There is a space that men have been using for thousands of years to connect with each other.
A space that seems to have disappeared from our lives today.
A space of gathering.
MenBase brings young men into contact with the power and clarity of nature.
MenBase is a community in which young and old share their experiences.
How?
MenBase Foundation organizes wilderness fasts for men between 18 and 28.
A wilderness fast is an ancient ceremony in which you spend four days alone in remote nature. No food, no distractions. In silence.
A wilderness fast is a symbolic death process. In this process we learn a great deal about one of the primary polarities of life: death and life.
The four-day (in other traditions also called a vision quest, solo quest, or nature quest) is part of a nine-month program.
During these nine months, the group (maximum of eight participants) meets several times in person to explore the patterns that live in your mind and body. Various specialists (including constellators, psychologists, entrepreneurs, boxers, and artists) teach us about these patterns.
Together we form a MenBase: a workshop in which we can get to know ourselves, each other, and the world more deeply.
We Slow down, Observe, Speak up.
This SOS method helps us keep what we say connected to what we experience in the moment, in our bodies.
Feeling and naming what moves through you — in silence and out loud — often causes ideas and thoughts to pause.
In the space that opens up, something new emerges each time.
Participants describe it as a sense of fulfillment and feeling “reconnected.”
After completing the nine-month program, you become part of our MenBase community. You can then be paired with a mentor with whom you share a unique bond: you have both completed the four-day wilderness fast and this program.
Why
When life seems to be racing past you.
When you find yourself wondering, ‘Is this it?’
When you’re looking for a place where grief, sorrow, and loneliness can have the opportunity to transform into resilience.
When your mind is too full. When you want to rest but “don’t have time for it.”
When you no longer find joy in your work, and your personal life is eroding
When you’re looking for a place to find some grounded depth.
Who?
MenBase is a foundation. The board consists of Chudi Uzozie and Bas Mouton. Daily operations are led by Jaap Duin.
Jaap Duin:
My name is Jaap Duin. I live with my partner and daughter in Amsterdam Noord. On weekends you’ll often find me catching fresh air on my home island, Texel.
In recent years I’ve worked as a psychologist and sparring partner, mainly with men who perform under pressure. I also organize expeditions without phones or cameras to remote places in nature. MenBase is the place where, together with other guides, I can pass on to young men the lessons others once passed on to me.
Chudi Uzozie:
Co-founder of ollie.nl. Father of three daughters. With his background as a psychologist and entrepreneur specializing in youth programs, Chudi safeguards the conscience of MenBase.
Bas Mouton:
Bas once completed three university degrees, but these days he mostly spends his time doing sports and working on projects that make him happy. Entrepreneur, father of two kids, and deeply interested in personal development, especially for (young) men.
Jaap Duin
Join?
When?
The four-day will take place in September 2026. The program starts in May 2026.
Location
online and offline
Investment
TBD. We aim at making MenBase open to everyone who is committed to join. Feel free to contact us!