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Chances are you will never hear even the most avid camper claim that their favorite part about camping is loading and unloading the equipment...not to mention finding someplace to store all that bulky stuff.  

Eliminating bothersome aspects to enjoying the great outdoors is one reason the glamping industry (glamorous camping) has been a success.  You still get away from it all,  sleep under starry skies, and relax to the snap and crackle of firepit embers, only the burdens of prep and clean-up are gone.  

Local entrepreneurs Amanda Bushweiler, Marnie Williams and Sara Nelson noticed the extent of glamping’s popularity while on a girls’ break to Zion National Park 11 months ago.  They said their reaction  was “we could do this.”

“Glamping’s really popular out west,” noted Amanda.

The friends did a little research when they returned home and after not finding any glamping services operating locally the idea took root.  They got to work identifying spots to show-off what Chisago County has to offer.

The fact that all three are mothers, have other jobs and are also hockey moms, didn’t faze them a bit.  They sought out locations (state and city parks, vineyards) that would be conducive to having large bell tents set-up— and where adventures like hiking, kayaking or wine tasting would add to the experience.

And, there’s nothing like confidence to beget confidence.

One of the best parts of starting this business, they stressed, was crossing paths with other female-founded businesses eager to be helpful and supportive. They have coordinated with yoga instructors for glamping retreats outdoors with their equipment.  They found a bakery for camp goodies, and another cottage business is supplying rustic home goods for the special extras.  

Marnie tried to find the words to describe this synergy. “We couldn’t have asked for a more successful first year,” she shared.  It’s like we are all helping each other, doing what we do best.

They have named the enterprise “Get Intents.”  

In August 2022 there’s a Rustic Roots Vineyard event (located just into Washington County) that they’ll be part of.  The state parks have been cooperative, and Lindstrom’s newest open space acquisition, Minneso Island, is a glamping work-in-progress. A primitive building came with the donation of the five acre island on North Center Lake. It is going to be outfitted for a permanent glampsite when the trio are done.
An organization called Embrace North, attracting visitors from the coasts to Minnesota, is also working with them.

This first year of business has them very optimistic for year two.  It was busy,  but nothing fell through the cracks.  Glitchy things like the reservation system, have been addressed.  Clients can see a calendar on-line www.getintents.com)and know which days are open and can book on the website.

The brief covid Delta variant dominance took out one event they had planned for January 2022;  but otherwise they all feel that maybe the adage of right place right time, is applicable here. It was the right time for launching Get Intents as covid-19 protocols enhanced peoples’ interest in anything outdoors. They were not anxious to be near other people in enclosed spaces, but still wanted  adventure.

As for ‘right place’  the Chisago County landscape has many sights to feature, and a lot of people have no idea what awaits them here.
Amanda commented how Get Intents has given them the opportunity to be their

own bosses and make their own mistakes. They agreed the three-person structure for duties and decisions is pretty ideal. Plus their families and many others they’ve met along the way have been quick to pitch in and lend support.  A former Chamber of Commerce staffer Geri, was also very motivating providing contacts when they were doing early research.

A benefit is the workout they get, preparing glamping sites is strenuous.  A long, hot soak in the tub never felt quite as satisfying as it does now at the end of a day of putting campsites up and tearing them down, Amanda quipped.

A kayak event and overnight is slated for June out of Interstate Park.  Memorial Day sites may be filled, but check the Get Intents website.  If you have glamping in mind for a reunion or other special get-together, don’t hesitate to include Get Intents in your plan.  The email is [email protected].  The phone is 651-347-1617.

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