A note from our founder, Ellie, on Camp La Fontaine:

Hi! I'm Ellie McNevin, the founder and creator of The Birdie Agency and Camp La Fontaine. As Camp grows in its second year (and already thinking ahead to next year in Santa Fe!) I wanted to share with you a little more about why it’s so important to me to spend time on this massive event year over year, and why it was created in the first place.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of going on a trip to Round Top, Texas with a group of my closest friends. Little did I know that this trip would be the catalyst for something truly special. All of us were women in creative leadership roles, and during our time in Round Top, we had the most amazing conversations about our businesses and our lives. We supported each other, laughed, and cried together. It was a truly validating and rewarding experience.As I reflected on that trip, I realized that traditional business conferences just weren't fulfilling my needs. I craved something more impactful and meaningful, something that would allow me to truly unwind and check out from my busy life. And that's when the idea for Camp La Fontaine was born.

The name "Camp La Fontaine" holds a special meaning for me. The French word for "fountain" is “la fontaine,” which to me, it symbolizes being surrounded by things that fill up your cup, that are sources of inspiration, energy, and life. Camp is about creating an environment where women can show up as their truest selves, leave their egos at the door, and support each other in a judgment-free space. The “camp” part of the name comes from the fact that we often stay in houses together — the conversations we have around the breakfast table in pajamas leave such a lasting impact and feel different than a traditional work conference.

We intentionally keep Camp small, with only about 40 attendees, to maintain an intimate and personal atmosphere. The retreat is designed to be a collaborative experience, with programming led by the attendees themselves. This allows for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration across industries. Instead of lots of talks and panels (although we have those too), we spend a lot of time creating ‘water-cooler moments” where we bring attendees together through activities (basket making, jewelry making, etc.) that become conversation starters. It’s an amazing thing to tell an overworked busy woman that there is literally nothing on her itinerary that afternoon. It’s hard for them to even imagine!

At Camp we place a strong emphasis on rest and relaxation. We encourage our attendees to wear pajamas, indulge in spa treatments, or even play a game of badminton. This retreat is about taking a break from the daily grind and prioritizing self-care.

Our upcoming retreat will take place from September 23rd to 27th in the picturesque Cotswolds region of England, followed by a visit to London. The itinerary includes a mix of activities, free time, and opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings. Please note that attendance at Camp La Fontaine is by application only, and we have limited spots available. The application process is not meant to exclude anyone, but rather to ensure that all attendees are committed to showing up fully and contributing to the retreat. If you're a woman in a creative leadership role with experience in your industry, I encourage you to apply.

Lastly, I want to mention that Camp La Fontaine is not just about the experience for the attendees. It's also about making a difference in the lives of others. Through sponsorships, we support Warm Heart International, an organization that provides scholarships and resources to girls in Malawi. These scholarships enable girls to attend boarding school, where they can focus on their education and escape challenging home environments.

If you're interested in attending the retreat, please hit the Apply button below. If you’re interested in sponsoring or just have questions, please email info@birdieagency.co.

I hope to see you there!

Ellie McNevin
Founder and Creator of Camp La Fontaine