 is!), you may find yourself at a bonfire on the river, experiencing yoga under a blanket of stars and dancing Northern Lights in the Yoga Dome, sharing a beer/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! This will give your body the most balanced fuel so you can think, see and move clearly for the weekend — and the food has been a highlight for guests who have stayed with Arctic Hive. All dietary needs will be accommodated, and there will always be tea, coffee and snacks available.

Know that although we have activities planned daily, everything is optional — so if you need time to wander in the woods and take some "me-time," you are more than welcome to do what is best for your mind, body and spirit. This retreat is your chance to breathe deep, reset your perspective and fill your cup.

BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS

Here at Arctic Hive, we have boutique cabins for 8-11 people total, with 2-3 per cabin. There are mountain views in every direction, and plenty of windows to see the wild landscape and the northern lights! Each cabin has one or two twin beds on the main floor, and a double bed in the loft. All cabins are off-grid, heated with Swedish Nordic oil stoves that keep the space warm and cozy , 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 3G cell service in the Igloo for short check-ins and phone calls to family if needed! 

Depending on the amount of sunlight, you'll have the opportunity to charge small devices via generator or solar power (such as your phone if you use it as a camera). It wouldn't be wise to bring larger electronics like computers, as they draw so much power from the small battery banks.  ​
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The cabins are located just a short walk up the hill from the Igloo. There is one composting outhouse that's cleaned and attended to daily — along with a few designated "facility trees" in the woods. If you're inexperienced with either of these methods, our team will assure you're up to speed upon arrival!

Pending weather, we also have a 3-4 person wood-fired hot tub available during this time of year! A hot soak after a long day adventuring might be just what your body needs to settle into a relaxing evening in the Brooks Range.

LOGISTICS & INVESTMENT

THERE ARE ONLY

8 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

*YOU MUST BE 15-17 YEARS OF AGE TO ATTEND*
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REGISTRATION HAS TWO PARTS: 

Deposit: $750

• Everyone is required to pay a nonrefundable $500 deposit to save your spot at the retreat. Because this is your registration fee that covers the hard costs of the event, it is not tax deductible. 

Fundraising Requirement: $2,750

• This retreat is a wilderness retreat in the T1D community — but at its core, it is a fundraiser to support subsidies for kids with T1D attending Riding On Insulin ski, snowboard and surf camps. You can pay this tax-deductible amount up front, or fundraise the amount on our easy-to-use online fundraising platform! Once you register, you'll receive an email from our team along with a link to create your fundraising page. Tax deductible donations can be taken electronically, or you can send checks to the Riding On Insulin mailbox to be added manually to your total. 
• All monies must be raised by May 1, 2022. Whatever difference is left at that time, we will charge your initial card used for your deposit to complete your registration fee.

Total Investment: $3,500


​WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Medical supervision throughout trip from experienced Certified Diabetes Educator Carla Cox!
• Supervision from 3 members of Riding On Insulin staff
  
• Ground Transport from Fairbanks to Wiseman
• Ground Transport back from Wiseman to Fairbanks
• Lodging for 6 nights, including in Fairbanks on the first and last night, and 4 nights stay at Arctic Hive.
• 5 days of dynamic programming and adventure, including but not limited to the drive tour up and back including crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River, hiking, learning first-hand about the ecology and nature of The Arctic, group activities, mingling with Wiseman village folk, optional yoga, and more!
• Campers will be provided three delicious meals a day, light refreshments and all the clean mountain water you could ever want, including coffee/tea/snacks throughout the trip. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
• All linens, duvet, a hand towel.
• Baby wipes and dry shampoo + 1-2 showers during your stay*. Depending on the temperatures, outdoor showers with on-demand hot water will *likely* be available, but not on a daily basis.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

• Round-trip flight from your home airport to Fairbanks, Alaska (You have the option to pay or fundraise more and we'll cover your flight)
• Any travel costs and baggage fees prior to your arrival 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)​​
• Any souvenirs you may buy along the way
• Any gear you may need for this trip that you don't already have! We'll send you an extensive packing list, and we'll help make sure you're arriving prepared.

READY TO SNAG YOUR SPOT?

​Or... if you have questions you want to discuss before registering, fill out the below form and we'll get back to you within 48 hours!