If you're a conscious creative, heart-centered entrepreneur or soulful rebel ready to break free from old paradigms, find a like-minded community, and rekindle your most joyful self, join us for the Playful Pursuit. This 5-day immersion in unruly adventure, mindful connection and authentic expression will leave you feeling more confident, self-expressed, creatively inspired and recharged.
Imagine the Freedom
Imagine a world where you can drop the masks, awaken your playful spirit, and break free from limitations. Here, your resume and society’s expectations don’t matter—only your presence, curiosity, and willingness to connect. As you take a deep breath, the crisp scent of pine and sea air fills your lungs, and a sense of ease washes over you. In this nature-filled oasis, small talk fades, to-do lists disappear, and rigid rules dissolve.
Imagine a private sanctuary where mistakes are celebrated, conversations flow effortlessly, and creativity feels as natural as breathing. The warmth of the bonfire flickers against your skin as you swap stories under a star-drenched sky. Laughter erupts during a playful challenge—the thrill of the unknown igniting something deep within you. You plunge into a crystal-clear lake, the shock of the water awakening every sense—a reminder of the exhilaration that comes from surrendering to the moment.
Imagine stepping away from the fast-paced, tech-saturated world into a space where time slows. As you drive through the gates of this 120-acre retreat, rustling leaves and the rhythmic crash of ocean waves welcome you home. Your shoulders relax, your mind settles, and the weight of “shoulds” dissolves into the simple joy of being. Here, creativity is limitless, nature is your muse, and the pressure to constantly do gives way to the freedom of Play.

Is This You?
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You yearn for experiences that reignite your creativity, effortless flow & zest for life
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You crave meaningful connections and expansive conversations with soulful rebels, anchored in a mindful and empowered way of living
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You’re ready to quiet the inner critic, release perfectionism & feel more confident
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You long for freedom and time away to deepen your presence, embrace spontaneity and uncover creative possibilities
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You instinctively avoid conventionality and conformity, drawn instead to experiences that spark your imagination and energize your free spirit
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You’re itching to unplug from screens and inundation of information to make room for awe-inspiring, soul-stirring, heart-opening experiences!
If you answered yes, then get ready for the Playful Pursuit where you will:
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Connect deeply with kindred spirits in a space that fosters kindness, curiosity, compassion and adventure
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Play through unexpected, joyful activities that reignite your sense of wonder, delight and creative brilliance
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Build Authentic Confidence and unlock self-expression with mindful, improv-inspired techniques designed to enhance your presence and trust in your voice
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Redefine Failure by transforming the discomfort of trying new things and thinking on your feet into moments of growth, resilience, and creative flow
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Pause & Reset in nature, embracing the wisdom of silence and fresh perspectives
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Unleash Your Creative Wild Child by letting go of perfection, embracing spontaneity and rediscovering the pure joy of uninhibited fun.

A Journey into Playful Presence
During this 5-day immersion, you will experience a perfect blend of adventure, play, mindfulness, connection, and self-reflection. Through a variety of games, meditation practices, relationship-building exercises and some good old-fashioned fun, you will sink into a free-flowing environment that leads to surprising discoveries and delight. You’ll also embark on a one-of-a-kind improv-mindfulness journey that allows you to become kinder to yourself and others as well as build confidence in authentic self-expression. Through learning how to “play attention,” you’ll gain faith in your ability to think on your feet, release old habits and convert stress into personal growth. Unwind with yoga classes, fire-side chats, nature walks, free-play sessions, and guided meditations.
By the end, you’ll rekindle your playful spirit, build greater self-trust, form meaningful connections, and acquire tools for a more mindful presence. This transformative experience will leave you feeling more confident, centered, and inspired.
Themes We'll Explore
Authentic Confidence and Connection
Show up boldly, feel at home in your own skin, and connect without the pressure to perform or be perfect.
The Freedom to Fail and the Courage to Try
Redefine your relationship to failure by turning missteps into playful experiments. Discover the joy that comes from taking bold risks and letting go of the need to get it “right".
Pause with Purpose: Mindfulness, Minus the Fluff
Discover how simple intentional pauses can create more presence, clarity, and ease in your life–even amidst the chaos. Learn practical tools to restore balance to your nervous system.
Break the Rules, Find the Fun
Ditch the “shoulds,” embrace the unexpected, and play without limits. Step into an environment where curiosity leads, judgment takes a back seat, and you’re free to experience the pure thrill of being fully alive.
This journey isn’t about performance or perfection—it’s about reconnecting with the spark that makes you come alive. It’s not a competition or a test. It’s an invitation to show up as you are and embrace the freedom of playful presence. It’s a space to explore, play, and uncover hidden parts of yourself with curiosity and courage.

