Labor Day weekend took an unexpected turn for me this year. Instead of my usual routine of career coaching, spreading optimism, and helping individuals uncover their best selves, I found myself in a rehab of sorts. Now, before you jump to conclusions, this wasn’t a traditional rehab. It wasn’t for substances or alcohol—it was for something much more subtle but just as addictive. I was there to get off my drug of choice: my cell phone.
In this modern world, the constant buzzing, pinging, and flashing of notifications have become the background noise of our lives. For many of us, including myself, our phones have transformed from helpful tools into seemingly inseparable appendages. Between Instagram scrolling, TikTok videos, and checking emails, my thumb was more in touch with my screen than I was with myself. And so, I entered Third Nature, an adult camp designed to reconnect people not only with nature but with the most important essence of all—ourselves.
The Camp That Changed Everything
From the moment I stepped into the serene environment of Rhinebeck’s Camp Satico, I felt something different. There was a stillness, a quiet calm that I hadn’t realized I had been missing. Surrounded by towering trees, open skies, and the gentle hum of life, I felt a return to my roots—both to nature and to my inner self. The air was different here, but more than the physical environment, it was the emotional one that truly struck me.
At Third Nature, the minute you drive through the gates, you are greeted not just with open arms but with open hearts. The camp embraces you for exactly who you are, no pretense, no façade, no judgment. It’s a place where you are seen—not through the filters of social media but through the clear and compassionate eyes of fellow human beings. That, in itself, was profound.
The camp experience leader, Brian Helfman, and his incredible team have created a sanctuary where the primary goal is to reconnect us to what it means to be human. In today’s world, that might sound cliché, but think about it for a moment. When was the last time you really looked into someone’s eyes, felt their energy, or heard the nuances in their voice? When was the last time you engaged in a conversation that wasn’t punctuated by a phone-checking session or interrupted by an email notification?
The Beauty of True Connection
As I explained to Brian during one of our many heart-to-heart talks, getting back in touch with humanity is one of the most powerful remedies for the challenges we face today. When we isolate ourselves behind screens, we lose out on the richness of real, human connection. At Third Nature, you experience the polar opposite. There, the only thing you “swipe” is a paddle through a lake; the only “scrolling” is your eyes across a stunning sunset. You connect with people in the most authentic way possible—through direct, personal interaction.
This was not just a break from technology; it was a deep dive into the heart of humanity. I was fortunate enough to co-host a workshop with my dear friend Andrea Koppel, who brought her wisdom, intuition, and stories on how magic life can become when you open yourself to the numerous gifts the universe has for us. I conducted how you take that magic and turn it into powerful storytelling to help guide the attendees on how to craft their career stories. We called it “This Magic Life,” and the experience of sharing, connecting, and witnessing so many different life journeys was nothing short of transformative.
There is a soulfulness to in-person connection that cannot be replicated through a screen.
Healing Through Nature and Community
If you’ve ever felt disconnected—from others, from yourself, or even from your own purpose—Third Nature Adult Camp is the answer.
It’s a prescription for the soul, one that we all need, whether we realize it or not. For me, it was a revelation. Being surrounded by people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, I was reminded that we are all on this journey together. Whether you’re 22 or over 40, like many of us at the camp, there’s a shared human experience that binds us.
And this is the very essence of what I preach in my coaching work. When I help clients, I always emphasize the importance of community—of surrounding yourself with people who not only support you but also challenge and inspire you to be your best self. At Third Nature, I was able to practice what I preach. I was reminded of how crucial it is to step out of our digital bubbles and immerse ourselves in real, tangible human interactions.
For anyone who feels that they lack a true sense of community, I can’t recommend this camp enough. Third Nature is held over Labor Day weekend, but its impact lasts fall year as our connection continues throughout the year with monthly meet-ups so we can all stay connected in person. It’s not just about detoxing from technology; it’s about reconnecting to yourself and to others in the most profound way possible.
Conclusion: A Grateful Heart
As I reflect on my time at Third Nature, I feel immense gratitude. Gratitude for the space that allowed me to rediscover parts of myself I hadn’t realized I’d lost. Gratitude for the intergenerational connections I made, where age was irrelevant, and the only thing that mattered was the heart. And gratitude for leaders like Brian Helfman, Brian Ardivan, and Andrea. Also a big shout out to my friend Andrea Koppel, who helped facilitate this incredible experience.
In a world that often feels disconnected, places like Third Nature are a reminder that we don’t have to live that way. We can choose connection, community, and authenticity. And sometimes, all it takes is a weekend in the woods to bring us back to what truly matters.
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