BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Noble Mentors - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://noblementors.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Noble Mentors REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20240101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250625T000000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T235900 DTSTAMP:20260511T013647Z CREATED:20250715T135201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T013647Z UID:2783-1750809600-1798761540@noblementors.com SUMMARY:Darkness Retreat DESCRIPTION:Darkness RetreatOffered bi-annually by\nJames & Gina Farmer in Crestone\, ColoradoSeptember 14th-30th  2026Hosted at Chamma Ling Retreat CenterAn Invitation Into the Unknown \nDarkness retreats provide a rare and potent opportunity to step away from external stimulation and turn inward — toward stillness\, presence\, and profound inner knowing. Rooted in Tibetan\, Taoist\, and yogic traditions\, this ancient practice invites deep rest for the nervous system and creates a quiet\, sacred space where the unseen within you can be met with gentleness and curiosity. \nThis is not a retreat from life — but an invitation to drop beneath the surface and discover what is quietly waiting to be felt\, heard\, and known. \nIs This for You? \nThis experience is for those who feel called to meet themselves in a deeper way — to move beyond mental narratives and open to the subtle wisdom that lives within the body\, the breath\, and the mystery of darkness itself. \nYou don’t need prior meditation or retreat experience. What matters most is a genuine willingness to be present with yourself\, even when that presence is unfamiliar. \nIf you feel the quiet pull to enter the dark\, we welcome you. \nWatch the Experience Unfold \nCurious what it’s like to emerge from days of darkness? \n\n \n\nFollow Sky Cave Retreats on Instagram to see more\n \n\nSee more on Sky Cave’s YouTube Channel\n \nA Retreat into Deep Stillness \nHeld in the remote mountains of Crestone\, Colorado at Chamma Ling Retreat Center\, this guided darkness retreat offers a carefully held space for rest\, revelation\, and transformation. Each participant stays in their own private cabin and receives personalized support throughout the experience. \nThe retreats are 4 nights and 5 days with 72hrs of uninterrupted time in the dark. There is also time on both ends of the darkness retreat for preparation and integration circles with the other darkness retreatants. \nRetreat Flow \n1 .Day of Arrival: Check-in is at 3:00 PM. You’ll settle into your cabin\, receive an optional preparatory bodywork or acupuncture session with Gina\, and have a final check-in with James. That evening\, your darkness journey begins. \n2 .Days in the Dark: Depending on the length of retreat you chose\, you’ll be immersed in uninterrupted darkness\, supported by two daily check-ins with James. Two nourishing meals will be delivered quietly to your cabin each day. \n3 .Unmasking (Final Evening): On your final evening\, you will have the opportunity to exit the darkness and begin reorienting to light and movement. This is often described as one of the most profound moments of the retreat. The last 18hrs of your retreat you’re invited to spend time walking the land\, journaling\, and gently beginning the integration process. \n4 .Departure Day: You’ll have one final night to weave in and out of the dark as you choose and check out is at 12:00 PM the following day. \nRetreat Options\, Pricing & Booking \nThis retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from stimulation and into deep stillness. Your retreat begins the evening of your first day as you enter the dark\, and concludes the evening before your final night\, giving you a spacious window to transition and integrate before returning to daily life. \nWe offer two types of cabins — Standard and Premium (larger\, more spacious- $35 extra per night) — and three retreat lengths to choose from: \nRetreat Length \n4 Nights \nStandard Cabin \nb. $1400 \nMeet your guides \n“I’ve spent many years exploring the depths of myself through solo wilderness retreats\, vision fasts\, rites of passage\, meditation intensives\, plant medicine ceremonies\, and long periods alone in nature. Each one offered something valuable. But my first darkness retreat was by far the most profound and life-changing retreat experience of my life. \nWhat made it so powerful was the absence of any method. No substance\, no teacher\, no practice to follow — just me and the dark. Because of that\, the insights and revelations I received felt undeniably my own. They came from the deepest\, truest part of me. And I could trust them. \nSince then\, I’ve done a few more darkness retreats\, including one alongside my wife\, Gina (in separate cabins)\, where she also had a transformative experience. I’ve had the honor of facilitating this work for others and witnessing how the darkness meets each person in their own way — often exactly where and how they need to be met. \nGina and I are grateful to walk alongside others as they step into the dark and discover what’s waiting within.”