Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a series exploring True North Treks’ supportive efforts for young adults affected by cancer.
Nestled in the vast wilderness of Alger County, the Walden Institute offers adolescents and young adults facing cancer a sanctuary unlike any other.
Amid towering hardwoods overlooking the expanse of Lake Superior, this retreat is a place of healing — a haven where participants reconnect with themselves, others and the natural world.
At the Walden Institute — whose name is an acronym derived from Wakeful Awareness in Life through Discovery and Encounters in Nature — the challenges of cancer are met with compassion, community and the restorative power of nature.
The institute’s story is deeply intertwined with its parent organization, True North Treks, founded in 2008. TNT was established as a national nonprofit to support young adults with cancer.
Inspired by the guiding concept of true north — a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges — Escanaba native Dr. David Victorson, his brother Scott and their wives sought to address the isolation and disconnection that cancer often brings.
“I had my own personal experiences of nature being kind of in that space, that timeless, restorative space,” Victorson said. “And I always knew that I wanted to do something with that in healing and health.”
Initially, TNT focused on backcountry treks — week-long expeditions combining backpacking, canoeing and mindfulness practices. These experiences offered participants and their caregivers a chance to connect with peers, nature and themselves.
Over time, TNT evolved, introducing mini-treks that were shorter in duration and included a retreat facility to accommodate a broader range of participants and needs. One of the biggest unanticipated benefits of the mini-treks has been that they help make the opportunity accessible to participants with more significant medical or physical needs. This led to the dream of having their own physical location to expand offerings and diversify the delivery of programming.
The vision of a dedicated retreat center became a reality through the support of the Foglia Family Foundation. After an extensive search, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property in Au Train was chosen. The U.P.’s vast, pristine wilderness and relative affordability, as compared to similar places in Colorado or California, made it the perfect location. The property, rich with history, was once a labor of love for Finnish-American artist John Lundeen, who envisioned a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
The Walden Institute now occupies 127.75 acres of forest along the beautiful Lake Superior shoreline. It offers a serene setting for reflection and connection, fulfilling TNT’s mission to provide transformative experiences.
“This experience was, without exaggeration, absolutely life-changing,” said Gina, a participant whose experiences on a trek left her with a renewed sense of purpose. “I hiked into the woods feeling ravaged by the physical and emotional toll of cancer, and left feeling renewed, strong, brave, proud and at peace.”
Her sentiments echo the broader mission of the Walden Institute: to provide a transformative experience rooted in the principles of simplicity, self-reliance and deep connection, inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s time at Walden Pond discovering nature and clarity.
A recent addition to the Walden Institute is the Daffodil House, an ADA-accessible space that embodies the institute’s ethos of inclusivity and healing.
“We created this space in mind so that survivors with physical disabilities and limitations could have a place to go to,” Victorson said. “Cancer can be so isolating, especially for young adults. Our goal was to build a community where people feel seen, supported and valued.”
The Daffodil House provides accommodations to ensure that the same offerings and programs available to others are now accessible to individuals with limitations.
The Walden Institute’s programming is tailored to the unique needs of young adults navigating the complexities of cancer. The 2025 retreat schedule includes a winter trek from Feb. 12 to 16 featuring activities such as “snow-ga” (yoga in the snow), mindfulness meditation, snowshoe hikes and guided explorations of the region’s stunning ice caves.
Summer treks, scheduled for July 23 to 27, Aug. 6 to 10 and Aug. 27 to 31, offer participants opportunities to hike, paddle on pristine inland lakes, practice yoga and even sleep under the stars. Each retreat integrates mindfulness practices and peer connections, creating a holistic healing experience.
“When we started this journey, it was all about creating a space where young adults could find themselves again after cancer turned their lives upside down,” Victorson said. “Nature became our co-therapist. There’s something about stepping into the woods or looking up at the stars that reminds you of your place in the world. It’s grounding, and it’s healing.”
As anyone who has spent time in the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula understands, the benefits of being in nature cannot be overstated. The concept of “forest bathing” is a practice derived from the Japanese tradition of “Shinrin-yoku.” Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest with intentionality and mindfulness.
Studies have shown that this practice can boost immune system function, reduce stress hormones and increase levels of anti-cancer proteins. Participants often describe these moments of quiet reflection as transformative.
Research supports the institute’s approach. In a study titled “Nature-Based Interventions and Exposure Among Cancer Survivors,” participants identified nature as the most critical resource in coping with their illness. This aligns with the growing recogni- tion of nature’s therapeutic benefits, particularly for those grappling with the physical and emotional toll of cancer. With cancer remaining the leading cause of death worldwide, programs like those at the Walden Institute are more vital than ever, supporting survivors to live their best lives and increasing survival rates with medical advancements.
The institute’s efforts have resonated deeply with its participants. Mark, a cancer survivor who attended a summer trek, reflected on his experience: “Sleeping under the stars and paddling on the lakes gave me a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in years. The experience reawakened my hope.”
Such testimonials underscore the profound impact of the Walden Institute’s work, where healing extends beyond physical recovery to encompass emotional and spiritual renewal.
Julie Ann, a two-time TNT alumna who sadly succumbed to cancer in 2023, perfectly captured the transformative impact of her time at the Walden Institute as she reflected on a particularly memorable moment. Standing on the shores of Lake Superior, she felt the icy spray and listened to the crashing waves. “I want to remember being here,” she said in a 2023 TNT short film.
While the Walden Institute offers a respite from the challenges of cancer, it also fosters a lasting community. Participants often form lifelong connections with TNT staff and one another.
“One of our participants has stayed in touch for over seven years,” said Kathy Scortino, a registered nurse and director of engagement. “He has built strong relationships with several of us, sharing the ups and downs in his life. He knows he can trust us and count on us to be there. And we know that he will do all that he can to share the TNT story so others can learn about all that we offer.”
Victorson added, “It’s not just about coming here once and moving on. We’re creating a family, a network of support that extends far beyond these woods.”
The desire of the institute to foster ongoing community and connections with others is evident in its efforts to collaborate with like-minded organizations, businesses and educational institutions.
Students from Northern Michigan University’s agricultural and construction management programs have built raised beds, participated in summer farm internships and cultivated organic fruits and vegetables as well as constructed a garden shed, greenhouse, raised tent platforms and a sauna.
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine students have spent time learning about wilderness medicine in the natural surroundings of the institute.
In 2022, True North Treks, in collaboration with MSU, Northwestern University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, obtained an ACER grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to engage TNT’s young adult cancer survivors in the potential benefits of Upper Peninsula harvested sap-related products like maple syrup and maple water from the forests of the Walden Institute.
Looking to the future, the Walden Institute aims to expand its reach and impact. Plans include additional retreat spaces, partnerships with medical institutions and new programs to serve a broader demographic.
At the Walden Institute, nurtured by a compassionate staff, the restorative power of nature and the strength of community converge into a place of healing.
For those who walk its trails, paddle its lakes or bask in the quiet peacefulness of the Upper Peninsula, the Walden Institute offers a reminder of life’s enduring beauty, even in the face of one of its most difficult battles.
Walden isn’t just a retreat. As one participant put it, “Watching sunrises and sunsets and seeing stars and the Milky Way. Seeing all the animals we saw — fox, eagles, deer, hummingbirds … this experience has reminded me that nature calms me and helps me see things in such a raw, real manner.”
For more information on the Walden Institute, visit tntwaldeninstitute.
org.
