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Jae Foundation Retreats

  • Two Locations, 1 Goal: Self-Leadership

Self-leadership, Growth, & Healing:

Jae Foundation Retreats are immersive 4-day, 3 night experiences designed to help individuals step away from daily pressures and focus on personal growth, healing, and connection. These retreats guide participants through a self-leadership journey, combining leadership training, mental wellness strategies and community-building activities to equip individuals with the tools needed to lead healthier, more balanced lives.

For more information on Idaho Retreats:

jamie@jaefoundation.com

For more information on Wyoming Retreats:

jansen@jaefoundation.com

Retreat Locations:

Double J Ranch - Daniel, Wyoming

The Lodge at Deep Creek - Twin Falls, Idaho

Real Stories From Real People

Hear From Our Retreat Attendees
"Dear Friend of the Jae Foundation, Thank you so much for your immense generosity. Because of you, my life has forever changed. I have dealt with and attempted suicide in my past. This experience has made me realize the value that I possess and also the value in which is in every person. The Jae Foundation is incredible and truly has saved my life. I have never met people so authentic and amazing. I hope you know how much you have impacted me and thousands of other people. We aren't done yet!"
- A Summer 2025 Retreat Participant
- A Summer 2025 Retreat Participant
"Dear Friend of the Jae Foundation, Thank you! This retreat has honestly been a life-changing experience. I have learned more about myself in the last few days that I maybe have in my 20 years of life. Thanks to you for this opportunity. I hope to be a better light to the world and live my life with more purpose and passion. Hopefully one day, I will get the opportunity to meet you guys."
- A Grateful Retreat Participant
- A Grateful Retreat Participant
"Dear Friend of the Jae Foundation, Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity. As a young male there isn't many places that you can be vulnerable and cry and talk about things that really bother us. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to be comfortable enough to share about my problems. This retreat has been so powerful and I have learned so much. People like you are able to make such a difference in my life and the lives of my peers. Thank you!"
- A 2025 Retreat Participant
- A 2025 Retreat Participant
"What an amazing place, fish filled streams, sunrises over the Wind River Mountains, campfires morning and evenings, trail horse riding. When we arrived we were asked how we felt, the response was nervous, anxious, and excited. It did not take long for the nerves to settle and a group of strangers to come together as a support group of friends. I arrived solo as one of the newest having to deal with the loss off my daughter Delainie 29 years old. I never shared this while at the ranch but I had turned all pictures of Delainie around and had a hard time seeing pictures as they showed up on my phone. I also had difficulty talking about her. But through the few days we spent together and the leadership of Jason; Talking about ourselves and our stories the group asking to see her pictures and hear stories about her. When I got home I turned all the pictures back around and have found a purpose to start conversations about her and what happened, to hopefully prevent someone else from having to experience the loss this way (It’s amazing when you start talking to people how many people have had experience with family members dealing with mental health issues). My many thanks for being invited and the opportunity to attend."
- Dan Glodowski
- Dan Glodowski
"To say my time at the Double J Ranch was amazing, would be an understatement. I have never been one to slow down and take in the amazing power of the outdoors. Between the beautiful ranch we stayed at and the horse ride in the Pine Dale Mountains, it was breathtaking. The one thing that stood out the most was the amazing people, just like myself that have lost loved ones to suicide and the transformation that the Double J Ranch and the Jae Foundation has had on each and every one of us. When I was seventeen years old, I lost my brother, best friend, and hero (SUPERMAN) to suicide. I will never forget that day and the phone call I got almost fourteen years ago now. After almost backing out of the opportunity I had to go to the Double J Ranch because of the unknown, I packed myself and my beautiful wife up and headed to the ranch. Over the four days we were at the ranch, I was able to remember and talk about my brother. There was laughter and a lot of tears but most of all there was healing. If not for this experience, I would still be living a life with the loss of my brother, out of sight, out of mind. After the first two days there, I was able to let down my walls and really remember my brother and let the loss of him back into my life. I thought about the amazing person he is and how my story can help others like myself. I want to thank the Double J Ranch, Jason, and everyone that has given me the opportunity to have light and happiness back in my life."
- Dylon Baker
- Dylon Baker
"After Cole's death, our family knew that we needed to do certain things to deal with our grief. Each of us went to one on one counseling. We all were dealing with the loss of Cole differently. Our family has been able to continue with our lives with our broken hearts. When we were invited to the retreat at the Double J, I wasn't sure if my husband and daughter would be willing to attend a retreat. My daughter thought it would be nice to get away from home and spend some time outdoors. My husband was reluctant, especially not knowing exactly what it would be like. The group from the Jae Foundation was very welcoming. The first evening we were all a little nervous not knowing what was going to happen. The ranch was beautiful and a very comfortable place to be. Once we started to talk to the other guests at the retreat, we quickly became comfortable getting to know each other. Doing outdoor activities with people going through the same pain you are going through is very healing. It was very helpful to be able to so openly share and receive encouragement and advice from those going through your same journey. It's hard to open up and be vulnerable, but doing so during this retreat, resulted in my daughter, husband, and I healing more in our journey to figure out how to go on without Cole here with us. The Jae Foundation Double J Retreat was a significant event in our healing journey. The friends we met during the retreat will make an impact on our lives forever."
- Andrea Allen
- Andrea Allen
"On the first day of the retreat, I mentioned 'Hopeful' as what I wanted to get out of this retreat. I found this hope by sharing my story with others. I feel that others found hope in their journey of grief through me and the other group members sharing their stories. Not only did we find hope but we also felt purpose in sharing our journeys as a group with a common bond. The retreat was what I needed to find my purpose. Jason facilitated a well-structured group, which made us all feel comfortable and appreciated. The exercises were eye-opening and perfect for the group. The facilities were top-notch and very comfortable. I would be honored to participate again."
- Carole Richie
- Carole Richie