Bonus Experiences
Free time on 120-acres of property for rest, beach walks, reading, nature trails, mini-golf or foosball, table tennis and board games at the Game Pavilion.
Yoga and meditation sessions throughout the week, plus optional evening activities for connection and fun.
A Pre-Trip Guide with key details, plus a group Zoom call or a pre-recorded info session to answer your questions.

The Oregon Coast
September 29th - October 3rd, 2025
The Venue
Where the serenity of the Oregon Coast meets the thrill of adventure, Twin Rocks Friends Retreat Center is the perfect playground for both relaxation and exploration. Nestled within 120 acres of lush forest, this retreat oasis offers winding mountain trails, a tranquil lakefront, and endless opportunities for play. Whether you're paddle boarding across glassy waters, soaring through the treetops on a zip line, spiking a volleyball on a sun-warmed sand court, or feeling the exhilarating rush of a giant swing, every moment invites you to reconnect with your sense of wonder.
As you drive through Oregon’s emerald-green forests, a hidden gem awaits—just two hours from Portland and one block from Rockaway Beach, where the rhythmic crash of ocean waves sets the perfect backdrop for stargazing, moonlit walks, and quiet bonfires.
Stepping onto a winding path, sunlight filters through towering trees as a salty ocean breeze brushes your skin—and with it, a feeling of deep exhalation washes over you. You'll settle into Pacific Woods Lodge, a cozy retreat nestled among spruce and hemlock trees. Here, your hotel-style room welcomes you with a plush duvet, a full bath, and a haven of comfort after a day of adventure. The 16-room deluxe lodge also features vaulted ceilings, a crackling fireplace, and an inviting meeting space—the perfect spot to gather with fellow retreat-goers over a warm cup of coffee or tea.
When you're not immersed in retreat activities, let curiosity lead the way. Wander along the exclusive-access beach, indulge in treats from the on-site café, curl up fireside with a book, or challenge new friends to foosball, ping pong, or a game of pool at the lively Game Pavilion.
The Cuisine
Nourish your body and delight your taste buds with a wholesome, flavorful dining experience designed to fuel your retreat adventures.
Start your morning with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, sipping it slowly as you breathe in the crisp ocean air beneath a canopy of towering spruce trees. After an invigorating yoga or meditation session, enjoy a hearty breakfast spread featuring seasonal fresh fruits, fluffy eggs, savory sausage, creamy oatmeal, golden hash browns, or perfectly roasted potatoes.
For lunch and dinner, savor an array of delicious, nourishing dishes crafted to satisfy and energize. Enjoy a vibrant veggie stir-fry over rice, flavorful sandwich wraps, gluten-free pesto pasta, or a build-your-own taco bar with your choice of meat, beans, fresh veggies, and cheese. The Chef’s Choice entrées are thoughtfully prepared, featuring a balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome carbohydrates to keep you feeling your best. (Vegan and vegetarian options are available).
In addition to these meals, you’ll have access to a fresh salad bar, house-made bread, and decadent desserts—perfect for those post-adventure cravings. If you have any dietary restrictions, we’ll work closely with the lodge to ensure your meals are both delicious and accommodating.
What's Included
The following services are INCLUDED in the cost of the retreat:
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A mastermind on Playful Mindfulness with Ted DesMaisons
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5 Adventurous days near the Oregon Coast
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12 Delicious Meals
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Deluxe Lodging with Wi-Fi, heat, coffee & tea
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Yoga + Group Meditations
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Group shares and daily self-reflections
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Access to Climbing wall, Zip Line & Giant Swing (weather permitting)
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Access to the lake, paddle boarding & athletic fields
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Access to Mini golf, disc golf, archery and volleyball
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Game Pavilion access (i.e. table tennis, foosball, pool, board games)
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Nature trails for scenic walks
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Bonfire gathering with s’mores
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Airport Transfers to and from Portland International Airport (PDX)*
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Onsite parking (if needed)
Services NOT Included:
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Airfare
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Transfer from airports other than PDX
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Airport Transfer before/after designated arrival & departure dates
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Personal, medical, and trip cancellation insurance
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Activities or services that are not part of the retreat schedule
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Any items for purchase at the camp’s cafe or shop

