Tue 25 Nov 2025 • Bonanza Collective
A love letter to Bonanza: Camilla's story
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Jam Jar Moments in the Jungle: My First Bonanza Experience
My first experience with Bonanza was in February 2025, during their Costa Rica edition. I had just finished a job and was desperate to leave everything behind and clear my head. So I booked a one-way flight to Costa Rica to begin my first solo adventure—even though, in the end, I was never really alone.
Finding Connection
We stayed in a beautiful house tucked in the jungle, just a short walk from the ocean. I shared a room with Joya, a girl from Berlin I had never met before. Going to Bonanza means stepping out of your comfort zone—sleeping in a shared space with a total stranger isn’t something I’d normally do. But it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Joya and I became incredibly close, and to this day, we’re still great friends.
That’s the magic of Bonanza. It creates this unique space where you connect deeply with like-minded women. You learn so much from each other. Everyone is different, yet united by a shared desire to connect, grow, and live a truly meaningful experience.
Jam Jar Moments
Before Bonanza, I wasn’t sure it was possible to build such deep friendships in such a short amount of time. But I was so wrong. We shared so many beautiful moments—ones that bonded us for life.
There’s one moment I’ll never forget, something we now call a “jam jar moment”—a term Joya used to describe those memories you tuck away forever. We were all doing an ice bath at the house, singing along to random songs, when it came time for the last girl to take the plunge. We started singing Follow the Sun, and something shifted. The energy changed. We all felt it—this overwhelming sense of connection. Tears welled up in everyone’s eyes. And those who know me, they know I don’t cry easily. But Bonanza does something to you—it opens you up in the most unexpected ways.
More Than Just a Trip
Amanda and Elin were always there, listening, guiding, and sharing their wisdom. They know the places they take you inside and out, and they led us to hidden gems—like tide pools and surfing in Playa Hermosa.
I’m endlessly grateful for that week. Bonanza isn’t just a trip—it’s a feeling, a shift, a community. One I’ll carry with me always.
xx Camilla