\n— James Farmer \nWhat’s Included \n\nPrivate lodging in a standard or premium cabin at Chamma Ling\nTwo nourishing meals per day (congee breakfast + warm dinner)\nA preparatory bodywork or acupuncture session with Gina upon arrival\nA 1-hour coaching call with James ~2 weeks prior to your retreat\nTwice-daily check-ins with James during your retreat\n\nOptional additional bodywork or massage (available at added cost) \nPayment & Reservation Policy \n\nA 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.\nThe remaining 50% is due 30 days before your scheduled arrival.\n\nBooking Process \nWe offer a very limited number of spaces each season. If you feel the call to enter the dark\, we invite you to begin here: \n\nFill out the interest form below.\nWe’ll follow up with a short intake process and confirmation of dates and availability.\nOnce confirmed\, you’ll receive a payment link to reserve your cabin.\n\nDark Retreat Resources \nPodcast – Reginald A. Ray \nIn this rich and grounded conversation\, Buddhist teacher Reggie Ray shares insights from his own experiences with extended darkness practice and how it can deepen meditation\, dissolve the ego\, and awaken direct knowing. \nDarkness as a Spiritual Practice \nAn overview of the darkness retreat process from a practitioner deeply rooted in natural hygiene and spiritual purification. This site offers both practical guidance and reflections on the healing and awakening potential of darkness retreats. \nOsho on Darkness \nThis article explores the mystical and meditative qualities of darkness through the lens of Osho’s teachings. It offers a more poetic and philosophical perspective on why darkness can be such a powerful portal to truth. \nReady to Begin? \nIf this experience resonates with you\, we invite you to fill out the form below to start the process. Once we receive your request\, we’ll follow up to schedule a brief call and help you choose the retreat length that fits your needs. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Message\n2-Night(24hrs of Darkness)3-Night(48hrs of Darkness)4-Night(72hrs of Darkness)Unsure\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n × URL:https://noblementors.com/event/darkness-retreat/ LOCATION:Crestone\, CO CATEGORIES:Held Annually ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://noblementors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/diverse-group-young-people-bonding-outdoors-concep-2025-02-10-00-43-39-utc-4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250625T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000 DTSTAMP:20260318T072943Z CREATED:20250625T131331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T072943Z UID:1825-1750838400-1798736400@noblementors.com SUMMARY:Authentic Relating Group DESCRIPTION:Authentic Relating GroupHeld every Friday\nnightMore events and\ntrainings listed on our\nEvents PageReal connection is a skill\n —and it can be learned.\nWhat if conversations didn’t just skim the surface\, but left you feeling more alive\, connected\, and understood? \nOur weekly Authentic Relating Groups offer a unique space for Noble Mentoring clients (and the broader community) to practice deep listening\, honest expression\, and relational presence. Using practices drawn from Circling® and authentic relating\, participants are invited to slow down\, tune in\, and engage with others in a way that fosters genuine connection and emotional awareness. \nThese groups are hosted by the Colorado Connection Collective\, and facilitated by Noble Mentors and other trained community leaders. While open to the public\, this group is a powerful supplement to mentoring work—providing mentees with real-time opportunities to build relational confidence\, emotional intelligence\, and a supportive sense of community. \nParticipants often experience: \nA deeper sense of connection with othersConversations that move beyond small talkEmotional insight and relational awarenessPractice expressing boundaries and vulnerabilityA growing sense of confidence and belongingIn addition to our monthly Authentic Relating Circling group\, we also host an Authentic Relating Games Nights\, a Philosophical Circle\, day-long workshops\, and weekend trainings. These events are listed on our calendar and are available to all interested clients\, families\, and community members. \nView Upcoming EventsView Upcoming Events URL:https://noblementors.com/event/authentic-relating-group/ LOCATION:Boulder\, CO CATEGORIES:Every Friday ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://noblementors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/diverse-group-young-people-bonding-outdoors-concep-2025-02-10-00-43-39-utc-1-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250625T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000 DTSTAMP:20260706T042046Z CREATED:20250625T140750Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T042046Z UID:1835-1750838400-1798736400@noblementors.com SUMMARY:Men’s Group DESCRIPTION:Men’s GroupMeets every 2 weeks\nNew participants accepted every 3 months 📅 Meets every 2 weeks\n New participants accepted every 3 months \nThis group is for young men who are ready to move beyond isolation\, shallow friendships\, and surface-level conversations. \nLed by a Noble Mentor\, this closed group creates a consistent and supportive space for participants to build community\, explore real-life challenges\, and hold each other accountable to the kind of men they want to become. \nSome weeks focus on group discussion and peer support. Other weeks are