April Volunteer Week
April 11 - 17, 2022
Volunteer weeks at Southern Dharma offer an opportunity to deepen practice, build dharma community, and support the Center’s operations and facilities through hands-on projects.
Each day will include periods of group meditation instruction and practice, working meditation shifts, meals, free unstructured time, and optional socializing. We will observe partial silence (after 10pm through breakfast). No prior meditation or retreat experience is required. There will be ample time to enjoy the natural beauty and seclusion of Southern Dharma.
All volunteers must be capable of lifting 50 pounds and be comfortable moving over uneven terrain. Participants should plan to bring indoor and outdoor work clothes, water-repellent work shoes or boots, indoor shoes or slippers, an outdoor hat, rain gear, and plenty of clothing layers to keep warm and comfortable through weather changes and fluctuating spring temperatures.
Check-in will take place on Monday April 11th, between 4:30 and 6:30pm. You are welcome to come to Southern Dharma earlier in the day on Monday but we will not necessarily be able to provide access to your lodging any earlier than 4:30pm. If you need to arrive later than 6:30pm, please arrange this with us separately.
Check-out will take place on Sunday, April 17th, by 11am sharp. After you have packed your belongings and cleaned and disinfected your lodging, you are welcome to stay on campus as long as you choose to on Sunday.
Upon departure, you will be invited to make a dana contribution to the Center.
Questions? Email registrar@southerndharma.org
Until further notice, registration for our residential programs is restricted to individuals who have or will receive their final Covid-19 vaccination at least two weeks before their arrival on site. We will be restricting total retreat capacity to allow for comfortable, unmasked participation, as well as the option of outdoor dining. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request. We also require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!
Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:
- Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
- Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
- Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
- Basic Tent Platform
Please use the appropriate field in the registration process to let us know your preferences in regards to housing, if any, and also specify if you insist on or prefer being housed with others of the same gender. All housing options are priced the same except for the Basic Tent Platform.
Southern Dharma is now offering 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and Young Adults in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a Southern Dharma in-house scholarship during the registration process.