For someone who studied entrepreneurship and has been a business founder for almost five years, I am not the best business person. There’s a certain irony in the fact that I serve as CEO of a mobile platform, given that I have minimal tech skills and a natural inclination to give all my work away for free. Honestly, I would rather offer everything to everyone at no cost—because in a world full of expenses and paid services, I never feel comfortable asking for money when I know that dollar could just as easily provide a meal, plant a tree, or clothe someone in need.
From the beginning, my co-founder (and mom), Gen, and I intended our company—and the majority of our content—to remain free. We were tired of the endless up-charges in online sales and social content. Nature’s Playbook was built to be a genuine resource for anyone seeking the outdoors without barriers.
The world of outdoor recreation offers experiences both paid and free, and our hope has always been to increase accessibility, expand knowledge, and give back to the planet. For nearly five years we’ve poured ourselves into creating an authentic community of outdoor recreationists and stewards who highlight local businesses and spread awareness of sustainable practices and eco-tourism.
Small but Mighty
Though growth has been slow the last few years, it has been steady, heartfelt, and remained true to our mission. We have met incredible people who have joined the Vibe Tribe, uncovered unique experiences and unbelievable stories in nature, and charted over 3,000 experiences across 60+ countries. I thank God for every success and failure we have had. I believe He continues to place us with the right people and the miraculous stories that have kept us pursuing the vision of Nature’s Playbook.
I have to say that the biggest lesson that I’ve learned as an entrepreneur up to this point is that giving away your services for free is not sustainable (who would have guessed that?). Still, I know that our heart is in the right place. We are extremely excited to keep this vision and community growing and as accessible as possible while inviting our community to help us sustain the platform and nurture spaces for genuine connection.
Looking Ahead
There are a lot of exciting things ahead, including more opportunities to connect local businesses with their communities and travelers, making the app more user-friendly, and continuing to fill the video atlas with your stories.
We are using Substack as another platform for sharing information, community stories, and unique itineraries for traveling. Nature’s Playbook is a tool for the community, and we will continue to build it as such. As we head into this next phase, we want to hear from you. As a paid subscriber what content would you want to see in these blogs and guides?
Founding Members Benefits
We are unbelievably grateful for every single person in this community. As we prepare to launch premium subscriptions in early 2026—with new features for planning and sharing outdoor experiences—we want to reassure you: the core of Nature’s Playbook will always remain free. As a thank-you, founding members on Substack will receive six months of premium access for free, plus opportunities to have your stories highlighted in our newsletters and social media.
Let’s build and share this positive space for healing and connection and adventure. We are so glad you are here and we deeply appreciate your support, whether it be financial or moral support!
Until next time!
PJ Relkin