OREGON MEN’S COACHING RETREATS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
Rated ★★★★★by our Primal participants
Transformational experiences for men seeking greater purpose, self-awareness, self-control, brotherhood and spiritual connection. Designed for courageous men prepared to face themselves.
TRANSFORM INTO THE MAN YOU WANT TO BE
Congratulations for listening to the call to be a better man. My name is Joel and I have spent my life pursuing adversity and spirituality to understand my mind, body and soul. I help courageous men become the best versions of themselves.
I will guide you toward becoming more grounded, conscious, and aligned so that you will have the tools to respond to life more effectively. Through nature based personalized coaching, group gatherings, and transformative wilderness retreats in Central Oregon, I help you navigate your inner world, regain your life-force and emerge as your most authentic self.
No performance.
No guru culture.
No empty positivity.
Just honest work that helps you become stronger mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Take your first courageous step…
“The space Joel holds is profoundly safe and welcoming, allowing everyone to drop their armor, tune into their authentic selves and remember what it means to be truly alive”
-Greg Lowell. La Pine, OR
Meet your guide: Joel van der Loon
why I walk this path…
As a certified spiritual life coach and sound healing coach, my approach is rooted in energy work and spirituality. I traveled the world for 14 years, learned from the Hadza hunter-gatherer culture in Africa, trained in combat sports to confront fear directly, spent 40 days alone in the wilderness on the television series Alone, and dedicated myself to meditation, shamanic drumming, and psychedelic medicines as tools for self-inquiry and expanded awareness. Nature has always been my teacher, my medicine and my church.
Some of my greatest lessons came not through adventure, but through personal loss, divorce, and confronting the stories that were shaping my life. I realized I wasn’t truly seeking adventure as much as truth—stripping away distraction and going within to better understand my mind, body, emotions, and spirit. I craved to feel more connected and regulated when surrounding by chaos.
Through these experiences I find myself a more surrendered, joyful, and purposeful man.
IS THIS FOR ME?
This work is simply about becoming more grounded, self aware and authentic through courageous self exploration. I created this space for men who feel that same pull toward something deeper, honest, and real.
What makes this work unique is the integration of wilderness challenge, nature connection, spirituality, self-discovery, and authentic human connection. Rather than offering answers, I provide a space and framework for you to develop greater self-awareness, reconnect with your authentic self, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and intention.
It is an honor to share what I have learned and walk alongside others on their journey of growth and transformation.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
“Joel’s method of instruction is clear and concise. You get the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of words. I highly value that as a United States Marine and an instructor myself.”
—Brian Wood
San Diego, CA
“Joels teaching style is patient, precise, and deeply grounded-He has a rare ability to translate years of real-world experience into lessons that stick.
—Jeff Stratman
Sisters, OR
“What stands out most is Joel’s ability to meet people wherever they’re at. Whether you are brand new or already experienced, he knows how to teach in a way that actually sticks.
—Bijan Taherkhan.
Bend, OR
“Any man seeking a heart centered transformative experience in the natural world, definitely sign up for one of Joel’s gatherings”
—JesseGardner .
Portland, OR
CORPORATE & TEAM BUILDING
I offer private, custom-built experiences for individuals and groups in Central Oregon.
I’ve trained everyone from military and law enforcement to families, scouts, corporate teams, school groups, and individuals with disabilities—each experience tailored for real impact, confidence, and growth.
Prefer to train elsewhere? I can travel to you and help secure an ideal training site nationally in the US.
Request a quote by contacting us below and include your preferred dates, location, and group size. Let’s build something exceptional.
