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The Path is Our Home Retreat
December 29, 2022 – January 2, 2023 PST
Holiday Retreat 2022
Our annual retreat for the holidays and bringing in the new year in the Great Hidden Mountain. We welcome everyone. All ages. Children’s and Teen programs provided for ages 6 to 17.
Registration for this retreat is now closed.
Registration Fees
- Tent – Adult: $240 | Teen: $160 | Child: $100
- 6 Bed Dorm – Adult: $300 | Teen: $200 | Child: $140
- 3 Bed Dorm – Adult: $400 | Teen: $280 | Child: $180
$100.00 – $400.00
Final cost to be determined.
When will registration begin?
Probably late summer or early fall.
Is there a way to sign up for Email alerts for new info?
There really isn’t a system but I do have an idea. You can sign up for a notifications for our blog posts at the link below (at the bottom of that page). And I will do my very best to write a short blog post when registration opens. No promises, but I’m pretty good.
https://deerparkmonastery.org/deer-park-monastery/
Where is the Great Hidden Mountain?
We are located in Escondido, California. This is located about 50-miles from downtown San Diego.
Dear Brother Joy, will there be a children’s program at this retreat!
I have not heard anything about a children’s program being offered, but I will make some inquiries with the organizing team.
Hello, if I want to attend the Holiday Retreat, in order to book flights and ground transport, can you please tell me what time I have to arrive at Deer Park on Dec 29 and what time I have to leave on Jan 2?
Thank you,
Kari
Arrival day is always between 2pm-5pm and departure day is always after lunch. Usually around 1:30. Please don’t book tickets without a confirmation of registration or make sure the tickets are fully refundable.
Got it, thank you!
Hello, any info on how to signup for this retreat? Can families attend with children? Thank you
It will probably go on sale sometime in the next month
Dear Brother Joy, Hope all of you are doing great!
For Holiday retreat, along with covid vaccination, are the boosters mandatory?
For the family retreat in summer, boosters were mandatory, and many of us missed the opportunity to come join the retreat.
We have also observed that, the families with booster getting the covid and lots of families without booster also not falling sick, which is something very similar to flu observation.
We really hope that boosters aren’t mandatory anymore, to attend the overnight retreat.
Regards,
-Madhu
We hope to review our COVID protocols soon. If there are any changes, they will be shared when we open registration. If not sooner.
I am truly hoping to attend, this sounds beautiful.
Greetings Brother Joy! We are hoping to register and come as a family with our 5 and 8 yrs old children. Will there be a children’s program? If there is not a program can we still come with our children? Thanks!
We will likely have a children’s program have been determined yet. And yes, you can still come regardless.
Thank you! We will look out for registration.
I have received the first two Covid vaccines but due to a change in my meditation I can not get the boosters. Does this disqualify me from participating?
This should be okay but you’ll want to communicate with the registration office once you are registered.
Hello. Is it possible for someone to come who will register to camp but they will stay in their converted van in the parking lot? This is necessary for them for some health needs. Thanks.
Yes, please communicate this with the registration office. Email office@deerparkmonastery.org
Hello to all. I am looking to register for The Holiday retreat and I would like some guidance regarding how to register, logging and airline/transportation needs. Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.
Best of health
Leah
Registration will open in October. We recommend not purchasing any travel arrangements without a confirmation of registration.
Thank you for offering the exact dates that registration will open. Could you confirm if the time is 12 noon “PST”?
Much metta to the organizers and communicators,
G
You are welcome. Being in California, it will be pacific time.
Is there an opportunity to stay at Deer Park Monastery for a few days prior to the start of the retreat? So, arrival on December 26th or 27th?
Namaste,
Cathy
The only way to come a few days early is to be in staff for the retreat. Details will posted here soon.
Hi Brother Joy,
Any updates as to if there will be a children’s program for this retreat?
Thank you,
Edward
No updates, but it’s very likely.
What is the difference between the first and second half registration?
We will release half the registrations on the first day and the other half on the second day. Aside from that there is no difference.
Thank you for your work, brother Joy. Will staffing oppurtunities be released prior to general registration or will it all open together?
(Wondering whether to check this page everyday 😬)
Yes. I thought I had added that date as well but I will double check and at it soon. I think it’s about a week before so probably this week.
Hi brother Joy,
What is the age limit for the retreat?
There are no age limits. At this time we do require a vaccination, but that to me change before we open registration.
Hello Brother Joy,
When is the registration open for the 2022 holiday retreat?
It is listed above on this page
Hi there, it won’t let me select 12/29 or the appropriate duration
Hello, I just tried to sign up for the retreat but I’m seeing that I’m unable to select 12/29 for the arrival date. Could you please assist? Thank you.