Retreat Videos

2025 Teen Outreach Retreat Video:

2025 Deep Creek Teen Retreat Video:

2025 Athletes Retreat Video:

2024 Athletes Retreat Video:

2024 Young Adults Retreat Video:

2024 Teen Outreach Retreat Video:

Frequently asked questions about

Jae Foundation Retreats

Jae Foundation Retreats are transformational experiences designed to support self-leadership, healing, personal growth, and community connection. Each retreat creates a transformational experience where participants can recharge, build meaningful relationships, and experience encouragement, hope and a future.

The mission of Jae Foundation Retreats is to create transformational experiences that inspire healing, leadership, connection, and hope for every participant.

Currently Jae Foundation Retreats are held at the Lodge at Deep Creek (Twin Falls, Idaho) and at the Double J Ranch (Daniel, Wyoming).   In future years, the majority of retreats will be held at the Boot-Check Sports Ranch in Twin Falls, Idaho with the exception of the Idaho and Wyoming Teen Retreats and our Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones Retreat.

Participant selection varies depending on the retreat:
  • Teen participants apply through links shared on Jae Foundation social media platforms in early March.
  • Men’s Retreat participants are selected through prayerful consideration and personal outreach.
  • Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones are families the Jae Foundation has supported throughout the year and are ready for a retreat experience.
  • Boot-Check Certified Businesses are identified by the Boot-Check Certified Business team.  Please email Malan at malan@jaefoundation.com for more information. 
  • College retreat participants are selected directly by the university or colleges in which they attend.
  • World Changers participants are referred by colleges and friends of the Jae Foundation.
There are many ways to support Jae Foundation Retreats, including:
  • Cooking meals for participants
  • Coordinating volunteers
  • Greeting and welcoming participants at Jae’s Place
  • Assisting with transportation and logistics
  • Cleaning and organizing retreat locations
Every volunteer plays an important role in creating a meaningful and transformational retreat experience.

The retreats are led by Jae Foundation leaders and content is designed by Jae Foundation Founder, Jason Vickrey.  Dedicated volunteers, retreat leaders, and interns also assist in the execution of retreats.

Retreat interns help create an exceptional experience for all participants by:
  • Preparing retreat materials and welcome bags
  • Stocking drinks, snacks, and supplies
  • Assisting with cabin and lodging preparation
  • Supporting daily retreat operations
  • Helping maintain retreat locations

Jae Foundation Retreats are funded through generous community support, partnerships, fundraising efforts, and annual auction proceeds that help provide life-changing retreat experiences for participants.

Eligibility depends on the specific retreat program. Opportunities are available for teens, families, business leaders, college students, and individuals seeking personal growth and healing experiences.

Follow Jae Foundation on social media and visit www.jaefoundation.com for retreat announcements, application links, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.

Please email Jamie Shetler at jamie@jaefoundation.com for more information. 

Are You in Crisis?

If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You can also reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.