Private Session with Celeste Olds
Camping gets a whole lot easier when someone helps you through the setup the first time.
This session is designed to help make camping feel more manageable, and less overwhelming through hands-on support at your campsite. We’ll focus on the practical systems that make camping smoother and more enjoyable, things like setting up camp efficiently, organizing gear, camp cooking, fire safety, staying warm and dry, and troubleshooting the little problems that can quietly derail a trip.
A lot of camping skills make much more sense once you’re actually outside doing them. This is a chance to ask questions in real time, build practical outdoor habits, and learn what works for your comfort level, experience, and camping style.
What is a private session?
There’s no shortage of outdoor information out there, but figuring out what actually makes sense for you can be the harder part.
These sessions are designed to help turn all that information into something practical, realistic, and approachable, whether that means choosing gear without overspending, planning your first trip, or learning outdoor systems step by step with support nearby.
Private sessions work best for people who want personalized guidance building outdoor skills and experiences that fit their goals and comfort level.
How many sessions can I book?
Most sessions focus on 1–2 priorities of your choosing so we can go deep enough to create a clear, actionable next step. If you’re working through a bigger set of goals, we can map out future steps or additional sessions as needed.
Who is your outdoor instructor?
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by decades of project management, thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally and abroad, and a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest.
Full-Day Session
The details
- In-person field session at a campsite in the greater Seattle / PNW area
- Overnight or multi-night options available
- Site selection and pre-trip planning session included
- Follow-up recap and checklist
In Your Session
Every camping setup and trip is a little different.
Who's its for
This is for you if:
- You’ve been meaning to try camping but keep talking yourself out of it
- You’ve camped before but felt uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or like you were improvising the whole trip
- You want to learn practical camping systems like setup, cooking, staying warm/dry, and gear organization by actually doing them
- You’d feel better learning with experienced support nearby before heading out fully on your own
Common starting points
People usually come in with things like:
- “I’ve never set up a tent by myself. I’m worried I’ll get there and not know what I’m doing.”
- “I tried camping once and hated it. I think I was just really unprepared.”
- “I want to take friends or family camping someday, but I need to learn the basics first.”
- “The logistics, packing, and setup feel overwhelming before I even leave home.”
What you’ll leave with
Common takeaways include:
- A tent and campsite setup you know how to comfortably build and break down yourself
- Hands-on experience using camping gear and troubleshooting common problems in real conditions
- A clearer understanding of what gear and comforts actually matter for your camping style
- More ease planning and preparing for future camping trips with less stress, guesswork, and overpacking
Private Sessions FAQ
Not at all. This session is designed for beginners, hesitant campers, or people who want more hands-on experience before heading out on their own.
Yes, you’re responsible for bringing your own camping gear, food, and personal items. Before the trip, we’ll go over what you already have, what you actually need, and what can be borrowed, rented, or skipped.
No sweat. Many people start by borrowing, renting, or building a simple setup over time. You do not need a fancy or expensive kit to get started. I’ll send you a list of essentials and we can talk recomendations in our prep call.
At this time, sessions are primarily focused on education and support using your own gear setup. Limited demo gear or examples may be available depending on the trip, but folks should plan to bring their own equipment unless otherwise discussed ahead of time.
Typically, you’ll book and pay for your own campsite and permits (if necessary), but I’ll help guide you through the process and help choose a location that fits your goals and comfort level.
Absolutely. Site selection and trip planning are part of the process. We’ll talk through things like drive time, campground style, amenities, privacy, comfort level, and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have.
Some rain, mud, and unpredictability are part of camping in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll plan for conditions ahead of time and talk through how to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. If severe weather or unsafe conditions are expected, we’ll reschedule or adjust plans as needed.
No. These sessions are focused on car camping, where campsites are accessible by vehicle and close to amenities like bathrooms and parking.
Most sessions are low-intensity and focused more on learning camp systems than athletic performance. If you want to pair the trip with hiking or outdoor activities, we can discuss that during planning.
I feel you! That’s why these sessions exist. The goal is not to “rough it” or prove something. It’s to help you build confidence, skills, and comfort outdoors at your own pace.
Yes, up to 4 people can join. Reach out for pricing for groups of 5 or more.
Most people book these as solo sessions so we can tailor the experience closely to them, but friends, couples, or small groups wanting to learn together are absolutely welcome.
After the trip, I’ll send a recap and checklist to help reinforce what you learned and make your next camping trip easier to plan on your own.
Celeste Olds
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally & abroad, a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest and decades of project management.
Years of problem-solving gear failures, unpredictable weather, and backcountry panic attacks have spawned the systems that make being outside safer, more comfortable, and more accessible. Celeste’s approach recognizes that while safety and stewardship are an essential baseline, confidence and comfort outdoors look different for everyone.
She creates supportive environments where people build skills at their own pace and leave with the tools and a grounded sense of capability to get outside.
About SSC
Sequoia Social Club organizes casual, educational gatherings for adults who want to enjoy the outdoors, but don’t know where to start. Like Girl Scouts, but for grown-ups.
Through beginner-friendly hikes, camping trips, and in-city classes, we teach practical outdoor skills in a low-pressure, supportive environment. You’ll learn how to plan trips, use gear, stay safe, and build outdoor confidence through real experience.
Hiking and camping isn’t just for the outdoor extremists. We’re here to help you find a version of the outdoors that fits you.