For thousands of years, nature-based cultures have created meaningful ways to honor the major transitions in human life. At a time when modern society often lacks a sense of purpose, these ceremonies offer a powerful way to hold and integrate profound change. Earth Solo is a contemporary version of such a rite of passage, a Vision Quest that invites you to spend time alone in nature and return to the essence of what you stand for, who you truly are, and the path you want to follow.
This solo experience can be taken at any moment in life. It is especially supportive when you are navigating a major shift in your relationship, family, or work, stepping into a new role, meeting a personal challenge, or seeking clarity around a question that has been with you for a long time. Earth Solo is designed to gently support personal growth and transformation. Along the journey, the mirror of nature and the support of community guide you toward deeper self-understanding and greater clarity about your life path.
During the Solo, you will spend 24 hours completely alone in a remote wooded valley in Chamai, in the Ardennes, with no contact from the outside world and no distractions. On the first day, the group gathers at Chamai to meet one another and begin the first preparations for your solo time in the forest through the Four Directions model.
On the second morning, you head to the forest base camp. Together, you deepen your intention until it becomes crystal clear. Then you cross the threshold and enter the ceremony. You spend an afternoon, a night, and a morning alone in the forest with only the essentials. This is a time to become intimately receptive to your own life and to take your place among the other beings of the forest. Throughout the ceremony, you are supported by the guides, who wait for your return at the nearby forest base camp.
When you come back, you are welcomed into the human community with a delicious brunch. After that, the group begins sharing stories from the Solo experience, one of the most moving and heartwarming parts of the journey: witnessing and affirming one another’s essence as human beings. Finally, there is time to gently transition from your Solo experience back into daily life.
During the preparation and integration phases of your Solo, you will sleep in your own tent in the private forests of Chamai. If you do not have a tent, a hammock and tarp can be borrowed from us; please mention this in advance when registering. Each day, nourishing vegetarian meals are provided, made with herbs and vegetables from the garden. If you like to snack regularly, bring what you need for yourself or to share with the group. Tea, coffee, and water are always available.
Standard price: 590 euro
Supporter & Business price: 590 euro + VAT, if you would like an invoice for your company
Social rate: 490 euro, available only on request by email
Your registration is complete once you have filled out the registration form and transferred the full amount to the specified account, with the mention “Earth Solo 2024.” By registering, you commit to taking part in the weekend. If the organizing team needs to cancel the weekend, a new date will be arranged in consultation with the group. If, due to circumstances, you can no longer attend, the full weekend fee remains due unless you find a replacement participant.
Sophie Vandenkerchove feels deeply connected to both inner and outer Wild Nature. She has practiced Zen meditation in the Korean tradition for many years and has received several ordinations in local Druidism and Celtic Shamanism. She also trained as a Wilderness Rites of Passage Guide at the School of Lost Borders in California.
Her favorite place is the forest, or the pilgrimage routes in the Ardennes, where she has received some of her deepest insights about life. Sophie grew up in the forests of the Ardennes, where she felt a strong connection to the land of her ancestors as a child. After roaming wild places in the cities, she returned to her ancestral village. There, she founded Chamai, a retreat center where she guides trainings, Vision Quests, and nature weekends.
Sep 11-13, 2026
3 day event
Daily Schedule:
Chamai
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information