The camp chairs are unfolded, ready for conversation. A well-worn clipboard sits poised, holding research notes. I’m dressed practically, prepared for an outdoor setting. It’s showtime, deep in the heart of nature.
June gloom casts a mystical veil over Encinal Canyon, transforming Malibu into a scene reminiscent of Narnia. Lost in the lush mist, the location fades into the background as anticipation builds. My physical presence is anchored in front of a classic Airstream trailer, yet my mind is miles away, back home, hoping my 14-month-old is peacefully napping. I quickly review notes on my clipboard, a mental preparation for the unique experience ahead. Tonight, instead of the familiar comfort of home, I’ll be camping in this idyllic Eden with Shailene Woodley. The acclaimed 33-year-old actor and passionate environmentalist, known for her powerful roles in The Fault in Our Stars, the Divergent series, and Big Little Lies, is about to arrive. This marks my first night away from my daughter, adding a layer of personal significance to the evening.
Suddenly, a voice from our small, all-female crew breaks through my thoughts, “There she is.” An electric sedan, topped with a stylish mint green surfboard, pulls up, crunching softly on the gravel. Out steps Woodley, a radiant figure in a pastel silk shirt. She immediately offers a warm hug, and in that moment, my carefully prepared clipboard seems utterly inadequate for such genuine human connection. My mind momentarily blanks on standard greetings, overwhelmed by her natural warmth.
“I had to make a quick stop at REI for a new sleeping pad,” Woodley explains, rolling her eyes with a touch of humor. “I accidentally left my old one with my ex.” It’s immediately clear that the actress is not just comfortable with the outdoors, but genuinely at home in nature. Her deep-rooted connection to and sense of responsibility towards the natural world has been a lifelong journey. Her commitment to environmental advocacy began in her freshman year at Simi Valley High School, where she spearheaded a student-led petition for a comprehensive recycling program. Since then, Woodley has evolved into a prominent and outspoken voice for climate action, collaborating with numerous nonprofits and NGOs. Her dedicated participation in the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline further solidified her reputation as a committed environmental activist. This experience camping in Encinal Canyon with Outside Online provides a perfect backdrop to explore her passions.
We settle into collapsible camp chairs beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree. Remarkably, Woodley seems completely disconnected from technology; if she has a phone, it remains unseen. When I inquire about her digital habits, she responds, “I guess I’m addicted to real interaction.” Her gaze softens as she notices my phone, drawn to the wallpaper photo of my baby. A warm “coo” escapes her lips as she admires the picture. Sharing a personal milestone, I mention meeting the love of my life at 39. Woodley’s face lights up with genuine enthusiasm, “You give me hope!” she exclaims, reinforcing the sense of authentic connection that permeates our conversation under the canopy of the California wilderness, a fitting setting for Outside Online.
