July Inward
Dive Fund Retreat
A supported, legally facilitated psilocybin retreat for eligible justice-impacted participants — held July 17–19, 2026 at Fernlove Retreat Center in Gaston, Oregon.
This page brings together the key information participants need before, during, and after the retreat — including travel, lodging, meals, schedule, optional research participation, privacy, media consent, participant forms, and post-retreat support.
A grounded weekend, designed around participant care
The July Inward Dive Fund Retreat is being designed for eligible justice-impacted participants who have completed the application, screening, and one-on-one intake process.
The retreat takes place over one weekend at Fernlove Retreat Center. Participants arrive Friday, stay onsite through the weekend, take part in their assigned journey day, join integration and closing activities, and depart Sunday. The intention is a supportive, grounded environment where participants can prepare, journey, rest, integrate, and return home with care.
Up to 16 participants
The current plan is for up to 16 total participants across two journey days, in a private, contained retreat setting reserved for one group at a time.
Two journey days
8 participants journey on Friday, July 17, and 8 participants journey on Saturday, July 18. Each participant is assigned to one journey day.
Invitation & enrollment only
All participation is by invitation and enrollment only, following application review and a one-on-one conversation with the retreat team.
How participation is confirmed
Participation is not confirmed until you have completed the required intake and enrollment steps and received confirmation from the retreat team. The process generally includes:
Application received
You submit an application for the July 2026 Inward Dive Fund Retreat.
Initial review
The retreat team reviews eligibility, justice-impacted status, availability, and basic fit.
One-on-one with Henry
Henry Fields meets with you to assess fit, answer questions, and determine whether you should move forward.
Qualification decision
The team confirms whether you are qualified and enrolled, waitlisted, need more information, or are not a fit for this retreat.
Enrollment confirmation
You receive a confirmation email with next steps, your assigned journey date if known, and a timeline for final logistics.
Preparation materials sent
You receive preparation information, service center details, health & safety reminders, transportation and lodging information, and contacts.
Optional research invitation
You receive the optional research summary and consent information. This is clearly separate from retreat enrollment.
Media consent, if relevant
You receive separate photo, video, audio, and story release language, with clear opt-in / opt-out choices.
Final logistics confirmation
You receive final arrival time, location, transportation, lodging, meals, a what-to-bring list, and your day-of contact.
Retreat & follow-up
You attend the retreat and any agreed-upon research, integration, or follow-up activities.
The core retreat experience is covered
For enrolled participants, you do not need to pay for the core retreat experience, preparation, facilitation, or post-retreat orientation.
Covered for enrolled participants
- Preparation and orientation before the retreat
- Participation in the retreat itself
- Licensed psilocybin services connected to the retreat
- Facilitation and support during the retreat
- Post-retreat orientation and integration support
- One group shuttle from Portland International Airport to Fernlove
- One group shuttle from Fernlove back to Portland International Airport
The one shared cost
Lodging and food are not fully covered by the retreat budget. The estimated cost is $350 per participant, requested on a sliding scale so cost is never a barrier to participation.
See the sliding scaleA sliding scale, so cost is never a barrier
The retreat budget does not currently cover all participant lodging and food costs. Participants are asked to contribute toward this cost on a sliding scale.
The sliding scale is intended to make sure cost is not a barrier. No participant should decline participation because they cannot afford the lodging and food contribution.
Pay the actual cost
If you're able to, contribute the full estimated cost of your lodging and food.
Pay what's possible
Pay less or nothing if that's what's possible for you right now. This will not affect your participation.
Pay it forward
Pay more if you're able and want to help cover lodging and food costs for another participant.
We don't want cost to prevent anyone from attending.The actual cost of lodging and food is approximately $350 per participant. Contribute on a sliding scale: pay the actual cost if you can, pay less or nothing if needed, or contribute more if you're able and would like to help support another participant.
Make your contributionThe "Make your contribution" button links to the Sheri Eckert Foundation donation page. Enrolled participants will also confirm contribution details directly with the retreat team — there is no fixed amount required to attend.
