Return to the Forest: A Week of Solitude, Ceremony, and Remembering.
Step beyond the noise of everyday life and into the living wisdom of the forest. This week-long, guided immersion, inspired by the timeless spirit of the vision quest, invites you to prepare, fast, and spend one, two, or three nights alone in nature, supported by experienced guides.
Through solitude, ceremony, and a deep relationship with the land, participants return to what is essential.
This inaugural Forest Immersion marks the beginning of a living tradition—one we envision returning year after year as a place of deep remembrance, transformation, and connection with the natural world.
There are several ways to participate.
If you are not called to the full forest solitude experience this year, you are warmly invited to join as a Supporter.
As part of the support team, you will help hold the container for participants while gaining firsthand experience of the process, preparing you to step more deeply into the journey in future years.
This vision is being brought to life through the collaboration of Stefanie Frank and Andrea Calderón Raincloud.
Andrea serves as our guide, ally, and wisdom keeper, carrying a long lineage of ceremonial tradition and having guided hundreds of people through Vision Quest and Sun Dance.
Stefanie recently completed her own four-year Vision Quest commitment, and this offering is the fruition of a lifelong calling—a vision that has led her to create this experience for our community at The N.E.S.T.
Together, we welcome you to be part of the first generation of what we hope will become an enduring tradition of returning to the forest, to community, and to our true nature.
What to Expect:
A nourishing week-long immersion in a supportive community setting
Wholesome, cleansing meals to prepare your body and mind for the forest experience
A traditional Sweat Lodge ceremony for purification and intention setting
Guidance in creating your personal forest solitude space with care and support
Preparation teachings to help you enter your solo time with clarity, confidence, and purpose
Supported forest solitude with your choice of one, two, or three nights in nature
Experienced guidance throughout the journey, offering support while honoring the integrity of your solitude
Integration practices and group sharing to help you embody the insights and gifts of your experience
A held community container before, during, and after the immersion, fostering connection, reflection, and lasting transformation
Testimonials:
“Stefanie and Andrea and the entire team were the most hospitable and compassionate people. Andrea is the "Real Deal" and allowed a space for an immense healing to happen within me.
My stay at the N.E.S.T. was incredible. It always is, but this time I allowed for the full immersion experience, and it did not disappoint. These are ALL people that can be trusted to accompany us for our higher good”.
Barron W.
Your Guides:
Andrea Raincloud- Curandera, Mystic, and Guardian of Ancestral Medicines
With more than 25 years on the path of ancestral medicine, Andrea Raincloud serves as a guardian of ancient altars and a vital guide in the recovery of ancient wisdom across the Americas and Europe.
Her path is distinguished by a unique ceremonial responsibility: she held the leadership and headship as Woman Drum Chief of the Sun Dance, the only woman in the continent to hold this sacred role. Recognized for her Sacred Awakolla songs and the power of her prayers, Andrea dedicates her life to caring for and preserving the ancient rites of humanity, honoring our ancestors, and upholding the sacred knowledge of the unseen worlds. Her life’s purpose is consecrated to the knowledge of the Spirit and the preservation of the sacred rituality of our humanity.
Listen & Learn more about Andrea:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRiB5pXCVr9/?igsh=cW5pcjVzYzhuaHkx
Stefanie Frank is the founder and director of ESKFF Nest, a healing arts refuge and retreat center in Woodstock, NY. As a visionary retreat leader, she creates transformative experiences for spiritual and holistic well-being, weaving together music, sound healing, flute, dance, and breathwork. She is deeply passionate about designing nature-based, spiritually diverse ceremonies and rituals that open the door to profound personal growth and healing.
Investment:
Pricing will be announced soon.
We anticipate the seven-day immersion to be in the $1,000–$1,800 range, with community-supported tiered pricing to make participation as accessible as possible.
We encourage those who feel called to begin setting funds aside now.
Day participation options will also be available for those who wish to support the journey without attending the full immersion.