The Language of Connection: Non-violent Communication

This four-day nature immersion uses Non-Violent Communication (NVC) to explore how you speak, listen, and connect in real life. It is for adults aged 18 and over who enjoy exchanging ideas, are willing to move as a group, and feel comfortable with moderate-to-high physical activity. The days combine outdoor movement, group dialogue, practical communication tools, quiet reflection, and camp life at Khnang Veal. You will have space to practise honest expression, listen with empathy, and let the learning settle in nature.

Arrival and camp life

• Depart Phnom Penh for Khnang Veal at 5:30am and travel to the campsite.

• Take a short trek, check in to camp, meet the group, and set up tents, hammocks, and essential knots.

• Work together on organizing fire, water, and food in the outdoors.

• Cook as a group and gather around the campfire for Your Tree reflections.

Non-Violent Communication foundation

• Begin the morning with yoga, sport, or meditation and a self-made breakfast.

• Explore what Non-Violent Communication is and reflect on a real situation from your own life.

• Use a personal sitting place for individual reflection.

• Share stories around NVC and explore its four components: Observation, Feeling, Needs, and Request.

• Apply the four components to your own stories in a reflection circle.

Connection and communication tools

• Take a short trek and join a check-in while exploring the Mode of Connection, including self-connection and honest expression.

• Explore how people learn through VARK and the KASH framework.

• Take part in orientation games and trust exercises, including a blindfolded walking exercise.

• Examine communication styles through Sender and Receiver work, a DISC self-assessment, and small-group exchange.

• Cook together and continue the conversation around the evening campfire circle.

Integration and departure

• Begin with a silent morning for personal reflection and a self-made breakfast.

• Practise I-Language and take part in an open group discussion.

• Go on a trek with lunch along the way.

• Return from Khnang Veal to Phnom Penh and close the journey with a campfire circle and evaluation round.

Throughout the experience, guided pair and group exercises bring together active outdoor learning, honest dialogue, quiet time, and personal reflection.

The experience runs as a four-day journey from arrival and camp setup through NVC foundations, communication tools, integration, and departure. Each day begins outdoors with a morning check-in and an NVC circle, followed by practical exercises, movement, camp responsibilities, and time for personal reflection.

A mandatory online preparation meeting takes place about one week before the journey. The meeting introduces the participants and facilitators, aligns expectations, clarifies logistics and safety, and supports the final preparation steps.

Participation is for adults aged 18 and over. You should enjoy exchanging ideas with other like-minded people, be willing to move as a group, and feel comfortable with moderate-to-high physical activity.

Prior outdoor experience is not required. Sharing personal stories is always an invitation, so you choose what and how much you share. Plan to take part in the full journey and all learning days.

After booking, you receive a packing list tailored to the program and season, together with guidance on clothing systems, footwear, rain protection, and essential items. You also receive guidance on what not to bring so that you can stay light and practical.

Camping is part of the experience. You set up tents and hammocks at the campsite and take part in shared camp responsibilities.

Breakfast is self-made. Group cooking and campfire circles are part of camp life, and lunch is taken along the trek on departure day. Food is organized as part of the program, with sufficient water access and safe drinking practices planned.