Leave your everyday life behind. Immerse yourself in nature. Step into the here and now. Be yourself, vibrantly connected with the world. Keep track of your nature and explore your gift to the world. It’s time to retreat for personal growth. Time to change your life. Taking responsibility for yourself and the planet.
Home › The Human-Nature Quest
Self-Development in Responsibility for the World
Wilderness Retreat in Norway
The Human-Nature Quest
Course Dates
The Human-Nature Quest - Wilderness Retreat
8 – 14 June 2025
Tynset, Norway
7 – 13 September 2025
Vågåmo, Norway
Course Contents
What to Expect at the Retreat
Time-Out from Everyday Life
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Be present to your own development
Set in the Norwegian wilderness, this retreat is designed to give you a break from the daily grind. Distance from everyday life makes the almost impossible possible: you can strip off your protective layers of civilisation, open up and land in the here and now. We will carefully guide you through this process.
Being truly present, connected to the whole, is where you start to develop as a person.
Being truly present, connected to the whole, is where you start to develop as a person.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
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Exploring Outer and Inner Wilderness
The retreat is laid out as a nomadic wilderness camp. We are free to roam the wilds of Norway, without fixed routes, times or targets. Media, phones and time are left behind. We only bring the essentials: sleeping bag, tarp and basic food. We draw drinking water from streams and cook over campfires. We spend day and night in living nature.
As we explore the unknown outer world, you also embark on ab> journey of self-discovery into your unexplored inner life, your 'inner wilderness'.
As we explore the unknown outer world, you also embark on ab> journey of self-discovery into your unexplored inner life, your 'inner wilderness'.
Self-Awareness and Self-Efficacy
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The Forces that can Change Your Life
Away from it all and in the free play of nature, you can fathom what makes you human and how you relate to the world. It's about realising who you really are and what you live for. We stand by you to explore your dreams and yearnings, as well as to face fear and pain.
The self-awareness you gain in the process builds confidence and self-efficacy. From our own experience and as nature mentors, we know what energy this work can unleash. It is this source that gives you the power to make substantial changes and to shape your life according to your purpose.
The self-awareness you gain in the process builds confidence and self-efficacy. From our own experience and as nature mentors, we know what energy this work can unleash. It is this source that gives you the power to make substantial changes and to shape your life according to your purpose.
Personal development in responsibility for yourself and the world
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Unfolding yourself - giving life meaning
In an uncertain world, we often cling to the familiar and lock down against change. The wilderness retreat allows us to pause and sense what we and our environment really need:
• What is important (to you) in these times of upheaval?
• How can you focus on what really matters?
• How can you change things for the better?
We give you space and support to clarify:
• which tasks you are facing,
• where you can take responsibility,
• which place in the world is waiting for you,
• what is your purpose in life.
• What is important (to you) in these times of upheaval?
• How can you focus on what really matters?
• How can you change things for the better?
We give you space and support to clarify:
• which tasks you are facing,
• where you can take responsibility,
• which place in the world is waiting for you,
• what is your purpose in life.
Timeline
Your Retreat in Touch with Nature
Day 1
Leave the Everyday Behind
Transfer into the wild
Building the first camp
Getting acquainted
Starting the programme
Day 2
Get in Touch
Immerse into nature
Familiarising with the group
Your supportive network
Day 3
Going Deeper
Backpack hike
Heading deeper into the wild
Your concern for the world
Building the second camp
Day 4
Come to Rest
Milestones in your life
"Noble silence"
Meeting the source of your being
Day 5
Exploring the Future
What wants to emerge in you
Backpack hike
Building the third camp
Day 6
Wrapping the Bundle
What comes to an end
What begins anew
Your gifts and potential
The essence
Day 7
Into the New
Closing the retreat
Briefing for the new start
Transfer to train/bus stop
Tag 1
Leave the Everyday Behind
Transfer into the wild
Building the first camp
Starting the programme
Day 1
Day 2
Tag 2
Get in Touch
Immerse into nature
Familiarising with the group
Your supportive network
Tag 3
Going Deeper
Backpack hike
Heading deeper into the wild
Your concern for the world
Building the second camp
Day 3
Day 4
Tag 4
Come to Rest
Milestones in your life
"Noble silence"
Meeting the source of your being
Tag 5
Exploring the Future
What wants to emerge in you
Backpack hike
Building the third camp
Day 5
Day 6
Tag 6
Wrapping the Bundle
What comes to an end
What begins anew
Your gifts and potential
The essence
Tag 7
Into the New
Closing the retreat
Briefing for the new start
Transfer to train/bus stop
Day 7
Our Methods
How We Support Your Personal Growth
Body Work
Getting in touch with your body
Releasing tension
Getting energy flowing
Sensory Exercises
Sharpening the senses
Expanding awareness
Strengthening bonds with life
Meditations
Bringing back the past
Visualising the future
Encourage intuition
Symbol Work
Reflecting on life's journey
Clarifying worries and aims
Envisioning your path to the future
Guided Conversations
Facilitated topic work in
• dialogues
• circle talks
Our Sources
• Joanna Macy: Active Hope
• John P. Milton: Way of Nature
• Otto Scharmer: Theory U
• Jon Young: Connection First
About Us
The Team
Manuel
Thoralf
The retreats are co-facilitated by
Thoralf Rumswinkel
DE, 1965, Tynset, Norway
Nature Mentor and Wilderness Guide
Outdoor Trainer (ZAB Outward Bound)
Dipl. Ing. Arch.
