Private Session with Celeste Olds
Not sure where to go, what to pack, or how to turn “wanting to get outside” into a realistic plan? This 1:1 session is designed to help you build a beginner-friendly outdoor plan that fits your goals, comfort level, budget, and experience.
Together, we’ll work through the decisions that tend to overwhelm people when they’re getting started. Things like choosing a trail or campground, understanding logistics and common pitfalls, building out your gear setup, or figuring out what kind of outdoor experience is actually enjoyable to you.
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.
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.
In Your Session
Most sessions focus on 1–2 priorities in depth so you leave with clarity and a realistic next step.
Who's its for
This is for you if:
- You want to hike or camp but don’t know where to start
- You feel overwhelmed by gear, planning, or conflicting advice online
- You keep saying “I should go outside” but haven’t made a plan yet
- You want help turning ideas into something realistic and doable
- You’d feel better having someone help you think through the details before you go
Common starting points
People usually come in with things like:
- “I want to hike, but I don’t know which trails are actually good for beginners.”
- “I’ve been looking at gear and now I’m more confused than when I started.”
- “I want to go camping, but I’m not sure what that even looks like in practice.”
- “I keep overthinking it and never actually go.”
What you’ll leave with
Common takeaways include:
- A realistic hiking or camping plan that you are ready to execute
- Beginner-friendly trail, campground, or trip recommendations that match your comfort level
- A simplified gear plan including what you need, what you don’t, and what can be rented
- A better understanding of what to look out for while you plan and during your trip. Things like trail or campsite logistics, weather conditions, safety and pacing.
- A clearer sense of how to prepare for your next trip
Private Sessions FAQ
Nope. This is designed for beginners and outdoor-hesitant folks. We’ll choose a trail that matches your comfort level, goals, and experience.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own hiking clothing, footwear, water, snacks, and basic gear. Don’t worry if you’re unsure what that means yet. I’ll help you figure out what you actually need beforehand.
That’s completely fine. Many beginners start with things they already own. Before the hike, I’ll help you determine what’s essential, what can be improvised, and what’s worth borrowing or renting before buying.
Usually, yes. Many Washington trailheads require a Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass. I’ll let you know what’s needed for the specific hike we choose, but you’re responsible for purchasing your own permits/passes.
Most sessions focus on beginner-friendly day hikes in the greater Seattle area or central Cascades. We can tailor the experience around things like pacing, outdoor confidence, nature observation/photography, or simply getting comfortable on trail.
That’s normal. People book these sessions because they want support easing into outdoor spaces. That’s what I’m here for. Let me know how you’re feeling and we’ll build a trip that feels accessible to you.
Not unless you want it to be. Most people start with low-to-moderate hikes focused more on learning the basics before pushing their limits.
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.
Some rain and muddy trails are part of Pacific Northwest hiking. If conditions are unsafe or severe, we’ll reschedule or adjust the plan as needed.
Absolutely. Most sessions naturally include conversations about future trails, gear, pacing, and next steps. If you want more in-depth planning support, you may also want to book an Outdoor Planning Session.
What to expect
Before we meet, you’ll fill out a questionnaire about your goals, experience level, and what you’d like help with so I can prepare for our session ahead of time.
From there, we’ll work together to turn those ideas and questions into a plan that feels approachable, realistic, and exciting to put into practice. Sessions are typically around 60 minutes and can happen virtually or in person.
Afterward, you’ll receive follow-up notes along with any relevant resources, recommendations, or next steps tailored to your goals and session priorities.
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.
