Our retreats offer the ease and convenience of a fully-equipped glamping setup, meaning you can focus on enjoying your time together without the hassles of traditional camping. Parents can relax and rejuvenate while children immerse themselves in a nature-based learning experience that fosters curiosity, exploration, and growth.
Our retreats are starting at 6 people for $672 and we can accommodate up to 14 for $1,100. This includes 2 night and our combination of bell tent /tree tents, as well as outdoor kitchen. Larger groups of up to 32 can also be arranged, based on availability.
Innovative Tree Tents: Experience the magic of sleeping in comfortable, elevated tree tents that allow kids to connect with nature in a fun and exciting way. Each tent is designed for comfort while providing a unique perspective of the forest below.
Cozy Bell Tents: Our plush and cozy bell tents redefine outdoor hospitality. Designed with your ultimate comfort in mind, they feature all the amenities you can expect at a hotel, including comfortable bedding and spacious interiors, ensuring a luxurious camping experience. We can also provide a crib, for infants.
Wildlife Observation: Engage your children with hands-on learning as they explore the rich biodiversity of the area. The Cleveland National Forest is a haven for wildlife encounters, due to its remoteness and biodiversity.
Stargazing: As night falls, gather around the fire for stunning stargazing sessions. With minimal light pollution, the night sky will captivate your family and inspire a love for astronomy. Our Trillium XL hammocks are the perfect place to lounge and stargaze. It can hold up to 6 people (1,200 lbs)
Outdoor Amphitheater: Conduct lessons and presentations in our beautiful outdoor amphitheater, where nature serves as both a backdrop and an engaging learning environment.
Easy Hikes: Enjoy family-friendly hikes that range from easy strolls to more adventurous trails, perfect for all skill levels. Discover the beauty of nature while instilling a love for the outdoors in your children.
Campfire Gatherings: Unwind after a day full of activities with cozy evenings around the campfire, sharing stories and bonding as a family.
Our homeschooling retreats are being offered at Blue Jay Nest and Fox Den, in the Laguna Campground. Each site starts at 6 people and can accommodate up to 16 people. They are adjoining sites and you can also book them both for larger groups.
Including our 20% discount offer for home school retreats, you're looking at about $1,100 for a group of up to 14 people / 2 nights (Children under 2 free). The price is even lower during weekdays and the 20% discount can still be applied.
At Alter Experiences, we are not just offering a vacation; we're providing a transformative opportunity to integrate nature and learning in a way that enhances your homeschooling adventure. Our focus on comfort, education, and connection with nature sets us apart from traditional retreats, making us the ideal choice for families seeking enriching outdoor experiences.
Book Your Adventure Today!
Don't let your homeschooling journey be ordinary - make it extraordinary with Alter Experiences! Embrace adventure, education, and family bonding in one unforgettable retreat!
Burnt Rancheria is one of Southern California's most popular campgrounds, bordering the world famous Pacific Crest Trail. Our 2 glamp sites at Burnt Rancheria are Lions Den and Deer Peak. Lions Dens is our most private and secluded site and closest to the PCT trail. Deer Peak is also located very close to the PCT and both sites can be booked together for events of up to 16 people. The sites are all next to each other and centrally located in Cheery Loop.
The campground features several loops of campsites and is available for day use, traditional camping and there are various RV sites as well. All of the sites are well spread out and our glamping sites are very secluded. Your site comes outfitted with everything you need for sleeping, lounging, cooking and eating. All you have to bring is your cooler and food. Bring extra layers of clothing, as we’re located at 6,000ft elevations and it can get very cold.
This is what's included as part of your glamping retreat:
[pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_heading el_title="Heading 2" tag="h3" text_align="inherit" font="inherit" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]FREE PDF guide - How to build a hospitality/experience based business[/pb_heading][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_divider el_title="Divider 1" div_margin_top="15" div_margin_bottom="15" div_border_width="1" div_border_style="solid" div_border_color="#E0DEDE" appearing_animation="0" ][/pb_divider][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span6"][pb_text el_title="Text 1" width_unit="%" enable_dropcap="no" appearing_animation="0" ]
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own lifestyle business and escaping the rat race? Have you wished you could turn your passion project into a 6-figure business that can sustain your family?
Coming on 7 years since we founded our glamping life-style business, we felt compelled to bring together this short PDF guide with our business hacks, how to’s, trade secrets, processes and much more! Best of all is that it’s completely FREE and all that we ask is that you sign-up with your e-mail address for the download link.
If you were ever thinking about pursuing an outdoor hospitality business, or other lifestyle business model - this is the guide for you. You may also find it extremely useful if you have any type of hospitality/lifestyle business that you’re looking to streamlining, improve, scale-up or down.
This 15+ page guide covers much of what you should expect and need to know along your journey including; cost and financing routes, concession options, application of the USFS Outfitter & Guide program, industry trends, internet marketing & creating an integrated booking system.
This kind of lifestyle business is becoming more and more trendy, with recent changes in work culture, internet economy and the rise of the experience market.
In 7 short years since we started our glamping model, we have grown into a six figure business and expanded rapidly in the San Diego Backcountry hospitality scene. We are currently helping other hospitality entrepreneurs streamline and scale up/down their operations.
Much of this is accomplished through the application of the right on-line tools and platforms, as well as applying much of what we cover in the guide book.
What we would’ve given to have had this information when we first started back in 2018 & that’s part of what compelled us to create this guide. Hopefully some aspiring young entrepreneurs out there can learn from our lessons & mistakes, in pursuit of their own ideal lifestyle business model!
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Our easy to follow PDF guide is broken down into 6 main sections, with detailed real life examples and practical steps forward. It will inspire you through our own example and help you better navigate your own company start-up decisions.
It doesn't matter if you're starting up, or already well on your way - this guide will provide some insights on practical expansion opportunities in your area, in the hospitality/recreation scene.
Here are the six main topics covered in the PDF guide:
[/pb_text][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row background="none" border_width_value_="0" border_style="solid" border_color="#000" width_unit="%" div_padding_top="0" div_padding_right="10" div_padding_bottom="10" div_padding_left="10" ][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Financing" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Financing[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="Promotion Box 1" pb_title="Financing " pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
We cover financial overviews and planning, budgeting, financing options and crowdfunding routes.
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Concession Routes" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Concession Routes[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="Concessions" pb_title="Concessions" pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
Learn about concession options with your local, state and federal land managers, to establish your own glamping or guiding services.
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Outfitter & Guide" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Outfitter & Guide Program[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="USFS Outfitter & Guide program" pb_title="USFS Outfitter & Guide program" pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
How to apply for the United States Forest Service Outfitter & Guide Program.
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Application Process" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Application Process[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="Application Process" pb_title="Application Process" pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
How to navigate concession requests and applications in your recreation area.
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Negotiation Techniques" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Negotiation Techniques[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="Negotiation Techniques" pb_title="Negotiation Techniques" pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
Techniques for improving your odds through the application process in your recreation area.
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][pb_column span="span2"][pb_heading el_title="Digital Systems" tag="h3" text_align="center" font="custom" font_face_type="google fonts" font_face_value="Lato" font_style="bold" color="#9a9d76" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Digital Systems[/pb_heading][pb_promobox el_title="Digital Systems" pb_title="Digital Systems" pb_button_title="Button Title" link_type="no_link" pb_bg_value="#F6F6F6" pb_bg_color="#F6F6F6" pb_border_top="5" pb_border_right="5" pb_border_bottom="5" pb_border_left="5" pb_border_value="#808080" pb_border_color="#808080" pb_show_drop="yes" elements="content__#__ " title_font="inherit" pb_button_size="default" pb_button_color="btn-default" appearing_animation="0" ]
The basics on creating a direct booking system with integrated channel manager and leveraging internet marketing tools
[/pb_promobox][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_divider el_title="Divider 2 3" div_border_width="1" div_border_style="solid" div_border_color="#E0DEDE" appearing_animation="0" ][/pb_divider][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_heading el_title="#KickstartGlampingSanDiego" tag="h2" text_align="inherit" font="inherit" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]#KickstartGlampingSanDiego[/pb_heading][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span6"][pb_heading el_title="$27,183 PLEDGED | 108% FUNDED" tag="h4" text_align="inherit" font="inherit" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]$27,183 PLEDGED | 108% FUNDED[/pb_heading][pb_text el_title="Text 3" width_unit="%" enable_dropcap="no" appearing_animation="0" ]
Our Kickstarter campaign was successfully funded on March 24, 2019, thanks to the help of our family, friends, backers and company supporters. This was a year long effort that allowed us the opportunity to expand the business after building it from scratch starting in 2016 by this husband/wife duo.
We built this company from the ground-up in 2016 and invested everything we had into it. It was important for us to see the business grow organically, while we fine tuned our operation and set a high standard for the San Diego outdoor hospitality scene.
By 2018, we would need to expand in order to meet our growing demand. We discussed various options of obtaining capital, but in the end we decided to take a chance and try crowd-funding.
Our decision paid off and our expansion plans where implemented shortly afterwards. We have continued to grow and thrive as a company, even through COVID-19 and many other economic challenges since then.
We look forward to helping you accomplish the same, in pursuit of your own passion project and lifestyle business.
[/pb_text][/pb_column][pb_column span="span6"][pb_image el_title="Image 1" image_file="images/2019/FUNDED_ON_KICKSTARTER-main-banner.jpg" image_alt="FREE PDF guide - How to build a lifestyle business" image_size="fullsize" link_type="no_link" image_container_style="no-styling" image_alignment="inherit" appearing_animation="0" ][/pb_image][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_divider el_title="Divider 2 3 4" div_border_width="1" div_border_style="solid" div_border_color="#E0DEDE" appearing_animation="0" ][/pb_divider][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span12"][pb_heading el_title="Meet Shantel Seoane" tag="h3" text_align="inherit" font="inherit" border_bottom_style="solid" border_bottom_color="#000000" appearing_animation="0" ]Meet Company Founder Shantel Seoane[/pb_heading][/pb_column][/pb_row][pb_row ][pb_column span="span6"][pb_video el_title="Video 1" video_source_link_youtube="https://youtu.be/xD6z7r-ZXjA?si=ndGKKXnaW21ooQ9F" video_youtube_dimension_width="600" video_youtube_dimension_height="370" video_youtube_autoplay="0" video_youtube_loop="0" video_youtube_autohide="2" video_youtube_cc="0" video_alignment="left" video_margin_bottom="10" appearing_animation="0" video_sources="youtube" ][/pb_video][/pb_column][pb_column span="span6"][pb_text el_title="Text 5" width_unit="%" enable_dropcap="no" appearing_animation="0" ]
Alter Experiences LLC was founded in 2016 by Shantel and Rami Abdel. We're a glamping and nature travel company, based out of the San Diego Backcountry - Mount Laguna. We have been operating in the the Cleveland National Forest since 2018, under the USFS Outfitting and Guide program. We were the first glamping outfitter in the state of California and the first major glamping operation in San Diego County. They've emerged as a leading glamping destination in Southern California and continue to be one of the top experiences in the San Diego backcountry.
Shantel and Rami have a deep passion for nature travel & outdoor recreation. As USFS outfitters, they are also very much dedicated to responsible travel and environmental stewardship. Shantel and Rami are both native San Diegan's and love showcasing their beautiful hometown. They currently live in Julian and have been involved in much of the region's destination marketing and tourism development in the San Diego Backcountry.
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We're always on the lookout for fellow outfitters, hosts and experience creators from all over the world! We hope this guide will go far and wide and connect us with like minded entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you're looking for some direction, or just want to stay in the loop with our latest news and hospitality business trends.
We also offer dedicated one-on-one consultation and internet marketing services at a reasonable price. Whether you're looking for help with some destination marketing, branding, business planning or building a booking system - our team is here to help.
Contact us on the form and one of our team members will be in touch. You can also send us an email to info@alterexperiences.com
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/mACe3-CPYvY
The Julian Town Square project is a grass-roots community effort that started in 2017. Many volunteers, business & organizations came together to make this project a reality. The town square project is dedicated to the community of Julian & will serve as a community park & outdoor entertainment space. It is our hope that this place will be the epicenter of art, theater & community gatherings for many generations to come.
On May 21, 2021, with the help of so many people and our donors, the Julian Community Heritage Foundation closed escrow on the corner lot. It took a lot of effort and negotiations to finally close the deal, thank to the hard efforts of Don Bree and the Red Hawk Realty team. We have had tremendous support from our donors, businesses and organizations that helped us get this far. Our county board of supervisors has also been generous with their support and various contributions. With the corner lot secure and under JCHF management, we're ready to proceed with building out the park and raising the necessary funds to make it happen.
The Julian Community Heritage Foundation was founded in 2017, under a shared community vision for a town square park on the corner of Main St. and Washington St. The “corner lot,” as it had come to be known, had been sitting vacant and neglected for decades. It was a serious blight in our historic district and with a controversial past, as it was.
The history of the corner lot dates back to 1912, when it was established as the Silvers Supply Store. It went through many changes over the years and eventually housed a Chevron Gas station in the early 1970’s.
In the spring of 1977, 20,000 gallons of gasoline spilled into the ground, as a result of a service line failure. The extent of the environmental damage is still unknown and it was later also discovered that Chevron’s fuel tanks leaked benzene into the local water supply. Much of the water supply in the Julian historic district was contaminated for a significant time.
We may never fully know the impact these events caused on human health and environment in the Julian community. It’s a darker chapter of our town’s long history that we’re still coming to grips with, as we move towards a new future out of this tragedy.
Up until the spring of 2022, we’ve still been working with Chevron to eliminate all contaminants off the property and prepare it for the Town Square build out.
Chevron has taken various steps to rectify the situation including donating $10,000 seed money to get the Town Square project started. They have allocated funds and personal to fully cleaning all contaminats from the lot, while supporting the Town Square project in various other ways.
Since the JCHF closed escrow on the lot in May of 2021, our network of volunteers have been hard at work bringing the Town Square project to reality.
On top of general maintenance and property up-keep, we’ve been fundraising, hosting events, building our network and getting the community involved.
This entire initiative started as a volunteer effort by an amazing group of Julian neighbors. The concept of a Town Square on the corner lot was first conceptualized by Teak Nichols, a long time Julian resident and owner of Mom’s Pie.
Much of the effort was then spearheaded by Dana Pettersen and Jean Duffy, who founded the JCHF and created the board.
Rami Abdel was one of the first volunteers to join the effort, overseeing the marketing and media strategy. Joan Cirillo was another founding volunteer, serving as secretary.
Donn Bree and the Red Hawk Realty team were instrumental in brokering the deal and getting us through escrow. They have continued to support the project with various in-kind contributions.
County board of Supervisor Dianne Jacbos was another key supporter during the initial phases. Sherry Horton has been another key advocate & has helped us navigate the ARB requirements. Jay Evarts has been our architect and project consultant.
None of this would have been possible without the support and contributions from many individuals, businesses and organizations that helped us get this far.
The Julian Town Square project will forever stand as one of our communities most important preservation efforts in the heart of our historic district.