TIME FOR SUMMER CAMP!
Welcome to the Ultimate Summer Learning Camp for Counselors!
Join us for the most exciting counselor retreat of the year!
Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, this five-day adventure is designed for professional counselors who want to learn, grow, and play like never before.
Remember Summer Camp?
IT REMEMBERS YOU.
Think back to those golden days of summer—the ones that smelled like sunscreen, pine trees, and campfire smoke. When the biggest worry was whether you’d pass the swim test to dive off the dock, or if your s’more would turn out perfectly golden instead of charred. When friendships formed in minutes and felt like they’d last a lifetime.
☀️ Mornings started with a bugle call (or a very enthusiastic counselor), and 🎯 days were packed with canoe races, arts and crafts, archery, capturing the flag, and secret late-night whispers in bunks long after lights-out. There was the 🌲 thrill of zipping through the trees on a ropes course, the satisfying crack of an arrow hitting its mark, the 💦 absolute freedom of jumping into the lake on a scorching afternoon. And of course, there were 🔥 campfire nights—the flickering glow, ghost stories, singalongs, and the kind of belly laughs that still echo in your memories.
Now, imagine all of that—but for grown-ups.
No kids. No responsibilities. Just pure, unfiltered fun.
WELCOME TO
The ultimate getaway where you can ditch the deadlines, unplug from the daily grind, and rediscover what it feels like playing. We’re bringing back the best parts of summer camp—with homecooked meals, themed game nights, craft cocktails, and adventure challenges—plus a few surprises just for the adults who never stopped being kids at heart.
💫 It’s time to relive the magic, reconnect with your inner camper, and make brand-new memories. 🎒 Pack your duffel, grab your best campfire stories, and get ready for the kind of summer escape you didn’t even know you needed.
June 18-22, 2025 | Catawba Valley, Virginia
Are you in?
Join the Adventure
Recharge your spirit, gain valuable CE credits, and experience unforgettable outdoor adventures!
At Cool Counselors’ Camp, the activities are designed to bring out the best parts of childhood summer camp—but with an elevated, adult-friendly twist. Think adventure, creativity, relaxation, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
⛺️ Classic Camp with a Grown-Up Upgrade
🔥 Campfire Nights & Storytelling
🛶 Canoeing and Kayaking the New River
🚣 Standup Paddle Boarding on Carvins Cove
🎯 Capture the Flag (Glow Edition)
💃 Themed Game Nights
🚣♂️ River Tubing Float Trips
🦇 Caving
🧗♂️ Rock Climbing & Bouldering
🎤 Lip Sync Battles & Talent Show
🏕️ Survival Skills Course
🌿 Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains
💆♀️ On-site Massages & Relaxation Zone
🧘 Outdoor Yoga & Meditation on the Deck
🥋 Outdoor Self-Defense & Wilderness Safety
🍻 Camp Olympics & Boozy Field Day
📖 Campfire Confessions & Storytelling Sessions
🔥 S'mores Bar
🎭 Murder Mystery Night
🔮 Stargazing
🥃 DIY Cocktail & Mocktail Workshops
🏕️ Cabin Wars & Pranks
At Cool Counselors’ Camp, it’s all about letting go, playing hard, and making memories that rival your best summers as a kid—only this time, no bedtime, no curfews, and way better food and drinks.
Which activities will you sign-up for?
Join the adventureAccommodations & Amenities
You’ll stay in a beautiful lodge on 150 private acres, sharing a room (two counselors per room, separate beds) with shared bathrooms. Our incredible host and team will provide three home-cooked meals a day to fuel all your adventures.
Why Mountain Shepherd Adventure School is the Perfect Setting for Cool Counselors’ Camp
If we’re bringing back the best parts of summer camp—but with an elevated, adult-only twist—then the setting has to be just as epic as the experience. And that’s exactly why Mountain Shepherd Adventure School is the ultimate home for Cool Counselors’ Camp.
Surrounded by Stunning Appalachian Wilderness – Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Mountain Shepherd offers lush forests, rolling hills, crystal-clear rivers, and rugged terrain—the perfect playground for adventure, exploration, and reconnecting with nature.