Manuel Sturm
CH/AT, 1989, Vågå, Norway
Wilderness Mentor Scandinavia
Wilderness First Responder
Graduate Social Entrepreneurship Programme
The Retreats are co-facilitated by:
Manuel Sturm
CH/AT, 1989, Vågå, Norway
Wilderness Mentor Scandinavia
Wilderness First Responder
Graduate Social Entrepreneurship Programme
Thoralf Rumswinkel
DE, 1965, Tynset, Norway
Nature Mentor and Wilderness Guide
Outdoor Trainer (ZAB Outward Bound)
Dipl. Ing. Arch.
Testimonials
What Participants Say
Thoralf and Manuel combine knowledge of leadership, nature, change management and body & mind. They create a trusting and open atmosphere without esotericism, with lots of humour and valuable guidance. Learned a lot, laughed a lot! Thanks for that!
Anja Zerbin
Cultural Change Consultant
Retreat 2023
I wanted to escape the busy city life for a while, connect with nature and take time to reflect. The retreat was everything I had hoped for and so much more! It was an experience I will never forget. Thank you for the guidance and care, Manuel and Thoralf.
Nyncke Kramer
Study Advisor
Retreat 2024
During our time together I realised how important it is to allow ourselves to connect and be human. How much we can learn for our own lives from each other … and unconsciously give to others… an enrichment at the right time.
Alex Baumgärtel
Mechanical Engineer, Wilderness Pedagogue
Retreat 2023
The retreat opened up all my senses and truly let me connect with nature, with myself and others. It allowed me to deeply reflect on my life and how to move forward. The combination of comfort and discomfort of nature and the powerful sharings and lighthearted moments within the group enriched my personal journey.
Marian Stellingwerf
Organizational & Behavioral Change Consultant
Retreat 2024
A great idea to induce spiritual motion by hiking. The camp gave me a lot of encouragement for where I want to go and for my path through rocky terrain. A truly inspiring exchange. Thank you for the perfection and the delicious food in the wilderness.
Ulrike Fokken
Journalist and Author
Retreat 2023
The retreat was extraordinary, it almost felt like a dream! An unforgettable experience with amazing people in the scenic Østerdal mountains.
Magnus Døvigen
Filmmaker and Outdoorsman
Retreat 2024
I wanted to experience myself outside my corporate and social role, far off my comfort zone and as part of nature. That’s exactly what I’ve got – plus an expanded view on myself, my life and the changes that needed to be understood.
Anja Zerbin
Cultural Change Consultant
Retreat 2023
Living a week in the overwhelming nature of Norway , without my phone or watch. The programme enabled me to get closer to nature, reconnect with myself and find out what is important to me.
Liselotte
Medical Doctor
Retreat 2024
The facilitators Manuel and Thoralf have both an eye and a heart for this type of course, where the outer landscape becomes a mirror of the inner landscape and vice versa. A very healing format for these disorientating times!
Daniel Hoeckendorff
Engineer, Facilitator, Outdoorguide
Retreat 2023
One of the best weeks I’ve ever had – it pushed me out of my comfort zone and yet I felt completely at ease. It was a simple, easy life surrounded by space and silence.
Eveline Plantinga
Education Coordinator
Retreat 2024
People from different backgrounds shared their concerns about the future and thoughts about their lifestyles. This gave me meaningful insights. I would recommend it to anyone seeking a closer connection with nature and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Liselotte
Medical Doctor
Retreat 2024
Suddenly the first flame bursts from the mouldy wood. Soon warmth and the scent of pine fill the air. I realise that growth comes from decay, impulse from silence and movement from stillness – and that this is what the camp is about.