activity-based—hikes\, BBQs\, and shared experiences that deepen connection and give participants the chance to be themselves in a relaxed\, natural environment. \nThis group welcomes mentees from all Noble Mentors\, as well as young men from the broader community who are looking for a space to grow in the company of others. \nThemes we explore include \nIntegrity\, responsibility\, and self-disciplineEmotional maturity and healthy masculinityBoundaries and communication in relationshipsNavigating purpose\, work\, and independenceSexuality\, desire\, and healthy intimacyThe impact of pornography and screen addictionResilience\, vulnerability\, and inner strengthThese topics are approached with openness and honesty\, creating space for men to reflect on what’s working in their lives\, what isn’t\, and what kind of future they want to build—for themselves and in relationship with others. \nThis is not a drop-in group. New members are accepted through a short application and interview process when the group opens to new participants (every 3 months). \nIf you are interested in joining\, please fill out the interest form below. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n First Name \n \n Email \n \n \n \n Last Name \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Age \n \n \n \n What’s something you’re currently wrestling with in your life (emotionally\, relationally\, or spiritually)? \n \n \n \n What kind of growth or support are you seeking from this experience? \n \n \n \n What draws you to a men’s group at this time in your life? \n \n \n \n Are there any mental health challenges\, addictions\, or major life events that would be helpful for us to be aware of before you join? (All answers are confidential.) \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n× URL:https://noblementors.com/event/mens-group/ LOCATION:Boulder\, CO CATEGORIES:Applications Open Every 3 Months,Meets Biweekly ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://noblementors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/diverse-group-young-people-bonding-outdoors-concep-2025-02-10-00-43-39-utc-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250625T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000 DTSTAMP:20260805T234700Z CREATED:20250625T140916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T234700Z UID:1837-1750838400-1798736400@noblementors.com SUMMARY:Wilderness Retreats & Rites of Passage DESCRIPTION:Wilderness Retreats & Rites of PassageHeld in wild locations in the\nRocky Mountains of Colorado.Offered seasonally\nRanging from 1-day to weeklong experiencesWilderness Retreats &\n Rites of Passage \n“Going into the wilderness is not to escape life\, but to find it.”\n— John Muir \nThere are moments in life that ask for stillness\, solitude\, and something deeper than conversation. For many\, those moments are best met in nature.\nOur wilderness-based retreats offer young adults the opportunity to disconnect from the noise of daily life and step into direct relationship with the land\, their inner world\, and the deeper forces shaping who they are becoming. \nThese retreats vary in length and intensity—from one-day walkabouts to weekend immersions and full weeklong vision quests. Each experience includes both group connection and solo time\, supported by trained staff and structured ceremonies. Some retreats include traditional elements such as sweat lodges\, tipi councils\, solo fasts\, or threshold walks\, all held with reverence and care. \nWhile not every retreat is framed as a formal rite of passage\, many participants experience these journeys as turning points—times of letting go\, stepping forward\, and crossing into a new relationship with life\, self\, and purpose. \nThe Shape of an Expedition \nOne Arc\, As Old As Humanity\nExpeditions range from one to six days — three to four days is the sweet spot where the most potent work unfolds. Every journey follows a time-tested initiatory structure. \n\n\n01\nSeverance\nA ritual departure from the familiar — from parents\, from routines\, from the noise — and a conscious crossing of the threshold into the wilderness. \n\n\n02\nThreshold\nThemes\, therapeutic processes\, and ceremony unfold on the trail — including a purposeful test that pushes each participant to their edge inside a safe\, held container. \n\n\n03\nReturn\nBack toward family and civilization — changed by the crossing. The journey closes with an integration ceremony that brings youth and family together to welcome who has come home. \n\n\nWhat Happens Out There \nGateways Into a Deeper Layer of Life\nEven being in the wilderness is healing before anything else begins. During our time together\, the days are woven from these practices: \n\n\nCouncil\nGathering in a circle to listen deeply and speak honestly — learning to engage with respect\, curiosity\, and an open heart. \n\n\nIntentional Silence\nSit spots that carry us through boredom into something quieter and more essential underneath the noise. \n\n\nCeremony & Ritual\nExamining what no longer serves us\, building the courage to let it die\, and listening for what wants to be born. \n\n\nPrimitive Skills\nFire by hand\, carving\, plant identification\, crafting clay — learning to create rather than consume. \n\n\nStory\nOld tales alongside the stories of our own lives — archetypes and the hero’s journey\, alive