IMS Teen Retreat 2025

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Click here to register on the Retreat Center 2025 schedule page

Why Join IMS’s Teen Retreat?

TR Teacher Cara Lai shares what the retreat is like and why teens come back year after year

35 Years of Teen Retreats at IMS

TR Teacher Jean Esther reflects on the impact and importance of the Teen Retreat

A fun, activity-filled retreat that allows young people to develop and value their natural spirituality within a supportive environment committed to the inclusivity of all.

Activities
  • Games
  • Music
  • Creative arts
  • Meditation instruction
  • Sitting & walking meditation
  • Small group meetings
  • Yoga & mindful movement
  • Bonfire on closing night
  • And lots more, all within the framework of mindfulness and generating greater wisdom and compassion
Details
  • Five night, six day retreat
  • Designed for ages 15-19
  • Led by three experienced teachers
  • Supported by a group of trained adult mentors
  • Cost: $170 to $1,590 on a sliding scale
  • Scholarships available; no one turned away
  • Accommodations in private rooms

 

“The teens don’t just learn how to be on retreat, they learn how to be in the world. The Dharma has the potential to be a steadying life-long resource for them.”
—Jean Esther, TR Teacher
“I think of my life in terms of before and after the Teen Retreat, which helped me in many ways and made the rest of the summer after the retreat one of my best. I learned how to find inner peace, and I noticed myself becoming calmer as the days went on. That has lasted into the present. I particularly enjoyed playing music and doing the sunrise walk. The mornings in silence were really good.”—Noah, age 16

Tales and takeaways from TR alumni

Cara Lai invites you to open up, meditate, and get a little weird at the TR

The Teen Retreat has an incredible field of acceptance and love that you don’t get to feel as a teen in many other places.

TR Alumni

The Teen Retreat was my favorite week of every year!

TR Alumni

Meet the Teaching Team

IMS Teacher: Jean Esther

Jean has been involved with the TR for more than two decades—first as a mentor and now as a teacher.

IMS Teacher: Cara Lai

Cara became a TR mentor in 2014. Ten years later, she’s co-leader of this year's summer retreat.

Assistant Teacher: Anthony Maes

Anthony has practiced dharma since 2000, and is in the current IMS Teacher Training Program.

Support the Teen Retreat

The Teen Retreat provides a unique opportunity for young people to connect with themselves in a profound and transformative way. Please consider donating to help teens experience the power of retreat, regardless of their financial circumstances.

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