We seem to be overwhelmingly popular for the Holiday Retreat. A good and difficult thing. In the first 5-10 minutes we had some system issues that were resolved. Once resolved, if the 29th wasn’t available to select then that accommodation was already full. The dorm space is extremely limited with only 10 spaces for 3-bed and 30 spaces for 6-bed. Right now we still have a few tents available and you can always try for the dorm space tomorrow afternoon.
I am also have trouble registering. Thank you.
Dear Brother, Is the holiday retreat registration opening today?
I don’t see it open yet.
Yes, we opened at noon but then had some issues so it was 5-10 minutes late.
Hello dear monastery team. There is still a glitch that prevents choosing Dec. 29 for the arrival date. Thank you.
We seem to be overwhelmingly popular for the Holiday Retreat. A good and difficult thing. In the first 5-10 minutes we had some system issues that were resolved. Once resolved, if the 29th wasn’t available to select then that accommodation was already full. The dorm space is extremely limited with only 10 spaces for 3-bed and 30 spaces for 6-bed. Right now we still have a few tents available and you can always try for the dorm space tomorrow afternoon.
Is the service down? We haven’t been able to access the date.bwhen we do, it times out.
We seem to be overwhelmingly popular for the Holiday Retreat. A good and difficult thing. In the first 5-10 minutes we had some system issues that were resolved. Once resolved, if the 29th wasn’t available to select then that accommodation was already full. The dorm space is extremely limited with only 10 spaces for 3-bed and 30 spaces for 6-bed. Right now we still have a few tents available and you can always try for the dorm space tomorrow afternoon.
Hello, I am having a similar issue where it will not let me select the 29th -2nd as a date for the Holiday Retreat
Hi we were happy to register today. Our youngest child will be just 1 month away from his 6th birthday. I hope they will make an exception and let him join the children’s program. Otherwise we will be excited to organize a younger kid group with any other families in the same situation. Thank you!
Please make the request when you arrive to the Children’s Program leaders.
Hello, Dec. 29 was green, and as I was filling in my information, it then became red…? Not sure how to proceed.
The spot is not secured until you complete the form and click Make Reservation. You may need to try again tomorrow if you want a dorm space.
Dear Brother,
Does each member of our family need to register separately? It’s four of us with one teenager and one infant. Is it possible to get a three bed dorm that we all share? I tried registering today the second it came up but the dates were instantly red and it seemed it wouldn’t be possible to register all of us at once.
Yes, that is correct that you have to register each person one at a time. And the three bed dorms are very limited, but please try again tomorrow. Make sure you do it in a web browser on the computer and most of the information. Will be safe for the second and third.
Hello Brother Joy,
When will the dates and locations of the summer retreat for family in 2023 be available? We are planning our summer holiday and the family retreat in plum village will be our priority.
Dear Brother Joe,
The retreat seems very popular indeed. I logged on at 1PM Oct 14 and was late to the party. So today I sat in front of the screen and logged on at exactly 9. But by the time I finished filling out the form it already said “cannot rent resource.” I suppose we will try the waiting list tomorrow but it’d be difficult as we’re a family of four and we are out of state. We were looking forward to the retreat as a way to replenish ourselves physically and mentally after a hard year. I suppose others feel the same.
I also wished we had been to the Plum village when Thay was still with us. But we fell victim to the fallacy of “we’d do it when we have time.”
I am rather disappointed but I understand. I’m just wondering if you have any suggestions to register successfully next time. I don’t know if I have the finger prowess to have the speed required :)))
Nam mo a di da phat
We’re always seeking ways to improve the process, and have some ideas for next, but that won’t help this time round. This is indeed a very popular retreat and we simply don’t have capacity to take more. We do release from the waiting list so definitely get your name on there.
Oh no!!! I was planing on taking care of registration today ( Saturday ) at noon but a client kept me busy and now we have almost 2.I do not see a way to register at this point but wonder if there is still space and a way to sign up for the holiday retreat!!?
We will open a waiting list tomorrow at 3pm so definitely get your name on that.
Hello Brother Joy – Thank you for managing this process! I just found out that registration is open for the Holiday Retreat by visiting the website today (have been waiting for months), and it looks like cabin spaces are already full. Sadly mobility issues limit me from tenting – can I sign up for a wait list in case a cabin spot opens up? Thank you!
Yes, the waitlist will open today (Sunday) at 3pm PDT.
Dear Brother Joy,
Can you please let me know the check-in and check-out time for the Holiday Retreat so I can make reservations for my flight tickets?
Thank you!
Checkin for the retreat will likely be 2pm-5pm on arrival day and the retreat is usually done after lunch on Sunday (1:30pm).
