With a focus on generating “radical cosmic energy” among campground general managers and headquarters staff, Spacious Skies Campgrounds staged a dynamic, multi-purpose retreat in Asheville, N.C., this month, according to a press release.
Attended by 28 staff members – called the “Cosmic Crew” by the fun-loving and perpetually energetic four-year-old company – the multipurpose retreat included workshops and teambuilding activities, hands-on rebuilding work at hurricane-impacted Spacious Skies Bear Den in Spruce Pine, N.C. and an awards dinner honoring the work of exceptional crew members.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds has played a critical role in helping the Spruce Pine community as well as in nearby Asheville. For example, the campground will be donating 10% of all reservations made in February to local businesses and organizations.
“Our staff-members, who we call our ‘Cosmic Crew,’ have been diligent and dedicated in assisting with clean-up and revival efforts in the communities where they live and work,” said Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. “We know that tourism plays a critical role in the health and prosperity of these communities, and we are truly in awe of their dedication and hard work during these last few months.”
The retreat helped to energize the staff with what Rasmussen calls what Team Spacious Skies has dubbed “radical cosmic energy.” “This retreat wasn’t just about professional growth — it was about community, service, and our deep love for the places we call home,” she said.
Rasmussen noted that the retreat location, Asheville, was a deliberate choice to invest in a much-loved destination that was devastated by the hurricane.
“Way beyond just a symbolic decision, we wanted to do our part to help boost the local economy,” she said. “By staying in a local hotel, dining in local restaurants and purchasing tickets to events and attractions, we wanted to show our support and love for Asheville in the most tangible way we could.”
Among the team-building activities and workshops was a session with Black Folks Camp Too, an organization that promotes unity in the outdoor community regardless of age, race, gender or any other personal identifier.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds was the first private company to partner with Black Folks Camp Too, and all 15 campgrounds in the collection are “Unity Blaze Certified,” which acknowledges the campgrounds’ commitment to the Unity Blaze motto: “You are Invited and Welcomed.” Spacious Skies Campgrounds promotes inclusivity in a variety of other ways, including partnerships with organizations such as LGBTQ+ Outdoors, Latino Outdoors and Girl Camper.