Is This Retreat for You?
This retreat is for you if:
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You’re ready to give yourself permission to express, play, and connect more deeply
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You’re done with the surface-level chatter and eager for authentic dialogue and in-person connections
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You need a reset away from the daily grind, societal norms, and modern life pressures to reignite your carefree spirit
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You crave the freedom to nurture your creativity, dive into new ideas, and venture down uncharted paths
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You're growth-oriented, adventure-seeking, community-minded and believe that you have the power to create your own reality
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You’re DONE with the self-judgment, ready to stop censoring your gifts and excited to create a life with more ease and flow
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You're willing to compassionately engage with fellow conscious creators, mindful mavericks and heart-centered dreamers
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You're in good health and can participate in physical activities that may involve jumping, climbing, balancing or light exercise
This retreat is NOT for you if:
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You’re looking for an alcohol-fueled party weekend that barely scratches the surface of connection, adventure, and mindfulness
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You focus on negativity, make excuses and blame outside circumstances for your happiness
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You prefer networking events, small talk, or political debates over mindfulness practices, heart-centered conversations, and playful connections
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You need to be on your phone or computer most of the day and find it impossible to be present with others
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You’re unwilling to leave your comfort zone and try new things
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You have significant health limitations that prevent you from safely participating in activities that involve moderate physical movement, such as jumping, running, or balancing.
Reasons NOT to Miss This Retreat
There is no work more important on this Earth than play. When we embrace playfulness, we don’t just shift our mood—we reshape how we experience life itself. In a world obsessed with productivity and perfection, play is the most underrated skill for building genuine connections. It dissolves barriers, sparks creativity, and helps us break free from the rigid patterns that keep us stuck.
But play isn’t just about fun—it’s a gateway to presence. When we play, we step out of the past, release worries about the future, and land fully in the now. Adopting a playful presence allows us to engage with life more deeply, responding to each moment with curiosity, compassion, and openness.
Play reveals our humanity. It reminds us that we belong, and that joy isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Play is the missing pillar of well-being, the key to authentic connection, and the catalyst for a more vibrant, meaningful life.
Meet Your Guides

Lily Zepeda
For years, I thought adulthood meant hustling, achieving, and constantly striving for more—until I realized I was running on empty. Like so many, I was overworked, overstimulated, and disconnected from the joy that once came so easily. The more I pushed, the more I lost touch with the sense of wonder, creativity, and playfulness that made life feel vibrant.
That’s when I flipped the script. I stopped seeing play as a distraction and started treating it as a necessity. What if play wasn’t just something we did as kids but a powerful, transformative tool for creativity, confidence, and connection? That question changed everything.
Now, my mission is to help others break free from the weight of "shoulds" and rediscover the magic of play—not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of a fulfilling life. Through retreats, storytelling, and immersive experiences, I guide people to shake off perfectionism, embrace adventure, and step into the freedom of being fully alive.
Along the way, I’ve worn many hats—film director, retreat facilitator, COO of a marketing firm, and plant medicine integration specialist. I’m a graduate of the Ecology of Shamanism Institute, co-founder of Sacred Immersion retreats in the Dominican Republic, and a trauma-informed yoga instructor with a background in Polyvagal Theory Foundations. I also directed and produced the award-winning documentary Mr. Toilet: The World's #2 Man (on Amazon), proving that even the most unexpected topics can be explored with humor and heart.
At the core of everything I do is one simple belief: Play isn’t a luxury—it’s our birthright. And when we embrace it, we don’t just have more fun—we become more ourselves.