Fully onsite at Fernlove Retreat Center
The retreat is currently planned to take place fully at Fernlove Retreat Center in Gaston, Oregon — on Scoggins Valley Road, near Hagg Lake.
The team selected Fernlove so participants can remain onsite for the weekend, reduce unnecessary transportation, and support a more grounded experience before, during, and after their journey day.
A private, forested retreat on 30 acres near Hagg Lake
Fernlove offers a private, forested retreat environment with onsite lodging, shared gathering spaces, outdoor areas, and a licensed psilocybin service center. Exact participant sleeping assignments will be confirmed before the retreat.
Fernlove · near Hagg Lake, Oregon
Fernlove Retreat Center is a quiet forested retreat property located on 30 private acres in Gaston, Oregon. The property includes private tiny cabins, forest trails, gathering spaces, and a licensed psilocybin service center designed to support retreat-based care, reflection, rest, and group connection.
The retreat is planned to take place fully onsite so participants can arrive, settle in, stay through the weekend, and have time for preparation, rest, integration, and closing before returning home.
Property spaces & amenities
Main house
Shared indoor spaces for meals, rest, gathering, and retreat support.
- Fully equipped kitchen & dining room
- Living room with wood stove & outdoor deck
- Washer/dryer, dishwasher, heating & A/C
- High-speed WiFi & multiple bathrooms
Eight tiny cabins
Private cabins tucked among the trees, with a nearby detached bathhouse.
- Seven private cabins with full beds
- One cabin with a twin bunk bed
- Heating, A/C, electricity & lighting
- Detached bathhouse for showers & restrooms
Licensed service center
A calm, neutral, supportive interior environment with an onsite permitted service center representative.
- Spacious ceremony room & connected outdoor area
- Mattresses, bolsters, blankets, linens & yoga mats
- Speaker system, restroom, heating & A/C
Forest & outdoor spaces
The 30-acre property offers room for rest, reflection, and connection with nature.
- Forest trails & an open meadow for gatherings
- Quiet reflection areas & onsite parking
- Walking access to Hagg Lake
A whole landscape made for healing
A licensed psilocybin service center and yoga studio, a main lodge, cabins and a tiny off-grid cabin, and walking trails threading through the forest and down toward Hagg Lake. The property is reserved for one group at a time, creating a private and contained retreat environment.
Where you'll sleep
Exact sleeping arrangements haven't been confirmed yet and will depend on final enrollment and group needs. It's possible all participants will sleep in the tiny cabins.
Depending on the total number of participants, a few participants may share a tiny cabin — but each participant will have their own bed or personal sleeping space. The main house will likely not be used for sleeping; it may instead support shared retreat functions, staff support, meals, gathering, or other logistics.
- Lodging assignments shared closer to the retreat
- Some participants may share a tiny home, cabin, or lodging unit
- Each participant should have their own bed or personal sleeping space
- The main house may be used mainly for gathering, meals & support
- You'll likely keep the same sleeping space for the full weekend
- Some staff may stay offsite nearby to preserve participant space
Travel & transportation
A simple model: participants arrive Friday, stay onsite for the weekend, and depart Sunday after integration and closing activities are complete.
Covered group shuttle
- Friday shuttle from Portland International Airport to Fernlove
- Sunday shuttle from Fernlove back to the airport
- Space for up to 16 passengers
Driving yourself
Some participants may be local or may choose to drive themselves to Fernlove. Final arrival instructions, parking information, and timing will be shared before the retreat.
A settled weekend
Arrive Friday, stay onsite, depart Sunday. The model is designed to reduce stress, avoid complicated shuttle routes, and support a more settled experience.
What you'll receive before you arrive
Enrolled participants — and participants in the process of being enrolled — will receive clear final logistics and preparation materials before the retreat. Please rely on direct retreat communications for final details.
Final logistics you'll receive
- Arrival & departure times and the Fernlove address
- Parking, drop-off, and shuttle pickup details
- Lodging plan & sleeping assignment, if applicable
- Meals and snacks plan
- What to bring & what not to bring
- Accessibility & accommodation instructions
- Emergency / day-of contact
- Research schedule & media consent details, if relevant
Preparation materials
- What to expect before, during & after the retreat
- Preparation instructions from the facilitator or service center
- Health screening form & medication reminders, if appropriate
- Travel, lodging, meals & snacks information
- Integration & Sunday / post-journey expectations
- Optional research & optional media consent information
How the weekend unfolds
A grounded rhythm across four days. The current planning model is shown below — exact times will be confirmed with enrolled participants.
