July Volunteer Week

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 July 18th, 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, July 24th, 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!

Check-in from 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated – email registrar@southerndharma.org to request.

Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the last day of retreat. Please make sure that you can attend the full program before registering.

For our 2022 retreats, three fee tiers are offered. Please choose the option that best fits your ability to give in this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Your confirmation email is your receipt for tax purposes.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students. Similarly, Southern Dharma keeps registration fees low to ensure the Dharma is accessible to all. Fees cover only a fraction of Southern Dharma’s operating expenses. We appreciate your practice of generosity to continue the dissemination of the Dharma.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:

1. Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
2. Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
3. Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
4. Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
5. Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
6. 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.