Land as Dharma Teacher (August)

Join Erin Treat and Brian Lesage for a residential retreat at Vallecitos from August 11–18, 2026. To help make participation as accessible as possible, this retreat offers a sliding-scale pricing model along with a range of housing options. All accommodations are single occupancy, and pricing includes meals; lodging is included where noted.

Housing and pricing options

• Casita Benefactor Rate — For guests who are resourced and able to support another participant. This rate covers retreat costs and helps fund financial assistance for others. The difference between this rate and the actual rate is tax-deductible.
• Casita Actual Rate — Covers the actual cost of the retreat.
• Casita Scholarship Rate — A 35% scholarship off the actual retreat cost. If you need additional assistance beyond this rate, select this option, complete registration, and then submit the scholarship application provided afterward.
• Yurt Benefactor Rate — Supports retreat costs and helps provide financial assistance to others. The difference between this rate and the actual rate is tax-deductible.
• Yurt Actual Rate — Covers the actual cost of the retreat.
• Yurt Scholarship Rate — A 35% scholarship off the actual retreat cost. If you need additional assistance beyond this rate, select this option, complete registration, and then submit the additional scholarship application provided afterward.
• Tent Cabin Benefactor Rate — Supports retreat costs and helps provide financial assistance to others. The difference between this rate and the actual rate is tax-deductible.
• Tent Cabin Actual Rate — Covers the actual cost of the retreat.
• Tent Cabin Scholarship Rate — A 35% scholarship off the actual retreat cost. If you need additional assistance beyond this rate, select this option, complete registration, and then submit the additional scholarship application provided afterward.
• Hermitage — Supporting scholarships and land stewardship — This option supports land stewardship efforts and access for retreatants who need additional financial help. The difference between this rate and the actual hermitage rate is tax-deductible.
• Hermitage — Supporting scholarships — Helps support access for retreatants who need additional assistance. The difference between this rate and the actual hermitage rate is tax-deductible.
• Hermitage — A secluded cabin — A private, heated, single-occupancy cabin overlooking mountains, meadows, and the Vallecitos River. The octagonal cabin includes a queen bed, night stand, desk, chair, shelves, sink, and counter, with a private outhouse nearby. Meals and lodging are included.
• Tent Camping — An economical option for experienced campers only. You must bring your own tent and gear, as Vallecitos does not provide tents. Weather can be highly variable and precipitation should be expected; guests must be fully self-sufficient. This option is strongly discouraged for anyone new to Vallecitos. Tent camping, like all housing, is single occupancy only and may not be shared. Meals are included.

Additional options

• Comfort Pack — includes bedding and towels
• Round Trip Shuttle — see website for more details
• One Way Shuttle — see website for more details

You will also be asked about dietary needs, including gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, soy free, egg free, nut free, vegan without honey, vegan with honey, specific food allergies, or other medically necessary requests. If you have an allergy, please describe it clearly, including whether it is anaphylactic.

Eligibility for this retreat requires at least 14 nights of residential meditation retreat experience with authorized insight meditation teachers, unless an exemption has been granted. These days do not need to be consecutive. If you do not meet this requirement, support is available to help you find another retreat.

Before arrival, you will receive a practice discussion questionnaire two weeks in advance. Registration also asks whether you have any personal or psychological situations or diagnoses that may require additional support or affect your retreat. Because the center is remote, this information helps ensure your well-being as fully as possible. If you are a medical professional and willing to assist in a medical emergency, you may note your profession and availability.

Please provide an emergency contact name and phone number, including your relationship to that person. You will also be asked whether you have visited Vallecitos before, how you heard about the retreat, and whether you would like to receive the email newsletter. There is also space for comments or special needs.

Important notes

• CPAP users: if your machine requires electricity, you must register for a casita and will be assigned to casita 3 or 4, where solar batteries are available. If you bring rechargeable batteries or a solar power source, you may choose any lodging type.
• Registration remains pending until the scholarship application is also received, if applicable.
• Cancellation policy: 45+ days = full refund, less nonrefundable $150 fee; 45–22 days = 50% refund; 0–21 days = no refunds. This policy applies to all registered guests, including scholarship recipients.

Please review the terms and conditions before continuing, and note that payment details will be requested in the next step.