Our Roots

Wilderness Gatherings began with a simple but powerful vision:
To create a place where families could reconnect with nature, with each other, and with the deep, sustaining beauty of God's design.

Since 2018, we have nurtured a supportive community where mothers, children, and families step outside together — building resilience, cultivating wonder, and growing lasting friendships.

Our gatherings, from outdoor school sessions and river walks to seasonal playdates and camping trips - are shaped not by trends, but by timeless values we hold close.

The Five Pillars that guide Wilderness Gatherings:

  • Faith-Rooted Exploration — discovering the Creator through creation
  • Kinship and Community — forging real connections that nourish
  • Resilient Motherhood and Childhood — growing capable, courageous hearts
  • Wildlife Stewardship — caring for the life we share our world with
  • Simple, Seasonal Living — moving with the rhythms of nature, not against them

Meet Kira, Founder of Wilderness Gatherings

I grew up between the Eastern Sierras and the Pacific Ocean, with the Kern River running through my childhood. My earliest memories are of fishing trips, camping under the stars, and exploring the backcountry with my family.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats that kept me close to nature: guiding white water rafting trips on the Kern, nonprofit work, gardening, hiking, and teaching children outdoors. Each of these experiences have shaped the way I approach Wilderness Gatherings: with respect for the land, care for the people in it, and a deep desire to help others feel at home outside.

I started Wilderness Gatherings after having my children and I realized there was nothing in our area offering a space like this. A place where children could learn in ways that connect them deeply to the land through its flora and fauna, our food, and the living resources around us. These are things that should feel like common sense, yet so many of them have been quietly disappearing from daily life.

What began as a small, co-op style gathering at my home has now grown into an official local business, offering families safe, seasonal, and joy-filled experiences in nature. My hope is that every parent and child leaves feeling more connected, more confident, and more curious about the wild world we share.

We believe that nature isn't something to conquer or consume; it’s a sacred space to enter with reverence, gratitude, and curiosity.

Here, adventure is a way of life.
Stewardship is a calling.
And every family belongs.

Whether you're carrying a newborn on the trail, chasing toddlers under the trees, or discovering the wild alongside your growing children — there is a place for you here. Explore Our Gatherings or Learn About Outdoor School

Here’s to the moments we share along the way.

FAQ

Where are you located?

We are based out of Kern County in Central California

How often do you meet up?

A few times a month!

How do I find out when and where the Wilderness Gatherings are?

We announce all upcoming events on the @wildernessgatherings Instagram. We also have a calendar of events on our Gatherings page.