Brother Joy, I see you having to tend to so many questions here and I hope that my next question is not already answered earlier on this thread. Im not very tech savvy ( I did watch the little video on how to register ) but will it just be obvious at 3pm , a link shows up and I sign up that way? I will just make sure to be on this site at 3pm. Thank you!
Yes, it will be obvious. A link will just show up at 3pm and simply follow that to complete the process.
Can anyone see the link?
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
It’s past 3pm PST, yet I do not see a link to sign up for the waiting list.
Can you advise?
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
Im online and seeing this:
At this time, all dorms and camping spots are full. We will open a Waiting List at 3 PM PDT today (Sunday) and the link will appear here.
Now, 3.07pm and no link. Just wondering if I should stay and still wait for link to waiting list.?
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
Will the waiting list be open soon?
Hello I am hoping to register for the waiting list. Will it be opening?
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
It is 3:19 pm on 10/16 a no link is available yet to sign up for the waiting list. I also was on the site to register at right at noon Friday and noon Saturday when registration supposedly opened, but both days and many tries were not successful because the Dec 29 arrival date was no available. What’s to do?
When will the waiting list registration open?
I have been refreshing the page for 32 minutes.
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
It is now 3:36 pm on Oct 16, and there is not a link available to register for the waiting list. I have been refreshing my screen for over 1/2 hour now, and will give up. There has been no response to people’s comments about the issue either. This is very sad, as I did my best to register for the Holiday Retreat, going to the site at noon on Friday and a few minutes past noon on Saturday, and both days the Dec 29 arrival date was not available.
Please accept my humble apologies. I have been enjoying a lazy afternoon following our Day of Mindfulness and opening the waiting list slipped my mind. We will open at 4pm.
Dear brother Joy,
Thanks for answering our questions. I registered for the waiting list and given an ID number. Hopefully it went through.
May I still be able to put my name on the waiting list?
Yes, you may but we already have many people on it also
Wanted to express my admiration and gratitude to Brother Joy for working during Lazy Times! Will try and say it next time I’m at dpm!
Dear Brother Joy, some of the folks who registered were told they would receive a confirmation in a week or so. I wondered whether we need to wait for the confirmation before booking travel?
It’s best to write to our registration office. You can email them at office@deerparkmonastery.org
Hello is there a waitlist for the holiday retreat ? Thank you
The waitlist is no longer available because it is already full too.
Dear Brother Joy, I have luved in Escondido over 17 years, & am just learning about beautiful Deer Park. I am watching the video. I live near I 15 & Country Club. I hope I learn more.
Sincerely,
Lisa Stevenson
Wow, that is so close to us. We definitely hope you can come up and visit sometime. If not for a retreat, we are usually open on Sunday mornings for activities and a program. Please just keep checking our website on the homepage we have a calendar of events.
Dear Brothers/sisters,
I have registered for the winter retreat 2022; somehow, I lost my confirmation, I could not find it in my inbox. How can I retrieve it?
I registered under Jenny Tran, Nguyen Dieu An.
Thank you.
Please send an email to our registration office. Email is office@deerparkmonastery.org
hello brother Joy,
How can I register for the holiday retreat?
The retreat is completely booked.
Hello,
Is there anyway to make an exception? Or is anyone not able to come that I could take their spot? My boyfriend lost his mom and he loves Deer Park and I think it would be the best Christmas gift to give him. He loves the teachings and has been able to help me grow by sharing the teachings with me.
If anyone cannot come I would love to take your spot and pay for it
I am searching for a miracle lol.
And unfortunately, we already have a very long waiting list as well. Those folks will be able to come once any others cancel.
Can I please be added to that waitlist just in case? This is really important to me that I try and give him this gift and opportunity
The waiting list is very long and unlikely to be exhausted
Well I believe in miracles and just in case there is one. Can be added?
Please add me to the mailing list for a male 3 or 6 person room. Thank you.
Unfortunately, the Retreat is completely full as is our current waiting list
Hi, In the case that there is rain during the retreat, are there any rain protection / canopies provided for people staying in tents? What would you recommend from prior retreats when there was rain & people stayed in tents?
We encourage people to bring what they need to camp. This may include bringing your own rain canopy All our events are rain or shine. We try to make accommodations if they’re necessary. For example, on occasion, we’ve had people sleep in the meditation hall when it’s extremely cold or particularly wet. I hope this helps.
Hello, I have seen people have been cancelling, Is it possible to join the waitlist?
Hi Brandon. Our waitlist is also beyond capacity already, and we are not excepting any more names.
hello, May I ask the current covid safety protocols? I see there are a few open spots available but am interested in current safety procedures.
Our covid protocols are that individuals may wear a mask if they wish. Vaccination is not required to attend. Most activities can be done outdoors, including meals. I hope this helps.
Hello, if there happens to be any registration cancellations for this retreat, I would love to know!