Team preparation day
Participants not expected onsite- The retreat team, facilitators, researchers & venue team prepare the property
- Review flow, set up spaces, and confirm logistics for participant arrival
Participants are generally not expected onsite Thursday unless specifically instructed.
Arrival & first journey day
Friday journey group · 8 participants- Participant arrival, welcome & grounding
- Orientation to the space
- First psilocybin administration session for the Friday group
- Supportive landing period after the journey
- Evening close and rest
The current model includes a journey period beginning in the early afternoon and continuing into the evening, with landing and close by evening. Exact times will be confirmed.
Second journey day
Saturday journey group · 8 participants- Morning grounding and support
- Second psilocybin administration session for the Saturday group
- Rest and supportive activities for participants not in session
- Landing period after the journey
- Evening close and rest
Integration, closing & departure
Optional research activities for those who opted in- Morning integration & post-retreat orientation
- Optional research interviews, surveys, social perception exercise, or biometric reading
- Closing activities
- Departure from Fernlove & group shuttle back to PDX
Sunday is an important part of the weekend. Some research and integration activities are best completed after a participant has had time to land. Please plan to remain onsite through Sunday unless you've made a different plan with the team in advance.
What to expect on your journey day
Each participant is assigned to one journey day, with approximately 8 participants per day. Each journey day includes licensed facilitation and onsite support. The facilitation team is expected to include Henry Fields and additional facilitators; the exact team is still being finalized.
- Preparation before the journey day
- Support from trained facilitators in a structured container
- Time to land and close after the session
- Supportive food and rest after the session
- Integration and follow-up after the journey
Simple, nourishing, supportive food
The catering plan is still being finalized, but the team is planning simple, nourishing foods appropriate for a psilocybin retreat setting.
- Simple nourishing meals throughout the weekend
- Light foods before or after journey periods
- Comfort foods after administration sessions
- Grounding foods — rice, broth, fruit, cheese & other easy options
- Attention to dietary restrictions where possible
An optional research component
As part of the July retreat, participants may be invited to take part in an optional research study. Participation is completely voluntary — choosing not to participate will not affect your ability to attend the retreat.
The study is designed to better understand how group psilocybin experiences may affect stress, anxiety, social connection, relationships, emotional well-being, and connection to nature. It is being conducted by researchers affiliated with the Center for Collective Healing and Yale University.
The study is observational only. The researchers do not provide psilocybin, do not administer psilocybin, and do not change the retreat experience. The retreat comes first; the research is designed to fit around the retreat, not dominate it. You may also choose to opt in or opt out once onsite at Fernlove, as long as timing and study requirements still allow participation.
What research participation may include
If you choose to participate, the current three-day model includes the following. The exact schedule will be confirmed before the retreat.
- Questionnaires on stress, anxiety, mood, connection & relationship to nature
- A short social perception or connection activity
- Noninvasive Muse EEG headband & Polar H10 heart recordings
- Participation in your already-scheduled legal psilocybin retreat
- Wearing a heart monitor during the session, if you consent
- Repeating questionnaires & the connection activity
- Repeating EEG and heart recordings
- A short interview, if included in the final schedule
Who may be eligible
You may be eligible for the optional research if you are a formerly incarcerated or justice-impacted individual already enrolled in this retreat — or the participant's partner, family member, or close loved one, if the research team confirms loved-one participation is part of the study design for this retreat.
Privacy & de-identified information
Research information is connected to de-identified or coded participant IDs — your name is not attached to research results. Personal health information will not be published. Application, enrollment, and retreat information is held in encrypted storage, and the team will explain how information is collected, stored, protected, and used before you decide.
No research-related compensation
There is no separate compensation for participating in the research. The retreat is paid for and organized for eligible enrolled participants whether or not they choose to participate in research.
