You may have a bunch of questions. The best way to get them answered is to set up a brief call with us so you can get a feel for who we are and whether our programs are a match for what you're looking for. You can get in touch here.
In the meantime here are a few answers to some common questions we get.
What the hell is a cairn?
A lot of guys have asked this question. It's a man-made pile of stones used to mark a trail or a place of significance. Even though it's not a well-known word, we encounter cairns on hikes in the Tetons and we like how it relates to the metaphorical purpose and value of our retreats.
What's the difference between The Traverse and The Retreat?
There are significant differences. The Traverse is designed to help guys get somewhere - move through a transitional phase, a change in career or relationship or lifestage, or to get unstuck and head in a new direction. It's a 4 month program, with a short in person retreat to start and end the program, and includes coaching and monthly community calls with your group. The Retreat is a one-time experience, bringing together guys for 5 days to pause, reflect and gain new insights. It's an opportunity to reset and reconnect with yourself.
Who joins your programs?
Guys range in age from their 20s to 70s. We may have stalled, stumbled, strayed, or even become a little lost on our life's path. We are looking for new insights to help us clear the brush and discover new possibilities. The challenges we face range from career, marriage or relationship, to family, self-worth, faith or health.
Do you do hikes on all of your programs? How hard is it? How fit do I have to be?
Integral to our approach is to get outside, to have fun and to explore beautiful places. We believe time in nature, and moving our bodies can be profoundly helpful. Our hikes range in length from about 5 miles to 10 miles each, with some significant elevation change. We think most men who are reasonably fit can handle the hikes. We are happy to talk with you and answer any concerns you may have about your fitness for the experience.
When in-person on The Traverse or The Retreat, what's a typical day look like?
Our days are long and satisfying. We typically rise for coffee around 7 AM and end our days around a fire with a beer around 9 PM. Each day includes some yoga in the mornings, a facilitated conversation or activity, a hike, three meals, some down time to reflect or journal independently and an evening session to share stories, insights and laughter from the day.
What's the food like?
Sharing delicious meals together and staying fueled up for our hikes is an important part of our time together. While our menus will vary, we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, try to source local and organic ingredients as much as possible and make sure dietary restrictions are accommodated.
What's your refund policy if I can't make it for some reason?
If you cancel more than 60 days in advance of your program start date you will receive a full refund (less a 3% processing fee).
Cancellations between 31-60 days prior to the start of your program will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations 30 days or less prior to the start of your program are not eligible for a refund.
If you need to cancel at any time you have the option of applying 90% of your paid amount to the next date of the same program. Meaning you will have to pay an additional 10% of tuition to secure your spot on the next program.
What about travel to and from the in person part of The Traverse or The Retreat?
Once you sign up we provide you with specific travel guidance for your program. You are responsible for your own travel to and from our locations. Once you arrive to the local airport, we provide all local transportation.
In the meantime here are a few answers to some common questions we get.
What the hell is a cairn?
A lot of guys have asked this question. It's a man-made pile of stones used to mark a trail or a place of significance. Even though it's not a well-known word, we encounter cairns on hikes in the Tetons and we like how it relates to the metaphorical purpose and value of our retreats.
What's the difference between The Traverse and The Retreat?
There are significant differences. The Traverse is designed to help guys get somewhere - move through a transitional phase, a change in career or relationship or lifestage, or to get unstuck and head in a new direction. It's a 4 month program, with a short in person retreat to start and end the program, and includes coaching and monthly community calls with your group. The Retreat is a one-time experience, bringing together guys for 5 days to pause, reflect and gain new insights. It's an opportunity to reset and reconnect with yourself.
Who joins your programs?
Guys range in age from their 20s to 70s. We may have stalled, stumbled, strayed, or even become a little lost on our life's path. We are looking for new insights to help us clear the brush and discover new possibilities. The challenges we face range from career, marriage or relationship, to family, self-worth, faith or health.
Do you do hikes on all of your programs? How hard is it? How fit do I have to be?
Integral to our approach is to get outside, to have fun and to explore beautiful places. We believe time in nature, and moving our bodies can be profoundly helpful. Our hikes range in length from about 5 miles to 10 miles each, with some significant elevation change. We think most men who are reasonably fit can handle the hikes. We are happy to talk with you and answer any concerns you may have about your fitness for the experience.
When in-person on The Traverse or The Retreat, what's a typical day look like?
Our days are long and satisfying. We typically rise for coffee around 7 AM and end our days around a fire with a beer around 9 PM. Each day includes some yoga in the mornings, a facilitated conversation or activity, a hike, three meals, some down time to reflect or journal independently and an evening session to share stories, insights and laughter from the day.
What's the food like?
Sharing delicious meals together and staying fueled up for our hikes is an important part of our time together. While our menus will vary, we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, try to source local and organic ingredients as much as possible and make sure dietary restrictions are accommodated.
What's your refund policy if I can't make it for some reason?
If you cancel more than 60 days in advance of your program start date you will receive a full refund (less a 3% processing fee).
Cancellations between 31-60 days prior to the start of your program will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations 30 days or less prior to the start of your program are not eligible for a refund.
If you need to cancel at any time you have the option of applying 90% of your paid amount to the next date of the same program. Meaning you will have to pay an additional 10% of tuition to secure your spot on the next program.
What about travel to and from the in person part of The Traverse or The Retreat?
Once you sign up we provide you with specific travel guidance for your program. You are responsible for your own travel to and from our locations. Once you arrive to the local airport, we provide all local transportation.
Have questions? Want to learn more?
Email Jerry at [email protected] or text him on 703-717-3603 and share your name and interest in Cairn & Sky.
If you want to set up a call, you can book that here.
Email Jerry at [email protected] or text him on 703-717-3603 and share your name and interest in Cairn & Sky.
If you want to set up a call, you can book that here.