This week, we gathered in #Asheville, NC, for our Radical Cosmic Energy Team Retreat—an in-person retreat for our GMs and HQ team. This gathering wasn’t just about team-building; it was about showing up for a region that means so much to us. Western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, and we know firsthand that for communities to rebuild, tourism must return. Our team spent time capturing photos, videos, and stories to help combat the lingering messaging that people should stay away—because the truth is, Asheville and the surrounding areas are open, vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors.
For us, this is personal. We have two campgrounds in the area, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek and Spacious Skies Bear Den, the latter which was severely impacted by the storm. We’re rebuilding our own reservations while also giving back to the community, donating 10% of all proceeds from February reservations at Bear Den directly to local businesses and organizations in need.
Our retreat was packed with energy, collaboration, and action:
? We spent a full day at Bear Den, repairing storm damage alongside our dedicated team—resurfacing sites, fixing railings and picnic tables, and clearing debris.
? We gathered for learning sessions on guest experience, revenue and expense management, and had the honor of hearing from our partners at Black Folks Camp Too, who shared their inspiring work and how the tourism downturn has affected their mission.
?We workshopped values statements by day, working in teams using inspiration from our mission statement, team motto, and our every day working at Spacious Skies, and by night we sang songs together around the fire.
? We explored Asheville with a friendly scavenger hunt, dined at restaurants like Gemelli’s, Tupelo Honey, and Luella’s BBQ, and ended our retreat with a cocktail-attire Awards Dinner at Hemingway’s Cuba, recognizing some of the incredible individuals who make Spacious Skies what it is:
? The Cosmic Star Award (peer-nominated): Michael Papp, Southern Regional Director
?? General Manager of the Year: Sadie Werley, Spacious Skies Country Oaks (NJ)
??? Campground of the Year: Spacious Skies Sandy Run (NC), GM: @Melissa Stewart
?? The Founders Award: Michelle Fleming, Transition Specialist
In a business centered around people and place, in-person connection is powerful. We left Asheville energized, inspired, and more united than ever—and we hope to spread that energy to our campers and the communities we serve.
If you’re thinking about a visit to Western NC, let this be your sign—now is the time. The mountains are calling, and they are open.
#spaciousskiescampgrounds #radicalcosmicenergy #RCE #takeyourindoorsoutdoors #buildbackwnc #teamretreat #campon