Research team & affiliations
Dr. AZA Stephen Allsop, MD, PhD
Yale University · Center for Collective Healing, Howard UniversityArtist, neuroscientist, and psychiatrist studying how social information is computed in the brain, and how music, mindfulness, and psychedelics may modulate social connectedness and stress.
Marik Hazan
Engineer, advocate, entrepreneur & investorResearch-related questions: info@sherieckert.org
The optional research component exists to help increase access and safety for future participants. Funding for reduced-cost and no-cost psychedelic care is currently sparse. If research can help show meaningful positive participant outcomes, it may help the foundation secure future funding so more formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted people can receive reduced-cost or no-cost psychedelic care. The goal is never to coerce participants or make research the center of the retreat — only to learn in a respectful way that may increase access and safety for future people.
Participant forms & next steps
This section is for participants who have been enrolled — or are in the process of being enrolled. Here you can access key forms, review required information, and indicate your optional consent choices. Participation in the retreat does not depend on opting into research or media consent.
Health screening
Enrolled participants may be asked to complete a health screening form as part of retreat preparation. Please complete it only if the retreat team has invited you to.
Go to health screeningMedia release
Photo, video, audio, and story consent is optional and handled separately from retreat participation. You may attend without agreeing to be photographed, recorded, quoted, or featured.
Review media releaseResearch opt-in
Indicate whether you'd like to participate in the optional research component. Please review the research overview above before making your choice.
Make research choiceHealth screening form
Required only if requested by the retreat teamParticipants who are enrolled or in the process of being enrolled may be asked to complete a health screening form as part of the retreat preparation process. Please complete this form only if you have been invited to do so by the retreat team. If you're unsure whether you need to complete it, contact the retreat team before submitting.
Optional research participation
Voluntary · does not affect your ability to attendPhoto, video, audio & story release consent
Sheri Eckert Foundation / Inward Dive Fund. Your choice is voluntary — you may participate in the retreat or program whether or not you give media consent.
Thank you for considering whether to allow the Sheri Eckert Foundation, Inward Dive Fund, and/or their approved partners to capture or use photo, video, audio, or written story materials connected to your participation in this program.
Read the full release language
1. Permission to capture and use media. By signing below, checking the consent box, replying by email with consent, or clicking an approval button, I give permission to the Sheri Eckert Foundation, Inward Dive Fund, and their approved representatives to photograph, film, record, quote, or otherwise capture my image, voice, name, written reflections, interview comments, or likeness. I also give permission for these materials to be edited, reproduced, published, displayed, distributed, or otherwise used in connection with the Sheri Eckert Foundation / Inward Dive Fund's charitable, educational, fundraising, research-communication, storytelling, outreach, and public-awareness work. This may include, but is not limited to: website pages, email newsletters, social media, grant reports, donor communications, presentations, printed materials, short films or documentary-style materials, and educational or informational materials.
3. Sensitive settings. Unless I separately and specifically agree, I understand that the Sheri Eckert Foundation / Inward Dive Fund does not intend to photograph, film, or record me during a psilocybin administration session, journey day, private therapeutic process, medical screening, or other highly sensitive care setting. Any media participation is separate from my participation in the retreat, program, service, or optional research.
4. No payment or ownership claim. I understand that I will not receive payment, royalties, or other compensation for the use of these materials. I understand that the Sheri Eckert Foundation / Inward Dive Fund may own or have the right to use the final materials created from the photos, videos, audio, interviews, written reflections, or other content described above.
5. Right to ask questions or withdraw future use. I understand that I may ask questions before consenting. I may also request that the Sheri Eckert Foundation / Inward Dive Fund stop using my identifiable media in future materials. I understand that this may not require removal of materials that have already been published, printed, shared, distributed, archived, or otherwise used before my request is received and processed. Requests can be sent to info@sherieckert.org.
6. Voluntary consent. My media consent is voluntary. I can decline media consent. Declining media consent will not affect my ability to participate in the retreat, program, service, or optional research. Research consent, program consent, and media consent are separate.