Ted DesMasions
Ted DesMaisons has been synthesizing innovative approaches to teaching and learning for over 35 years. A graduate of Stanford Business and Harvard Divinity Schools, he now teaches a range of courses through Stanford and leads international trainings in Advanced Applied Improvisation.
Ted has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn and others at UMass to become a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor and also with renowned acting and voice coach Patsy Rodenburg, earning rare recognition as a Patsy Rodenburg Associate (PRA). He has studied, performed, and taught improvisation internationally, including with Patricia Ryan Madson, BATS Improv of San Francisco, and the Loose Moose Theatre of Calgary, Alberta. He has been a contributing member of the Applied Improvisation Network since 2011.
Ted’s book Playful Mindfulness has earned steady acclaim for its insight, relevance, and humor. He co-hosts the Monster Baby Podcast and lives in Daly City, CA with his quirky Ocicat, Marley.
FAQs
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What are the accommodations like?Nestled in the forest among tall spruce and hemlock trees, Pacific Woods Lodge is Twin Rocks’ most deluxe facility. The cozy hotel-style rooms are each equipped with a twin and a queen-sized bed with a full bath and amenities like Wi-Fi and daily coffee/tea. This is not a luxury 5-star hotel experience, however it is comfortable, clean & spacious. Roommates: We strive to pair participants seeking a roommate and encourage early registration for the best chance of securing your preferred bed (queen or twin). Shared rooms are assigned based on gender unless you request otherwise and both parties agree. If you have specific roommate preferences or needs, please contact us via email in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you. If we are unable to find a suitable match, your shared room may be converted to a private room, and a single occupancy supplement may apply.
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Who are these retreats for?Conscious creatives, soul-led entrepreneurs, or growth-oriented individuals who value mindfulness, a sense of humor and building meaningful connections. You must be 21+ and review this section of the website "Is this retreat for you?". Still not clear if this is right for you? Email questions to theplayfulpursuitretreat@gmail.com or Book a clarity call: here.
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Do you accept payment plans?To make this retreat as accessible as possible, we open registration six months in advance so participants can plan their investment. For the early bird special, payments are split into three easy installments, starting with a $500 deposit for singles or $800 for couples. For regular registration, payments are split into two installments. All payments must be completed before the retreat begins—no exceptions. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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What is the max number of attendees allowed?We keep it as intimate as possible–between 22-25 people maximum–so there’s space for both deep connections and fun group activities.
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Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?Yes, we do our best to work with the chef to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please notify us of any allergies or dietary needs via email at least two weeks in advance.
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What will a typical day look like for the retreat?Each day is a dynamic blend of adventure, play, mindfulness, connection, and self-reflection—crafted to ignite your creativity and confidence while keeping things fresh and fun. You can expect: Physical activities such as paddle boarding on the lake, zip lining, giant swinging, yoga, fun team games, wall climbing and nature walks. Connecting experiences such as fire-side chats, group reflections and a signature Playful Mindfulness journey that combines the wisdom of mindfulness (paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and kindness) and improvisation (making life up courageously as you go along) so you gain greater confidence, calm, and connection. The unexpected—because creativity thrives in spontaneity, experimentation, and flow. Together, we’ll co-create magic in real time. Throughout the retreat, we’ll explore powerful themes: Authentic Confidence & Connection – Show up boldly, feel at home in your own skin, and connect without the pressure to perform or be perfect. The Freedom to Fail & the Courage to Try – Redefine failure as a playground for growth. Turn missteps into playful experiments, embrace bold risks, and let go of the need to get it “right.” Pause with Purpose: Mindfulness, Minus the Fluff – Learn simple yet powerful tools to restore balance, create clarity, and cultivate ease—even amidst chaos. Break the Rules, Find the Fun – Ditch the “shoulds,” embrace the unexpected, and play without limits. Step into a space where curiosity leads, judgment steps aside, and you’re free to experience the pure thrill of being fully alive. A detailed daily schedule will be provided closer to the retreat date. That said, be ready for surprises! We may mix things up based on weather and group energy. Stay open to the adventure—magic happens in the unexpected.
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Can I arrive early or extend my stay?If you’d like to explore Portland, you’re welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer to enjoy the city. However, we are only able to provide transportation for attendees arriving and departing within the designated retreat travel windows. If you plan to arrive or depart outside these times, you will need to arrange your own transportation. Additionally, Twin Rocks Friends Camp does not have availability for lodging before or after the retreat dates due to other retreat bookings.
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Do I need personal travel insurance?It’s optional but recommended for coverage of travel interruptions and medical emergencies (as per the insurance policy). Please note that clients will be responsible for any claims to be made directly with the insurance company. Popular travel insurance options include: HTH, Travel Guard Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex
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What are the recommended arrival and departure times?Please wait for detailed instructions before booking your flights or making driving plans. In the meantime, feel free to research flight options to get an idea of pricing. We recommend arriving at Portland International Airport (PDX) on September 29th by late morning or early afternoon, allowing time to settle in before dinner. The retreat activities are estimated to begin between 3:00–5:00 PM, and the final session on October 3rd will conclude between 12:00–2:00 PM. For departure, a late afternoon or evening flight is best to ensure you have time for the last session and the drive to the airport. Final flight and driving instructions will be sent via email once the retreat schedule is finalized.
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What is the average age of attendees?There is no set average age. Attendees must be 21 or older, open-minded, in good physical health, and aligned with the description in the "Is this Retreat for You?" section of the website. Our community is diverse, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and life stages who share a common desire for mindfulness, connection, adventure, and play.
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Why did you choose this location?Twin Rocks Friends Camp is a hidden gem on the Oregon Coast with a private lake, beach access, nature trails, and 120 acres of wilderness. The dramatic cliffs, evergreen forests, and small coastal towns create the perfect escape from city life. Our location in Rockaway Beach, OR is: 20 minutes from Tillamook, two hours from Portland, three hours from Eugene & 4.5 hours from Seattle. Please check traffic conditions and allow extra time for rest stops and meal breaks if driving.
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What do I pack?We’ll send a suggested packing list after registration.
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Is there airport transportation?Yes, round-trip transportation to and from PDX is included in the price of your trip. Please await instructions for booking flights. We will send you a pre-retreat prep list and suggested arrival/departure times to ensure you can attend all scheduled events. If you prefer to drive, there's plenty of free parking.
