A return to presence. A step toward purpose.
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This may be for you if…
You feel a quiet pull for something more
You’re drawn to time in nature, alongside other men
You’re open to learning, unlearning, and listening
You want to meet what’s alive in you—more directly
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What you’ll step into
Space to slow down and come back to yourself
Connection with men walking a similar path
Time to feel, reflect, and listen beneath the noise
Moments that challenge you—and open something new
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What you may carry forward
Clarity in how you move through your life
A deeper sense of choice and direction
Practices that keep you aligned with what matters
A brotherhood rooted in honesty and presence
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Why this matters
The world asks for men who are grounded and awake
Change begins when we pause and see clearly
Stepping into who you are has impact beyond you
When one man shifts, it creates space for others to do the same
The Call
Your Next Step Begins Here
This retreat is an invitation to come closer—to your core, to the earth beneath your feet, and to those walking this path beside you. Through immersive workshops and skill-building practices that awaken both soul and senses, you'll uncover the patterns that shape how you move through the world. Learn to take each step from your center. Tune into your instinct. Practice leading yourself—and others—with clarity and integrity.
What happens in the wilderness changes you. It brings you closer to yourself, to those you love, and to the deeper purpose you carry. And when we do this work in community, something powerful takes root: those who witness us become our brothers.
Set on 32 acres of lush forest and open meadow, this retreat borders the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and draws from ancient springs. The land itself is part of the teaching—wild, clear, and deeply restorative. Here, you’ll reconnect with wholeness. Explore caves, wander riverside trails, rest beneath orchard trees, and nourish yourself with organic food grown on the land.
Come ready for adventure. Come ready to remember.
Logistics
Headwaters Outdoor School — held at the base of Mount Shasta in Northern California, where forest, meadow, and water meet. A place where the land itself invites you to slow down, listen, and remember.
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Dates
Arrival: Friday, July 31 (4:00–6:00 PM)
Departure: Wednesday, August 5 (10:00 AM)
We begin together in the evening and close at first light of departure.
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Accommodations
Sleep in wooden teepees or under the open sky.
Simple, close to the earth, and in rhythm with the land.
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Meals
Three organic meals each day—nourishment grown from the land and prepared with care.
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Experiences
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Wilderness and survival skills — learning to see, track, and move with awareness
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Animal tracking — deepening perception and relationship with the natural world
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Sweat lodge ceremony — entering heat, silence, and renewal
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Daily time in nature — cultivating presence, embodiment, and connection
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This is not separate from the work—it is the work.
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Transportation
There may be a shuttle available from a nearby airport (details shared after registration).
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If traveling from a distance, the nearest airports are Medford, Oregon and Redding, California—each about 1.5 hours from the land.
Pricing
​​Pay-In-Full: $2250
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Early Bird: $1995 — available through mid-May
Payment plans available
If cost is a barrier, reach out—we’re open to working with you.​
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What’s Included:
Lodging (teepee or camping)
Three organic meals per day
All guided experiences, teachings, and ceremonies
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What’s Not Included:
Travel to/from Headwaters Outdoor School
We’ll help coordinate carpools where possible.
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Sample Retreat Schedule
(Final schedule will be confirmed closer to the start date.)
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7:00–7:30 AM – Optional Movement or Sitting Meditation
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00–11:30 AM – Morning Workshop
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Topics may include: Integrity in Relationship, Breathwork, Trusting More & Controlling Less, Leading from Your Core, Facing Your Shadow, and more.
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Wilderness-based offerings may include: Animal Tracking, Camouflage, Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge, etc.
12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00–2:30 PM – Free Time
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Rest, journal, read, or explore the land.
2:30–5:30 PM – Afternoon Workshop
5:30–6:30 PM – Dinner
7:00–8:00 PM – Evening Circle
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Be aware that this schedule is subject to change in relationship to what is unfolding on any particular day.
Headwaters Outdoor School​
Primitive Skills • Nature Awareness • Earth-Based Living
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Located in the mountains of Northern California, Headwaters Outdoor School is a place where people of all ages come to reconnect with nature through hands-on learning and deep immersion in the land. The school teaches a wide range of earth-based skills, including Wilderness Living Skills, Nature Awareness, Earth Philosophy, and more. Custom classes are also available for schools, groups, and individuals seeking a tailored experience.
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The primitive camp at Headwaters feels like stepping into another world—one where the pace of life slows to match the rhythms of the natural world. Creeks wind through the landscape, some deep enough for dipping, others quiet and shallow, inviting quiet reflection.
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At the heart of the camp is an open-air kitchen and central fire circle, where participants gather between classes to share meals and stories. The tipi village features shelters made from cedar bark—constructed by students in previous classes—alongside canvas tent cabins and designated spaces for personal tents. The entire setting is designed to foster connection, simplicity, and a return to more essential ways of living.
FAQ
What gear do I need to bring?
You’ll need a sleeping bag, pad/mat, and pillow. A full packing list will be provided before the retreat.
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What if I’ve never done anything like this before?
That’s okay. Many men come without prior experience. All you need is an open mind, a willingness to be present, and a sense of curiosity.
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Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?
Expect little to no service. This is intentional. The retreat offers a rare opportunity to fully unplug and be present with yourself and others.
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Any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out: Email Here!
Testimonials
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“POWERFUL RESET”
​This retreat was a powerful reset that left me feeling energized, refreshed, and inspired. The Headwater Outdoor School is a magical forest at the base of Mt. Shasta, and I felt deeply connected to the water, the trees, and living creatures that engulfed my surroundings. I enjoyed the various activities that both broadened my outdoor wilderness skills and sharpened my philosophies on being a man. It was comforting to be around a group of men that shared a willingness to be open to anything and everything, as well as the ability to listen and be heard.
- Rich C, 2025 Tracking Your Wilderness Attendee
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“LIFE CHANGING”
​The setting was incredible, unique, and magical in itself. What jumps out the most about the experience is the sense of connection. Everyone brought it - full send. The example set by our leaders, who were both full participants & guides, really set the tone. They fostered an environment where all had the courage to be vulnerable, to trust, and to authentically share. The result was dramatic, I suspect life changing for most everyone.
- Chris C, 2025 Tracking Your Wilderness Attendee
Facilitators
Where are you going in such a hurry, traveler?
Stop…do not proceed any further;
You have no greater concern,
Than this one: that on which you focus your sight.
Recall how many have passed from this world,
Reflect on your similar end,
There is good reason to reflect
If only all did the same.
Ponder, you so influenced by fate,
Among the many concerns of the world,
So little do you reflect on death;
If by chance you glance at this place,
Stop…for the sake of your journey,
The more you pause, the more you will progress.
~António Ascensão Teles (1845-1848)