French summer-camp -- A space for art and kindness!
Donation protected
Root&Rise: A Summer Camp Where We All Belong
In a world where women, queer, and trans people are under increasing political attack - especially in the U.S. - Root&Rise is a joyful act of resistance.
It's a historic French château on 8 acres. Campfire circles under historic oaks. Herbal workshops and nap time. Communal dinners and dance parties under the stars. It’s your rest, your way, choose what nourishes you most. It’s a place where wellness meets community, creativity meets rest, and investment meets purpose.
And yes, it's also a real summer camp! 6 days and 5 nights, nestled in the stunning Allier region of France. Each session will welcome 30 campers, with local food, dedicated facilitators, and programming that supports artists, creatives, and mission-aligned organizations.
But we need your help!
The Backstory
For the last decade, I led a global research lab fighting for food security and equity across more than 20 countries. When USAID shut down the Innovation Lab was abruptly closed with it. Overnight, a platform built for global impact was lost.
Through conversations with friends and others going through the same thing, we began to wonder: What if we could create a space that centered kindness, rest, and play—the very things so many people around the world are being denied, yet are needed now more than ever?
That seed became Root&Rise.
Where We Are Now
Root&Rise has gone from idea to movement. Our founding team is full of amazing women and queer creatives, thinkers, and doers. We've already raised $200K through community-based investment and have signed an agreement to purchase a breathtaking château in La Petite-Marche.
Now we have 60 days to raise the final funds to make our down payment and officially bring Root&Rise to life.
What We Need
We’re asking for your support to close the gap and help us unlock our dream. Your donation will go directly toward:
- The remaining down payment on the property
- Supporting our first creatives-in-residence
- Making camp affordable to all
- Every dollar counts, and every gift brings us closer to the kind of world we want to build.
What You’ll Be Part Of -- When you support Root&Rise, you’re investing in:
- A haven for queer and femme-identifying people
- A space where joy, rest, and creativity are seen as sacred
- An inclusive model of wealth-building and land ownership
- A deep commitment to nature, community, and collective care
- This is about more than a retreat. It's about reclaiming space...and doing it together.
Thank you for believing in something tender, wild, and deeply necessary. I can't wait to welcome you under the trees.
With gratitude,
Erin
Organizer
Erin McGuire
Organizer
Sacramento, CA