7. Consent by signature, email, checkbox, or button. I agree that my consent may be given by physical signature, electronic signature, email reply, online checkbox, or clicking a clearly labeled approval button. By signing, replying, checking the box, or clicking the approval button, I confirm that I have read and understood this release and agree to the option I selected below.
Your privacy, consent & choice come first
Participant privacy, consent, and choice are central to the retreat. You won't be expected to agree to anything you don't understand or aren't comfortable with. Anything that's optional will be explained clearly before you're asked to agree.
Media / photo / video consent
Photo, video, audio, or story capture may be considered for documentation, storytelling, outreach, fundraising, education, research communication, or public-awareness work. Media consent is separate from retreat participation — you may opt in or opt out, and your choice will not affect your ability to attend.
If capture is being considered, you'll receive a separate media release form with clear opt-in / opt-out choices. The team does not expect journey-day photo or video capture unless it decides otherwise and obtains your explicit consent. Any media plan will be explained clearly in advance and will not interfere with participant privacy, comfort, or the retreat experience.
Review optional media release formPrivacy, consent & participant choice
Photo, video, audio, and story consent is optional and handled separately. You may attend the retreat without agreeing to be photographed, recorded, quoted, interviewed, or featured. Research participation is also optional — you may attend without choosing to participate in research.
- Research consent, program consent & media consent are separate
- Research information is de-identified or coded — your name isn't attached to results
- Application, enrollment & retreat information is held in encrypted storage
What to expect before & after the retreat
Before the retreat
- Application review & a one-on-one intake or screening call
- Enrollment confirmation & preparation information
- Travel coordination, lodging & meal information
- Dietary & accessibility questions
- Optional research & media release information
- Packing list, arrival instructions & shuttle timing
- Emergency / day-of contact information
After the retreat
- Sunday integration & closing activities
- Optional research activities, if you opted in
- Departure support
- Return shuttle to Portland International Airport, if using group transport
- Additional post-retreat orientation or integration guidance
- Follow-up communications from the retreat or research team
Accessibility, dietary needs & participant support
We want to understand participant needs before the retreat so we can plan thoughtfully. Enrolled participants will be asked about:
- Dietary restrictions & medication questions
- Mobility needs & lodging considerations
- Transportation & accessibility needs
- Any other support that would help you participate
What is still being finalized
Some details are still being finalized. Enrolled participants will receive direct updates about:
- Final lodging assignments & facilitator team
- Final shuttle & Sunday departure timing
- Packing list & meal details
- Optional research schedule
- Any forms or consent documents needed before arrival
- Emergency / day-of contact & final media consent process
Frequently asked questions
Cost, lodging & travel
Do I have to pay to attend the retreat?
The core retreat experience is covered — this includes preparation, facilitation, the retreat itself, post-retreat orientation, and group shuttle transportation between Portland International Airport and Fernlove. The retreat budget does not fully cover lodging and food; the estimated cost is $350 per participant, requested on a sliding scale.
What does the $350 contribution cover?
The $350 contribution helps cover lodging and meals for the weekend.
What if I cannot afford $350?
You may contribute less or nothing. We do not want cost to prevent an eligible participant from attending.
Can I contribute more than $350?
Yes. Participants who can afford to contribute more may choose to pay it forward and help cover lodging and food costs for another participant.
Where is the retreat?
The retreat is planned for Fernlove Retreat Center in Gaston, Oregon, near Hagg Lake.
Where will I sleep?
Exact sleeping assignments are still being finalized. Participants should expect onsite lodging at Fernlove, potentially in tiny cabins, shared lodging units, or other retreat accommodations. The goal is for each participant to have their own bed or personal sleeping space.
Will I be sharing a room or cabin?
Possibly. Some participants may share a tiny cabin or lodging unit, depending on final enrollment and room assignments. Each participant should have their own bed or personal sleeping space.
Is transportation covered?
The current plan includes one group shuttle from Portland International Airport to Fernlove and one group shuttle back. Final pickup and drop-off details will be shared with enrolled participants.
Can I drive myself?
Some participants may drive themselves. Final arrival, parking, and drop-off instructions will be shared with enrolled participants.
When should I book travel?
