Recent MEDIA:

Watch Jayson Gaddis discuss teen addiction on Denver’s Emmy Award winning show Student Voices.
metrobeat.tv

Hear Jayson Gaddis interviewed on Falling Fruit TV about rites-of-passage experiences for men.
http://fallingfruit.tv/episodes/join-fraternity-be-all-you-can-be-now-youre-man-right

Comments about Jayson:

“Jayson is an unusually powerful facilitator and coach. He has the rare combination of a big heart, a sharply trained mind, and a generous spirit. I have watched Jayson with awe and appreciation as he has worked with both groups and individuals in a beautifully skilled fashion. He has the ability to lead a room, to inspire the best in others, and to spark positive change in the midst of chaos. I enthusiastically endorse his work.”

—Marc David –nationally acclaimed Nutritional Psychologist and author of Nourishing Wisdom, The Slow Down Diet, and Mind Body Nutrition

Jayson Gaddis has what I call the “hawk eye”. It’s his ability to see through the noise and BS of our lives into what really matters. Jayson also possesses a beautiful heart and tact for delivering potent feedback that inspires one to make brave, transformative changes. I’m one of those people he continues to inspire.

—Tripp Lanier
Men’s Coach and Host of “The New Man” Podcast
TrippLanier.com
“I am struck by Jayson’s combination of  integrity,  wisdom, and compassion, and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to take their life to the next level.  He has that rare balance of experience and skill, as well as a deep sense of intuition, which serves people in empowering them to move forward in their lives, where ever they may have been stuck previously.”

—Rick Snyder, Men’s Success Coach/Psychotherapist, San Francisco, CA

I trust Jayson’s wisdom and experience, but what sets him apart from some therapists is that he trusts mine.  Jayson’s goal is not to impart wisdom; it is to help me recognize my own.  He is open to the truth however it may present itself.

—Kathy (client)
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Jayson for over 10 years. He is a master facilitator and one of the most talented individuals I know in helping individuals get to what matters most. Jayson always creates a safe space where learning can occur – that combined with his finely tuned instincts – ensures depth and breadth in growth. I have never seen an individual be able to combine his own passion of the outdoors, people, and the things that matter most, more than Jay. He is a deeply caring individual who inspires those around him to be intentional about who and why they are. Jayson helps people move from “talking�? to “being�? – and that is a rare skill. He’s the kind of guy I wish could impact, shape, and develop more young leaders of tomorrow – the world will be a better place because of his influence.”
Michael A. McRee
Vice President
LeaderShape, Inc.
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Hear from our past participants as to what they are saying about the wilderness trips…

“All I can say is awesome.”
—Ryan Lowe

“I got a lot from this trip because I allowed myself to work through some issues and I hope to bring that back with me.”
–Jordan Perkins

“As humans we want to believe
we can somehow change or affect everything
God seems to allow us enough rope
To hang ourselves in that regard

Bring back that sun
A thunderhead approaches
Eager to cleanse this land.

In the eye of the storm.”

–Jordan Perkins

“The 2006 Chi Phi Wilderness Academy was on of the best experiences of my life….I had a lot of personal growth that really has made an impact on my life.”
–James Nelson

“Wilderness Academy is nothing like any other leadership porgram around. With focus on learning about understanding yoruself, on knowing what it means to be a man, W.A, presents a point of view no program around brings to the stage.”
–Jake Campbell

“The Chi Phi Wilderness Academy, a partnership between the Chi Phi Fraternity and Innernature, was among the most influential experiences in my life. Both I and the students whom I mentored grew tremendously as Brothers and as men. It pushed me to grow and learn as a truly educational, spiritual, and fraternal journey.�?
Richard D. Kuerston
Director of Membership Development, Chi Phi Fraternity.

“The team at Innernature worked hard to customize an outdoor adventure program to fit the needs of our organization. They took the time to get to know our audience and then launch a summer program that received the highest reviews from the participants.�?
Brian Tenclinger, M.S.Ed.
Director of Undergraduate Services
Chi Phi Fraternity

“I realized a lot about how I want to live my life differently in the future, and about how I can apply our Ritual to real life. I feel blessed to have met the nine brothers I have as well as our three guides. Life is good, the trip was bomber! Glad to have been here, an experience I will never forget.�?
— Drew Crisan, Michigan ’06

“This has been by far my greatest Beta moment ever in my life. To come together with 12 strangers and open up to them because we are all brothers is an amazing experience. The way we have bonded together in these six days has proven that being a Beta is much more than a place to live at college. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to go as a freshman and teach my chapter all I have learned with ritual, songs and life in general. I hope to continue making good men better in the name of Beta Theta Pi.�?
—Tim Freeburg, Washington State ’08

“We worked together as a small, family-tight chapter to navigate our hikes, set up our campsites and prepare all of our food. On the third day, we spent 24 hours in solitude, relaxing and reflecting on key issues in our lives. In addition, several of the brothers and I held a 36-hour fast, starting the night before and lasting throughout the 24-hour solo journey. Whether we were learning about our own values, the values of our brothers, survival skills or the sacred Ritual of our Fraternity, one common feature of every task we performed or discussion in which we shared is that these lessons will last a lifetime.�?
— Adam Hill, Saint Louis ’05

“Beta Wilderness Challenge! What can I say? It was a challenge for sure with the snow, storms, river crossings, solo experience and intense climbing. I was able to truly understand what Beta is about by spending time with 12 amazing men and studying our sacred Ritual.�?
— Michael Waters, John Hopkins ’06

“I have a new appreciation for God’s creation and beauty. Moments like this made BWC an experience of a lifetime. The Ritual discussions and personal revelations make BWC much more than just a camping trip. I loved getting to know all of the Betas who came from all over the country; I was really blessed to be able to come.�?
— Philip Ficken, Oklahoma State ’07

“We’ve hiked eight miles with 60-pound backpacks, climbed two mountain passes, embarked on a 24-hour solo journey and fast (well, most fasted) and on the last day we rappelled a mountain. We hiked six miles to our final wilderness destination. I never imagined experiencing such an adventure in one week, and at the same time I’ve noticed a greater strength within myself.�?
— Andrew Westlund, Washington in St. Louis ’07

“I’ve learned more about myself in this past week than I have the last 20 years. I would recommend this trip to any Beta. I will remember my trip and the experience I had for a long time to come.�?
— Harrison Trammell, Clemson ’06

“The Beta Wilderness Challenge opened me up to many things: overcoming fears, learning about myself and brotherhood. To me, brotherhood is essential to our successes. Never before have I felt such a bond between relative strangers. Brotherhood shines brighter than the diamond on our badges. The hiking itself allowed me to push my body to the limits and explore facets of myself that I never took time before to find out. We did everything as a team and never got down on someone who was slower than the rest of us. After hiking, my eyes were opened to new notions of Beta Ritual. In all, this has been one of the most amazing and beneficial trips I have ever had the opportunity to partake. I have never been more proud or honored to be a Beta.�?
— Brett A. Dobinsky, Colorado St. ’07