Built for Adventure – This isn't just any campsite—Mountain Shepherd is designed for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. With built-in survival training courses, rock climbing areas, miles of hiking trails, and access to rivers and caves, it’s an adventure-lover’s dream come true.
Designed for Fun, Freedom, and Connection – Every corner of Mountain Shepherd is built for play and adventure—whether that means late-night campfire storytelling, a morning yoga session on a misty mountainside, or getting a little wild at a themed game nights under the stars.
Expert Instructors & Guides – Whether you’re learning survival skills, testing your limits on the trail, or navigating a caving expedition, trained adventure pros are on-site to make sure you have the time of your life—safely.
Authentic Camp Vibes with Modern Comforts – Think cozy cabin bunkhouse, bonfire pits, and communal gathering spaces that capture the nostalgia of summer camp, but with the kind of upgrades adults appreciate.
Secluded, Peaceful, and Off-the-Grid (in the Best Way Possible) – Say goodbye to emails, deadlines, and the daily grind. At Mountain Shepherd, it’s all about unplugging, unwinding, and truly being present.
The Perfect Place to Be a Kid Again
Mountain Shepherd isn’t just a camp—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place where you can paddle down a river in the morning, play cornhole in the afternoon, swap stories while stargazing or playing cards at night, and still wake up for sunrise yoga.
It’s where adults come to ditch the stress, embrace adventure, and rediscover what it feels like to be completely, unapologetically free.
Evening Fun & Social Events
After a day of learning and adventure, the fun continues! Join us for outdoor games, themed game nights, campfires, and spirits. This is a space to laugh, connect, and let your inner child play. We will have a crazy wig party so be prepared!
I want in!Camp Takeaways
Earn 10 NBCC or 10 EMDRIA (Pending) Continuing Education Credits while having fun
Boost your professional growth with expert-led sessions
Reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures
Form lasting friendships with like-minded counselors
Unwind & recharge in a supportive and positive environment
Experience personal transformation through learning and play
ARE YOU A
FOR THIS SUMMER CAMP?
This camp is for the bold, the playful, the adventure-seekers, and the forever-young-at-heart. The ideal Cool Counselor is someone who:
01
Loves a Good Adventure
Whether it’s tubing down a river, testing their limits, or hiking to a hidden waterfall, they’re always down for a little (or a lot of) action.
02
Plays Hard, Laughs Harder
They don’t take themselves too seriously. They’re here for theme parties, ridiculous games, and maybe even an impromptu lip sync battle.
03
Embraces the Outdoors
Bugs? No problem. A little dirt? Part of the fun. A night under the stars? Sounds like magic.
04
Loves Making New Friends
Whether they come solo or with a group, they’re open to meeting new people, sharing stories around, and maybe even forming a new camp crew for life.
05
Has That Mischievous Camp Spirit
They appreciate a good (harmless) prank, love a cabin rivalry, and aren’t afraid to start a chant or lead a singalong.
06
Is Ready to Unplug and Let Go
They’re looking for a break from the daily grind, screens, deadlines, and responsibilities. They want to trade stress for play, screens for scenery, and deadlines for dance-offs.
07
Pushes Their Comfort Zone
Maybe they’ve never tried rock climbing, paddle boarding, or a survival course before, but they’re willing to give it a shot. No judgment, just encouragement.
Who This Camp Isn’t For
This isn’t your typical spa retreat or luxury resort. This camp is all about play, adventure, and stepping outside of the norm. It’s not for:
People Who Hate the Outdoors
If the idea of bugs, dirt, campfires, or swimming in a lake makes you cringe, this probably isn’t your scene.
Anyone Expecting a Five-Star Resort
Yes, the food is great and the rooms are cozy, but if you need room service and a king-size bed, this isn’t that kind of getaway.
People Who Can’t Unplug
If you need Wi-Fi at all times, can’t step away from work emails, or would rather be scrolling than stargazing, this camp might feel like a struggle.
Serious, Uptight, or Too-Cool-for-Camp Types
If you’re not into goofing off, singing dumb camp songs, a few dirty jokes, or running full speed into a Capture the Flag game, you might not have the best time.