Daniel Hoeckendorff
Engineer, Facilitator, Outdoorguide
Retreat 2023
Details
Other Things to Know
Where is the retreat held?
The retreats take place at two different locations in Norway. The meeting points are Tynset railway station and Vågåmo bus station.
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[leaflet-marker visible] Tynset [/leaflet-marker]
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[leaflet-marker visible] Vågåmo [/leaflet-marker]
Is there assistance with arrival and departure?
We recommend travelling to both locations – Tynset or Vågåmo – via the capital Oslo or its airport. Trains/buses run to each meeting point. The retreats start and end according to the train timetable to/from Tynset and bus timetable to/from Vågåmo.
You organise the trip to and from the meeting point on your own, so that you are free to choose what fits you best. After booking, you will receive detailed travel information with many travel options. If you wish, we will also send this information in advance. We can also advise on other itineraries on request.
Transport from the meeting point to the wilderness and back will be arranged by the organisers. You don’t need to do anything for these transfers.
How is the retreat organised?
In the afternoon of the arrival day there will be a shared taxi transfer from the meeting point in Tynset or Vågåmo into the wilderness. There we set up our first camp.
The wilderness retreat is nomadic, meaning we’ll move on to new camp sites several times. The route is not fixed and depends on the situation, composition and dynamics of each group.
We set up a new camp each time we move, looking for new places to sleep, putting up tarps for shelter and rolling out insulating mats and sleeping bags. If necessary, we also put up mosquito nets. Our daily routine includes fetching water for drinking and cooking, collecting firewood, lighting and maintaining a campfire. Of course we also cook on the fire.
On departure day, we’ll take down the last camp and erase our traces. Still in the morning, a taxi will take us back to the starting point in Tynset/Vågåmo.
Who is the retreat for?
The retreat is intended for adults.
Adolescents may attend under the supervision of a responsible adult. We will clear this with you in person prior to booking. Just send a request!
Participants organize camp life collectively. Your active involvement is required.
You want to:
- temporarily leave behind everyday life
- immerse in wilderness living and learn practical wilderness skills
- get closer to yourself (to your Self) and give (more) meaning to your life
- take responsibility for yourself and for the living world around you.
Do I need any prior knowledge or experience?
No prior knowledge is required to join the retreat, no previous outdoor experience or athletic fitness needed.
What is important is your willingness to embark on an extraordinary adventure in nature and your ability to move under your own power in rough terrain.
What people join?
Motives to join
All participants yearn for time-out and contact with nature they miss in their daily lives. Their motives are often:
• Desire to answer life’s questions
• Commitment to personal growth
• Wanting to make a difference
Age range
People of all ages join the retreats, from their late twenties to their mid-sixties. The average age is in the forties. Different ages add perspective, the common motives unite the group.
Outdoor experience
Some of the participants have outdoor experience, others at least have a yearning for it. No two experiences are the same and we learn from each other.
Most participants come as individuals, taking time away from their family or partner, or living alone. Sometimes there are couples or pairs of friends.
Diversity and inclusion
Both men and women attend the retreats. Of course, those who feel they belong to neither, or are attracted to the same, are also welcome. People from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are likewise welcome. The only requirement to join our circle is to respect each other in our different ways of being human and to be able to communicate in a common language.
Education and profession
The retreats bring together employees, freelancers and the self-employed from the craft, business, academic and social sectors, from green and grey, productive and creative professions.
Nationalities and languages
In fact, many people from the Netherlands take part, followed by Germans and German speakers. Additionally native English speakers and Scandinavians. Depending on the group, German or English is spoken.
What's included?
- Group with 4-12 participants
- Facilitating/hosting team with Thoralf Rumswinkel (change wild!) and Manuel Sturm
(Wilderness Vision) - Course program as described
- Local taxi transfers on arrival and departure days
- 6 nights outdoors, including weatherproof tarps
- Full board with predominantly regional, ecological food
- Group equipment for the wilderness camp
What does it cost?
Fixed price 14 950 nok / 1 275 €
or
Pay what feels right * (price of your choice)
or
Pay what feels right * (price of your choice)
* Let’s trust that when we give, we’ll also receive. Therefore, we invite you to give what feels right to you. The amount – more or less than the fixed price – should reflect, within your financial means, what the course means to you and how you would like to support our work. Whatever you give, we accept as acknowledgment.
Booking
Book Your Spot
Contact
Any Questions? -
Send a Message!
Thank you for your interest, whatever your concern.
You will receive a copy of your message by e-mail.
Due to our activities in the wild, we are not always available. We will reply personally as soon as possible.
If you prefer a phone call, you can contact us here to arrange a meeting.
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© change wild!