Reconnection Through Nature
Open Skies creates opportunities for adults impacted by incarceration to reconnect with themselves, others, and the healing power of nature. Through camping, kayaking, and intentional outdoor experiences, participants step away from survival mode and into spaces that encourage clarity, reflection, and connection. Sometimes the first step toward healing is simply being able to breathe again.
Intentional Outdoor Experiences That Support Healing & Connection
Open Skies creates opportunities for adults impacted by incarceration to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves, others, and the healing power of nature. Through experiences like camping, kayaking, fishing, and intentional time outdoors, participants are given space to slow down, reflect, and build genuine connection in environments that feel safe, grounding, and restorative. Nature has a way of quieting survival mode. Sometimes the simple act of sitting around a fire, paddling through still water, or breathing fresh air creates the space needed for clarity, conversation, and healing to begin.
“Not every breakthrough happens in a room. Sometimes it happens around a fire, on the water, or beneath an open sky.”
Outdoor Experiences That Create Space to Breathe Again
Open Skies offers intentional outdoor experiences designed to support emotional wellness, reflection, connection, and personal growth. Whether someone is seeking quiet moments in nature, meaningful conversation around a fire, or shared experiences that create genuine connection, each experience is created with intention and care. Because healing doesn't always happen in traditional spaces.
Kayaking & Water Experiences
Time on the water creates space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect through shared experience and reflection.
Camping & Fire Circle Experiences
Intentional overnight experiences designed to create space for reflection, conversation, connection, and emotional reset beneath open skies.
Fishing & Outdoor Connection
Time by the water offers space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect in a peaceful environment.
Camping, Kayaking, Fishing & Guided Outdoor Experiences
Open Skies overnight experiences are intentionally designed to help participants slow down, reconnect, and step away from the pressures of everyday life in a supportive outdoor environment. Upon arrival, participants are welcomed into a grounding and judgment-free space where facilitators guide the group through introductions, a short workshop experience, inspirational reflection, and important safety information to help everyone feel comfortable and prepared for the experience ahead. Throughout the evening, participants share meals, engage in activities like kayaking and fishing, and spend intentional time connecting with nature and one another. As the evening slows down, facilitators guide a supportive bonfire experience centered around reflection, conversation, encouragement, and authentic connection before everyone settles in for the night. The following morning begins with breakfast, guided meditation, journaling, and quiet moments outdoors designed to encourage clarity, reflection, and emotional reset. Before heading home, participants have additional time to enjoy the water, fish, or simply take in the experience at their own pace.
Open Skies is more than an overnight trip. It is an opportunity to breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and remember that healing and growth are still possible.
Stay connected to upcoming experiences
Open Skies experiences are announced throughout the year as new opportunities, overnight experiences, workshops, and outdoor gatherings become available. Follow The Cicada Project on social media and join our newsletter community to stay connected with upcoming events, guided experiences, community updates, and ways to get involved. Because healing and connection grow stronger in involved communities.
"We are committed to creating experiences that feel safe, welcoming, and accessible for all participants. If you have specific accessibility, mobility, or accommodation needs, our team will work with you to provide support whenever possible."
A Space to Reconnect & Rebuild
You do not have to navigate difficult seasons alone. The Cicada Project creates intentional spaces for connection, healing, reflection, and personal growth for individuals impacted by incarceration—whether personally or through someone they love. Because support has the power to change what comes next.