Anyone Who Just Wants to Sit on the Sidelines
Camp is meant to be experienced. You don’t have to be an athlete or an adrenaline junkie, but you do need to be willing to jump in, try something new, and say YES to life.
We’re looking for fun-loving, positive, open-hearted counselors who want to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you love laughing your ass off, making new memories, and having an absolute blast, this camp is for you! We’re here for good vibes only!
What’s Included?
Your camp fee covers everything you need for an unforgettable experience:
◼︎ NBCC & EMDRIA (Pending) Continuing Education Credits
◼︎ Two Powerhouse Speakers
◼︎ Summer Camp-Style Lodging (separate spaces for men and women)
◼︎ All Home Cooked Meals (3 per day)
◼︎ Transportation to and from adventure activities
◼︎ Daily adventure experiences from our exciting list
◼︎ Transportation to and from the airport (at designated times)
◼︎ Packing list & group communication
◼︎ Memories that will last a lifetime!
Ready to Join the Fun?
Spots are limited to 20, and this is going to fill up FAST!
Don’t miss out on the ultimate counselor summer camp where we mix learning, adventure, and play like never before. Register Now and Get Ready for the Best Summer Camp of Your Life!
Meet the Speakers
I’ve invited two of my favorite friends. They are my outdoor adventure friends and and they happen to be amazing therapists. They are both certified EMDR Consultants known for their expertise in treating trauma and helping clients move from hurting to healing.
Dawn Brunkenhoefer, PhD, LPC-S
Counselor Educator
Dawn is a counselor educator with over 20 years in the mental health field and professional counseling. She is an Assistant Professor of Professional Counseling and has private practice serving adults and teens. Dawn is an EMDR certified counselor and approved continuing education provider. When she’s not working, she is playing and looking for her next adventure. Her passion is helping counselors, of all levels, incorporate nature into their practice and personal lives.
Angie Heath, LCSW
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Angie Heath, LCSW has spent a couple decades working with clients with extensive trauma and dysregulation. Angie Heath began her clinical practice utilizing DBT and CBT and now her main focus is offering EMDR to those recovering from complex and childhood traumas. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist as well as Approved Consultant since 2019. Angie offers monthly consultation groups from beginner EMDR clinicians to advanced and Certified therapists. Angie also offers individual consultation for those working towards EMDR Certification.
Crystal Kent, LPC
EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Crystal Kent, LPC is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant with more than 18 years of clinical experience as a therapist and over 10 years of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. She works with children, adolescents and adults and has experience working with specialized populations such as complex trauma, first responders, eating disorders and individuals with pregnancy and post postpartum depression and anxiety. Crystal holds advanced certifications including EMDR Child Specialist, EMDR and Sand tray and has experience facilitating EMDR basic trainings.
Your Investment
$1499
$499 Deposit
(Balance split into 2 payments and paid before June 1)
COUNT ME IN!What’s Not Included:
Travel Insurance, Airfare, Gratuities for adventure coordinators and lodge staff, individual psychotherapy or coaching
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
This tour requires a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. This tour does not require an interview. Any cancellation over 60 days from the event receives a full refund, not including the deposit amount. Any cancellation within 60 days of the first day of the event receives no refund. Purchase travel insurance as soon as you register.
Travel Insurance
All participants are expected to purchase travel insurance upon registration. This is not included in the registration cost and is the responsibility of the attendee. We recommend you research and find the policy that best suits your needs. Here are a few recommended travel insurance companies: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, Travelex, AIG, Geo Blue, and Generali Global. These policies are typically inexpensive and will cover you in case of cancellation or medical injury on activities. Helicopter rides average 50k without insurance, which The Practice Class does not cover. We also recommend always purchasing flight insurance.
Consents
All participants are required to sign a Release of Liability and a Consent at the time of registration.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us
Mail: PO Box 331, Buda, TX, 78610
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-523-8777
Retreat Coordinator & Host
Dawn Brunkenhoefer, PhD, LPC
The Practice Class, LLC, Owner
NBCC ACEP No. 7235
EMDRIA EC Provider No. 23050