in the present moment. \n\n\nPhysical Challenge\nLong miles\, mountain passes\, sun and thunderstorms — discovering what we are truly capable of. \n\n\nCommunity Living\nCooking together\, looking out for one another — and learning repair and real connection when conflict comes. \n\n\nDeep Experience\nBathing in cold water\, summiting for sunrise\, watching wildlife cross a lake — the wilderness itself does the deepest work. \n\n\nRites of Passage \nReal Transformations\, Consciously Honored\nWhen a deeper ceremonial experience is called for — a transition from one stage of life to another — we create the container for that crossing to be honored. These are not just metaphors. They are real identity transformations that require conscious acknowledgment. \nIn practice\, this might look like a young person spending one or two nights alone in the wilderness\, carrying a question about their life — willing to reflect on what is no longer serving them\, and to learn how to ask for help from something larger than themselves. They return to the group having faced something real\, and are received\, witnessed\, and celebrated for what they discovered. \nFor these deeper passages we involve family and community before and after the expedition — because the one who comes back is not the same one who left. And that change belongs to everyone who loves them. \nWho This Is For \nFor the Ones Who Feel Something Stirring\n\n\nFor the young person\nWho senses there is something deeper in them that hasn’t been touched yet. Who is tired of feeling stuck\, disconnected\, or unseen — and ready to do something about it. Who wants to be genuinely challenged\, to find out what they are made of. Who is asking\, even quietly\, even without words: who am I\, and what am I here for? \n\n\nFor the parent\nWho senses their child is stuck and doesn’t know how to help them move. Who is watching their kid disappear into their room or lose themselves in patterns that aren’t serving them. Who wants to give their child a genuine challenge — in nature\, in community\, with experienced guides — and is ready to see them step into the next stage of who they are becoming. \n\n\nWhat Makes This Different \n“We partner adventure with the therapeutic and ceremonial dimensions of development — so the experience becomes genuinely transformational rather than just memorable. We are bringing ceremony back\, in service of young people who deserve more than a hike.” \nWhat to Expect When They Return \nThe Return Is Where It Becomes Real\nWhat happens after matters just as much as what happens out there. Coming back to routines that haven’t changed — while they have — can be the hardest part. This is not a one-trip fix-all; it is part of a greater arc of development. \n\n\n1\nClosing council\nYouth\, guides\, and family gather to honor the return and share the journey’s meaning. \n\n\n2\nMet as who they are now\nParents are coached to welcome the change rather than pull their child back into old patterns. \n\n\n3\nOne-on-one integration\nOngoing mentorship helps make sense of the experience and root it in everyday life. \n\n\n4\nReunions & calls\nGroup reunions in the months that follow keep accountability and connection alive. \n\n\n \n\nA Note on Safety \nHeld With Care\, Every Step\nThe physical\, emotional\, and psychological wellbeing of every participant is the utmost priority. Lead guide Jacob Goldberg is a Wilderness First Responder with six-plus years of wilderness experience\, supporting youth in wilderness settings\, rites of passage\, and one-on-one mentorship. \nA second guide is always present\, and the team is continuously watching\, tracking\, and making the most responsible decisions based on all circumstances. Nothing we do is meant to cause suffering — every challenge is held with care\, intention\, and deep respect for who these young people are becoming. \n\n\nA Note\n for Parents \nWilderness retreats offer something mentoring sessions alone cannot—time away from screens\, social pressures\, and the familiar routines that often keep young people stuck. In the space of the natural world\, many participants reconnect with their own clarity\, confidence\, and sense of purpose. \nThese retreats are carefully designed and professionally led\, with ample support provided both before and after the journey. Whether your child is seeking a fresh perspective\, working through a life transition\, or looking for deeper direction\, a wilderness experience can be a powerful and transformative step. \nIf you or your child are interested in joining an upcoming retreat\, please fill out the interest form below. \nSend a Message \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n ×\n\n\nBegin the Journey \nReady to Step Out of the Noise?\nExpeditions are offered seasonally and space is intentionally small. Start with a conversation — we’ll help you discern whether this journey is the right fit for your family. \nBook a Free ConsultationAsk About Upcoming Retreats URL:https://noblementors.com/event/wilderness-retreats-rites-of-passage/ LOCATION:Western U.S. Wilderness Areas CATEGORIES:Seasonal ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://noblementors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/diverse-group-young-people-bonding-outdoors-concep-2025-02-10-00-43-39-utc-3.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR