Family Retreat

This course for families is an invitation to free our hearts and minds in the very midst of our roles and relationships. Guided by the teachings of the Buddha, we learn to nurture an attitude of kindness, care and attention in all activities, from traditional rituals in the hall to spontaneous play with friends. Through meditation, dharma teachings, discussions and community gatherings we explore the unfolding of wisdom, joy and compassion. The teachers will be assisted by Ofosu Jones-Quartey for this retreat.

A program for children aged 2-13 years is included; it is staffed by volunteers who coordinate age-appropriate activities. A parent or friend needs to stay with any child under two years old at all times. Regrettably, this retreat is not open to teens aged 14 or older unless they are invited to serve as Young Adult Helpers.

Each family unit pays an additional fee for the children's program. This is on a sliding scale basis, ranging from $60 to $175. Please specify the name, full date of birth and gender of all children when you register.

For those with allergies, please note that IMS serves peanut butter at some meals.

If your teen is interested in serving as a Young Adult Helper, an application process is necessary. Please make sure the application reaches us prior to the lottery date.

Tentative Daily Schedule

The following outline describes the daily Family Retreat structure and the kinds of activities that are included. Please note that this is a tentative schedule only - a more precise one will be made available on arrival at the start of the course.

7:00 am ... Meditation in the hall for adults

7:30 am ... Breakfast and work-as-practice period (\'yogi job\') for adults and children

9:30 am ... Community dharma gathering for everyone in the meditation hall - this period might include rituals, mindful movement and guided meditation.

10:00 am ... Silent sitting and walking meditation for adults - teachers will provide basic instructions and guidance.

Also at 10:00 am ... Group activities for children with adult volunteers and teen helpers - teachers will provide dharma classes and guided meditation.

Noon ... Lunch and rest time

1:30 pm ... Family time - various activities on- and off-site, such as swimming, rehearsals for the end-of-retreat skit, crafts and play. Adults may attend small groups organized by teachers or other retreatants, or take more time for silent practice in the meditation hall.

4:30 pm ... Community dharma gathering in the meditation hall - this period might include rituals, storytelling, songs and sharing.

5:00 pm ... Dinner

6:00 pm ... Silent sitting and walking meditation for adults - this period might include a teacher dharma talk or time for questions and discussion.

Also at 6:00 pm ... Children attend groups with adult volunteers and teen helpers.

8:00 pm ... Family time - get ready for bed. A final 30-minute meditation in the hall is offered for adults.

10:00 pm ... Lights out