Glow, lady, go!

Katie Lipsmeyer, Founder and Chief Glow Officer, of Camp Glow It Up® produces multi- and single-day camps in the mountains of Western Massachusetts with an emphasis on fitness to inspire  badassery , mindfulness to inspire centeredness, and intentional groups to inspire meaningful relationships in women at various stages in their lives. Camp Glow It Up offers a strong, specific curriculum and guided introspection designed to focus on mental, emotional, and physical states of our own exceptional identities. It promotes inclusivity and empowerment of self and others.

The camps are all-inclusive, featuring nutritious meals with attention to specific dietary needs, lodging in the most beautiful parts of New England, and curated programs. Each camp includes fitness classes, yoga, hiking adventures, women’s circles, s’mores, arts 'n crafts, and dance parties.

With the acknowledgement of their shared responsibility to invest in the next generation of women leaders, a portion of the proceeds goes toward sending girls involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program their own summer camp experience.

Katie is a connector, an advocate, an explorer, a mother, and an entrepreneur. She is an award-winning personal trainer, fitness instructor, business owner, and event planner. She combines her passions for health and wellness, meaningful events, and human connection in this venture. She believes in the unstoppable force that women create when they come together, share their life’s wisdom, and find support in each other. She seeks to urge women to find their individual and collective voices at a crucial time in history.

How did the idea for Camp Glow It Up come about? We are clearly living in a pivotal moment in history—one where marginalized groups are finding their voices and standing up for themselves in ways that wouldn't have been possible even just a decade ago. I identified a need within myself to speak up about issues of injustice but wanted to find a way to make an impactful change positively and intentionally.

About a year and a half ago, I was at a point of transition and knew that I needed a venture in which I could unpack all this creative energy within me, while still serving others in a powerful way. In this climate of #MeToo and the Women's March, I saw a true need for women to come together in a safe space to pause and think about issues affecting us societally and personally. We need a chance to challenge ourselves, to break through boundaries that can be paralyzing to the soul. To me, it is now crucial to figure out together what we as socially-conscious women stand for in this new era.
 
Yes, all those who identify as women between the ages of 25 and 85 are encouraged to attend our camps.

How are you able to find time to juggle everyday life on top of this new start up? I will tell you, starting a new business is like birthing a second baby. And I just had my first actual baby only 15 months ago! It can be really difficult to find time. There are a lot of nights when I’m writing a newsletter instead of relaxing after an already busy day. But I believe in the intention of Camp Glow It Up® so strongly that I want to invest my time and resources before I ask anyone else to do the same. It also helps significantly that I have a stellar life partner who has my back 100 percent.

When did you first launch Camp Glow It Up? We officially launched as a business over Thanksgiving of last year. Our first Kickoff Camp was March 29-31, 2019, at Nine Mountain Retreats in Plainfield, MA. It was a blast and a half! 

What do you feel is important for women to know about this new venture? All women are welcome, whether introverted or extroverted, whether coming with a friend or by themselves. Empowerment of ourselves AND others is a huge part of our camp culture, and we honor others’ perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. It should be said again: YOU are welcome here!

What do you want your campers to take away from this unique experience? I would love for each woman to walk away from each camp with a sense of shared sisterhood and a validated grit to lead the life they have always wanted.

How does the registration process work and how many more camp dates are available right now? People can register for camp right on the website at campglowitup.com.

Upcoming camps:
Our first day camp is this Saturday, April 13 in downtown Northampton. 

Glow Like a Mother Day Camp, which is a special Mother’s Day weekend edition of Camp Glow It Up. It’s the day before Mother’s Day (Saturday, May 11) in downtown Amherst.

Show Your Glow Summer Camp July 19-21, 2019 at Nine Mountain Retreats in Plainfield, MA.

Is this a costly program? Do you provide discounts for first time campers? I firmly believe that this experience is one-of-a-kind. Our campers find it an excellent investment in their own physical and mental well-being. We work hard to make it affordable, and we will fight to keep it that way.
 
The best way for first-time campers to find a great deal is to sign up for our Camp Mail email list at campglowitup.com. Camp Mail members get first crack at discounts and early-bird price levels. 

Every business faces it’s challenges, how are you empowered to overcome yours? I have a list of core personal values and professional values. Whenever I face challenges, I refer to these two lists and figure out the best course of action based on these values. 

To end, please tell our readers (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik business?
​A movement.

Be sure to follow this chik-tastic SHERO and stay connected via social media!
Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest: @campglowitup.

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