Namaskar dear families,
We are delighted to welcome you once again to our annual Family & Kids Retreat, a cherished opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and share meaningful time together as a family.
✨ Purpose of the Retreat
This retreat offers a supportive and nurturing setting where children are gently introduced to spiritual practices within a mindful and caring community. At the same time, parents are invited to deepen their own sense of balance, presence, and connection.
The program is designed to support harmony in three essential areas of life: physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
What to Expect
1. Physical Activities
We will care for the body through:
- Movement activities for children and adults
- Nature hike
- Yoga and Tai Chi sessions for both children and parents
- Swimming and picnic time at Lake Taghkanic State Park, weather permitting. A playground near the lake will also be available for children who do not swim.
2. Mental & Creative Activities
Children will have opportunities to express themselves and release tension through:
- Painting
- Nature-based crafts
- Creative group activities
We will also offer a spiritual philosophy session for both children and adults, along with relaxed social time, including gathering around the evening fire pit.
3. Spiritual Practices
Together, we will explore simple yet meaningful practices such as:
- Collective mantra chanting
- Group meditation
At certain times during the retreat, some participants may also choose to practice their personal meditation or yoga.
Meditation activities will be guided by experienced yogic monks.
There will also be time to rest, connect, and allow children to play freely in a safe environment.
⚠️ Important Information
- This is a self-service retreat: all participants are expected to help with meal preparation and cleanup. A sign-up sheet will be provided.
- This is not a drop-off event: parents are responsible for supervising their children at all times.
- The schedule may change depending on weather or group needs. Updates will be shared during the retreat.
- Please arrive on time for meals and activities. If you plan to skip any, kindly inform the team.
- Only sentient lacto-vegetarian food is allowed, with no garlic, onions, or mushrooms.
- No smoking, alcohol, or drugs are permitted.
- Please be mindful, respectful, and kind to everyone in the space.
- More details will be shared at the beginning of the program.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Hiking and swimming gear
- Water bottle
- Sun hat, sunscreen, bug repellent
- Personal items
- Picnic blanket, sand toys, or beach equipment
- Musical instruments, optional for sharing
What We Provide
- Full retreat program
- Accommodations
- 6 meals + 2 snack times
- Towels and shampoo
- Yoga mats
- Washing machine and dryer available for a small fee
Contact:
For program details: Rina
For accommodation & fees: Dada Rainjitananda
Register using the options available on the registration system.
The adult price includes the children of that family. All children must be accompanied by at least one parent.
Schedule (final version provided upon arrival)
Friday Arrive in the evening
- 6:00 to 7:00 PM: Kiirtan and meditation
- 7:00 - 8:00 Dinner
- 8:00 PM: Story time for children
Saturday
- 7:30 - 10:00 AM: Kiirtan/meditation and breakfast* (8:00 AM - youth meditation)
- 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Opening ceremony
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Children's yoga
- 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Fruits/snacks
- 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM: Soccer game
- 11:45 - 12:00 PM: Break, half-bath
- 12:00 - 12:30 PM: Arts and crafts (2 and up)
- 12:00 - 12:30 PM: Philosophy class for the youth (7 and up)
- 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Meditation time / Free time
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Drive to lake
- 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Go out swimming!
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Kiirtan/Meditation/Dinner*
- 7:30 PM Fire Pit/ Singing
Sunday
- 7:30 - 10:00 AM: Kiirtan/meditation and breakfast* (8:00 AM - youth meditation)
- 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Children's yoga
- 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM: Fruits/snacks
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Hike & Playtime with bubbles
- 1:00 PM: Lunch
- Closing ceremony and departure
* Food will be available for small children early during meditation times. Parents do not need to follow the exact meal time. Meals will always be prepared with children's interests in mind. Juice and healthy, tasty snacks will always be available.
