Meet Don Eulert and Ute Jamrozy of Surprise Farm Retreat Center in Back Country

Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Eulert and Ute Jamrozy.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Don and Ute. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As Alliant International University colleagues, we discovered that– in our different fields– we were “preaching” about sustainability and human behavior in interdependent systems. With nature the common denominator. Resigned from academia, we sought to translate theory into enactment.

Living in the backcountry for years, we already had nature-reserve land for community sharing. We idealized an Esalen South story with learning opportunities to experience and share authencity. Building facilities and grounds for a retreat center has taken several years, with a community of workers. W/kitchen, hot showers, firepit, & overnight for 20,  Accomplished. Organic farming requirements: Certified. Non-profit status Approved. With an active team, we’re at a turning point of embodying the vision.

Has it been a smooth road?
Starting from scratch, challenges included: building permits, organizing Board support, incorporating, gaining non-profit status, setting up website and internet identity. In the first year of events and workshops,  the biggest problem has been getting the word out– targeting audiences on specific topics, and informing co-creators that such a place exists.

Now, with COVID-19, we have cancelled events and planning for 2020. Grant-writing for uncertain activities closes that avenue of support. How to overcome these obstacles?

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Surprise Farm Retreat Center – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Surprise Farm Retreat Center offers service and educational programs in the surround of nature, organic farming, and heritage sites.  From kids to recovery support groups, The experience of being in place, with a creative, intentional community, encourages well-being.

Our Mission includes learning from each other about meaning and purpose, in workshops and around the firepit. We seek a caring and sustainable interaction between human nature and Nature, inviting Nature to heal us. Our Board proudly includes dedication from professional psychologists to organic farmers

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
SoCal location– openness of cultural creatives.

Pricing:

• Accommodations from $25 camping to Glamping comfort @$80.
• Day use of retreat gounds and facilities, $20 @ person
• Workshop and retreat fees vary from four hours to three-day weekends