Venture Retreat's Colorful History

A Commune Called "Venture"

The property that is today known as Venture Retreat was originally purchased in the early 1960's by residents of a commune geared toward "becoming who you are"—a central tenet of the Human Potential Movement. The commune was called Venture, and the property later became the Venture Retreat.

Bob Berthiume, Acting Director of Venture Retreat, joined the group in 1975. Among the organizations and individuals who frequented Venture and the Esalen® groups of the era, Bob particularly recalls psychodrama leader Vic Lovell, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest author Ken Kesey, The Center for Independent Living in Berkeley and The Motley Men.

Today, Venture Retreat is an active participant in The Esalen® Peninsula Network. The Network facilitates community building by holding several events each year that are open to anyone wishing to connect with such a community, and by supporting the gathering of small groups to explore specific interests or topics.

New Eco-Endeavors

Along with Venture Retreat's ongoing business of service to small retreat groups, new eco-minded endeavors are also underway. Two nights a week, the Institute of Nature Awareness sends 'at-risk' youth to the Venture Retreat, where they can experience the natural world and its creatures. Children stay in three tipi's in the meadow below the lodge, where they learn about eco-systems, permaculture and a holistic community based in eco values.

There is no doubt that the culture of Venture Retreat is driven by human values. Through its involvement with retreat groups and lifelong learners, it continues to foster human potential and give back to the community in which it has thrived for thirty years.