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Forum Retreat: Joshua Tree National Park
Expert forum facilitation meets life-changing adventure.
Joshua Tree
National Park
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California.
Highlights
Expertly-facilitated discussion supported by heart-pounding experiences.
Tailored for EO, YPO and Vistage forums.
Guided intro to rock climbing.
Morning meditation and intention setting.
Discover wild edibles with local naturalist.
Guided stargazing.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Joshua Tree
Welcome to Southern California's desert, a landscape so unique and naturally beautiful, a national park was created to protect it. You will meet your team at your retreat lodging for the next three nights. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner under the stars as you set your intention for the retreat ahead.
Day 2
Setting a growth mindset
As the sun rises over the Mojave Desert, you and your fellow Forum members will set your intention over a guided meditation. The objective today is to break through past limitations, establishing a growth mindset and a path for scaling your business. Your expert facilitator will help you break down perceived vs actual risks, helping you clear obstacles that have held you back from growth.
As your vision for your business becomes more clear, you will reinforce your new mindset with a guided rock climbing adventure. Your climbing guides and forum facilitator will form a new team, ensuring you physically and metaphorically reach your top.​
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Tonight, recap your experience from the day over a sunset dinner.
Day 3
Ideas become action
Start the morning with your Forum members, reflecting on the adventure and transformation from the day before and setting an intention for the day ahead. The objective is to transfer the inspiration and confidence earned from rock climbing to action you will take when you return to the office. Collectively, you and your Forum members will support each other on a second day of rock climbing, applying techniques learned and moving with a grace that can be only be gained from experience.
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This evening, a sense of limitless possibility will be reinforced by gazing at the universe and stars above with a professional stargazing guide.
Day 4
Depart
After a morning coffee and leisurely hike, your team will recap the four days of team building with a final meeting and closing remarks. When ready, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Team
Basecamp
Where you will connect at the end of the day.
Located just outside the west entrance of Joshua National Park is AutoCamp, a unique experience unto itself. AutoCamp converts classic Airstreams, creating a sense of luxury and nostalgia. In the evenings, circle around the campfire for guided discussion while taking in the expansive views of the surrounding Joshua Tree area.
Science of Physical Learning
Wilder's Forum Retreats are designed to align meaningful discussion with physical, outdoor experiences. Through a process of morning meditation, intention setting and engaging our bodies in nature-based activity, we change our physiology and enter a peak state. Physiology dictates our feelings and how you use your body affects how you feel mentally and emotionally. When we engage in adventurous activities, especially those with perceived risk, like rock climbing, we increase our mental engagement, calm our anxieties and we are better equipped to recognize opportunities. Pairing stimulating discussion led by an expert facilitator with heart-pounding adventure is the recipe for breakthrough growth.
Kirk
Bruce
Meet Your Guides
Kirk
Bruce
Kirk Reynolds is a wilderness guide and entrepreneur in the adventure travel industry. In 2003, Kirk started adventure operator Discover Outdoors, helping over 5,000 enthusiasts annually explore the mountains and trails on five continents. Discover Outdoors was sold in 2018 to a travel conglomerate. In 2013, Kirk founded the Discover Outdoors Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing inner-city students in New York City with equal access to nature and outdoor programs. To expand its reach, the Discover Outdoors Foundation was merged with Cat Rock Ventures in 2019. Seeing a growing need for companies and leaders to have meaningful, nature-based experiences, Kirk founded Wilder, the first-ever retreat company to combine the power of experiences set in National Parks and beyond to unite teams, build culture and inspire bold ideas. Kirk has an MBA and serves as an advisor in the adventure travel space and at the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.
Bruce Eckfeldt is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker on organizational development and performance management. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with two degrees in Architecture, Bruce transitioned to digital product development early in his career, where he worked as a product strategy consultant for companies such as WebMD, Prada, the Department of Defense, and Motorola. In 2003, he founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Lean/Agile consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times on product development and Lean/Agile transformation initiatives. Cyrus was an Inc 5000 honoree for five years in a row and placed #241 on the Inc 500 in 2009. Since selling Cyrus in 2014, Bruce has focused on coaching and advising CEOs and senior leadership teams on growth strategy and leadership development. He also hosts several podcasts on service companies, cannabis, and therapeutic psychedelics.
Joshua Tree Retreat FAQ
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What's the best time to go?
Joshua Tree National Park can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable time to go is March to May and October through November.
What experience do I need?
No experience is necessary to go rock climbing. Wilder's guides are trained and eager to teach first-time climbers the basics of rock climbing.
Can I use this program at another destination?
Wilder's Forum Retreats can be held in many destinations, whether it's Joshua Tree, Yosemite National Park, Acadia National Park or at a site closer to home.
Can I choose other activities?
Each retreat can be customized to meet your objectives. Rock climbing can be substituted with hiking, bouldering, mountain biking, 4x4 jeep tours or other experiences.
What's included in the Forum Retreat?
Wilder is a full-service operator, managing all the logistics and needs of your group. Each retreat includes facilitated discussions, guided experiences, lodging, meals, transportation (not including air travel) and on-site support to manage your needs during the retreat.