Please don't book new travel based on assumptions about lodging, transportation, or Sunday programming until final details are confirmed by the retreat team.
What should I bring — and not bring?
A final what-to-bring and what-not-to-bring list will be shared before the retreat. Please wait for the retreat team's preparation materials before packing, and review all preparation and safety guidance before arrival.
Who do I contact on the day of the retreat?
Participants will receive an emergency / day-of contact before the retreat.
Forms & preparation
Where do I complete my health screening form?
Enrolled participants or participants in the enrollment process can access the health screening form in the For Enrolled Participants section of this page. Please complete it only if the retreat team has asked you to.
What final logistics will I receive before the retreat?
Enrolled participants will receive final details about arrival and departure times, address, parking or drop-off instructions, transportation options, lodging, meals, what to bring and not bring, accessibility needs, emergency contact, preparation instructions, and Sunday / post-journey expectations.
Optional research
Is research participation required?
No. Research participation is completely voluntary. Choosing not to participate in the study will not affect your ability to participate in the retreat.
Why is research part of the retreat?
The optional research component is intended to help better understand how group psilocybin experiences may affect stress, anxiety, social connection, relationships, emotional well-being, and connection to nature. The foundation hopes research results may help create future funding opportunities so more previously incarcerated and justice-impacted people can receive reduced-cost or no-cost psychedelic care.
Does research change the retreat experience?
No. The research is observational only. Researchers do not provide psilocybin, do not administer psilocybin, and do not change the retreat experience.
What does the research involve?
If you opt in, the research may include questionnaires, a short social perception or connection activity, noninvasive Muse EEG headband recordings, Polar H10 heart monitor recordings, and a short interview. Questionnaires may ask about stress, anxiety, mood, social connectedness, relationship to nature, emotional distress, and general well-being.
What are the biometric devices?
Participants who opt into research may be asked to wear a Muse EEG headband, which measures brain activity, and a Polar H10 chest strap, which measures heart activity. These recordings are noninvasive — they do not involve medicine, needles, blood draws, or anything placed inside the body.
Will research interfere with my retreat experience?
The goal is no. The retreat experience comes first. Research activities are designed to fit around the retreat and should not dominate, disrupt, or negatively affect your process.
Can my partner, family member, or loved one participate in the research?
Possibly. The study may include a participant's partner, family member, or other close loved one if the research team confirms that loved-one participation is part of the study design for this retreat.
Will I be paid to participate in research?
No. There is no separate research-related compensation. The retreat is paid for and organized for eligible enrolled participants whether or not they choose to participate in research.
Will my name be attached to research results?
No participant names should be attached to research results. Research information is intended to be de-identified or connected to coded participant IDs, so the research team can analyze information without using participant names in the results.
Will my personal health information be published?
No. Personal health information will not be published.
Who do I contact with research questions, and can I decide later?
Research-related questions: Marik Hazan, info@sherieckert.org. You can indicate your current preference on this page, and you may also choose to opt in or opt out once onsite at Fernlove, as long as timing and study requirements still allow participation.
Media consent
Is media consent required?
No. Photo, video, audio, and story consent is optional and separate from retreat participation.
Will there be photo or video during the journey day?
Journey-day photo or video capture is not expected unless the team decides otherwise and obtains explicit participant consent. Any media plan should be explained clearly in advance and should not interfere with participant privacy, comfort, or the retreat experience.
Can I change my media consent choice onsite?
Yes. Participants may confirm, update, or change their media consent choice once onsite at Fernlove Retreat Center.
Will I be photographed or recorded if I do not consent?
Participants who do not consent should not be intentionally photographed, filmed, recorded, quoted, interviewed, or featured. If media capture is being considered, the retreat team will explain the plan and consent process clearly. Media consent questions: info@sherieckert.org.
What happens on Sunday?
Sunday is expected to include integration, closing activities, optional research interviews or assessments for those who opt in, and departure.
Have questions before attending?
Enrolled participants will receive direct updates as final details are confirmed. If you have questions about travel, lodging, meals, accessibility, research participation, privacy, media consent, preparation, or day-of logistics, please contact the retreat team.