Spring Volunteer Weekend (Residential Only)
Description
Early May is a beautiful time at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge, with fresh leaves, gentle light, and the quiet feeling of the season coming fully alive. It is also a meaningful moment to come together in community and care for the sangha’s spiritual home, which supports so much of our practice.
Seva, the Sanskrit term for selfless service, is an important part of the Buddhist path. Serving together helps loosen self-clinging, nurture generosity, and support one another in living with compassion at the center.
We invite you to join us for our Spring Volunteer Weekend, spending time with sangha while tending the land and buildings that support Natural Dharma Fellowship’s work in the world. The weekend will include a blend of outdoor and indoor projects suitable for a range of abilities, along with plenty of opportunities to connect, rest, and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Wonderwell will offer free overnight lodging, nourishing meals, and restful breaks throughout the weekend. You are welcome to come for the full experience or join for any part of it—your presence and intention are deeply appreciated.
Here is a reflection from Dennis Harrington, volunteer and retreat manager at last year’s Spring Volunteer Weekend:
"As always seems to be the case, all who gave something took away far more than they offered. For me, the weekend redefined sangha. While I had felt its embrace through NDF and Wonderwell, this weekend, sangha became a verb. It was the capital 's' Sangha, with the thousand hands of Chenrezig working together to lovingly maintain the container that holds us all with such care."
Accommodation Options
Suite/Benefactor
The Vajra Suite is a spacious, air-conditioned private bedroom with private deck and bath, furnished with a king bed. This accommodation also includes a separate meditation room with spectacular views of the mountains and a private kitchenette. By choosing this Benefactor room option and paying at a higher rate, you are supporting Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in our efforts to maintain and improve our historic building and the grounds and to make retreat practice more accessible for all. Thank you.
Private Room w/Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath
This private room selection provides a queen size bed and en-suite bath. There are two rooms located on the second floor and one on the third floor. These rooms can also be used by couples staying at Wonderwell. In that case, please select "2 guests," and an adjustment is automatically made in the room price for the second person. The second guest will then receive an email with a link to complete the personal registration questions and will not be considered registered until those questions are answered and received. The queen beds come with 2 pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it. The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort. We ask that guests bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels. Fireplaces in bedrooms are not to be used and no candles please.
Shared Room w/Ensuite Bath
If you register for a shared double room, you must accept sharing the space with someone you don't know. Each shared room in this price range contains two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom.
Shared Room w/Hall Bath
If you register for a shared double room, you must accept sharing the space with someone you don't know. Each shared room in this price range has two twin beds with a hallway bathroom shared with another room.
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Organization
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Contact Information
Sat, May 9