Survival School in the North Woods

You've walked through the Wild at Heart Retreat, and now you're ready for something deeper—something that meets the demands of the hour we're living in. 

Wild at Heart Survival School is a 4-day advanced retreat designed for men who are looking to go beyond initiation and dive into a life of radical discipleship. 

Led by John Eldredge and his team through a series of curated video sessions, this event invites you to experience powerful teaching, guided reflections, and transformative prayer—all within the safety and camaraderie of a group of men who are seeking more.

Why Survival School?

In today’s world, it’s not enough to survive—you need to thrive. Survival School is the manual for doing just that. You’ll be invited to step into the heart of reality, where Jesus Christ is not just an idea but the integrating force of all things, including your life. These sessions are unapologetic, real, and designed to help you navigate life’s deepest challenges with a new strength.

Through ten sessions of immersive teaching, you'll learn how to connect more deeply with God, find stability in chaotic times, and live out your calling as a man.

What to Expect

Survival School is intense and unapologetic. It’s a four-day journey designed to push you, challenge you, and strengthen your walk with God in ways that will change your life. Each day, you’ll engage with teachings that get to the heart of what it means to be a man in this hour, inviting you to face the instability of the world with confidence, knowing you are fully equipped to thrive.

When: 

• Thursday, October 2nd (5 pm) - Sunday, October 5th (12 pm)

• Check-in is between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Thursday. The event will end around noon on Sunday

Where:

• Riverbend Refuge

• 65328 County Rd 235, Effie, MN 56639

• ~4-hour drive from Minneapolis area

Cost: 

• $350

• Payment Method: Venmo Austin at @Austin-Schmitt-6 

• *Note: Your Registration is not final until payment has been received

• Non-refundable within 30 days of the event.

• Price includes all food (dinner on 10/2 through lunch on 10/5), snacks, lodging, and all event materials. 

  • Price does not include transportation to the event.

• This is a life-changing event, and we do not want the cost to be prohibitive; if costs are an issue for you, please contact one of us regarding a scholarship opportunity

Sleeping Arrangements:

• We will have a house, a Yurt, and multiple RVs set up for lodging. However, we are in northern MN, and if you have any interest in sleeping under the stars, feel free to bring a tent.

• Room assignments will be random unless you specify preferred roommates on the sign-up sheet; we will try to accommodate roommate requests best

• Bring your own bedding (pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, etc.), toiletries, and towels

What to Expect:

• There will be several sessions each day, along with self-reflection questions for your personal time

• To allow the opportunity for self-reflection, there will be several designated periods of mandatory silence

• The weekend will have periods of free time for adventure, rest, camaraderie, or whatever your soul needs, including shooting, bonfires, lawn games, canoe/kayaks, sauna, and hiking/exploring

• Feel free to bring anything else that you may want. Pistols, bows, extra snacks, games, etc. 

• This event is designed to be experienced "off the grid;" it is mandatory that you unplug and only use cell phones in emergencies. Feel free to give our numbers to loved ones if they need to reach you.

• There will be a contact number for emergencies: Skip - 612-770-1314 and Austin - 612-269-5539

Groups are welcome.  On the sign-up sheet, please specify what group you're a part of.

For questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Skip or Austin.