July 5 – July 9 PDT
The Monastic Sisters and Brothers of Deer Park Monastery are thrilled to be hosting Teen Camp, a unique opportunity for 13-18 year-olds to practice mindfulness in nature, surrounded by other young people who want to grow in understanding and love. At Teen Camp we will learn the art of taking care of ourselves through the practices of mindful sitting, walking, and eating in noble silence. Other activities include:
- Guided meditations
- Hiking
- Games
- Circle sharing
If you are interested in serving as staff, applications are open now.
Teens live in a world that makes it challenging to be authentic. When we aren’t looking at other people’s profiles believing they have it all figured out, we’re cropping, trimming, and filtering our own. Meanwhile, questions about our future cast a shadow over everything we do, bringing up uncomfortable feelings we feel unable to share.
At Teen Camp, we practice as a family to be our true selves, empowering the people around us to do the same. We learn skills to help us embrace and transform our feelings of fear, anger, and despair, and to be happier, healthier, and more alive. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones, forging meaningful relationships to last a lifetime. The Monastic Siblings of Deer Park Monastery are happy to invite you to join us for this very special five-day Teen Camp, to Be A Real Human, and to connect with the miracles of life within you and around you.
Teens live in a world that makes it challenging to be authentic. When we aren’t looking at other people’s profiles believing they have it all figured out, we’re cropping, trimming, and filtering our own. Meanwhile, questions about our future cast a shadow over everything we do, bringing up uncomfortable feelings we feel unable to share.
At Teen Camp, we practice as a family to be our true selves, empowering the people around us to do the same. We learn skills to help us embrace and transform our feelings of fear, anger, and despair, and to be happier, healthier, and more alive. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones, forging meaningful relationships to last a lifetime. The Monastic Siblings of Deer Park Monastery are happy to invite you to join us for this very special five-day Teen Camp, to Be A Real Human, and to connect with the miracles of life within you and around you.
In this retreat:
- Sitting and walking meditation with live guidance from Deer Park monastics
- Games, Hiking, and a Performance Night
- Live talks offered by senior monastic disciples of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
- Spaces to connect with people our age as we look deeply into the challenges and joys that we experience in our daily lives
- A transmission of the Five Mindfulness Trainings offered by the monastics of the Plum Village Tradition
760-291-1003
43 responses to “Teen Camp: Be a Real Human, Connecting with Life”
Could I ask for an email when the registration opens up? My email is . Thank you!
Teen Camp registration will open later in the spring; perhaps in April.
We don’t have a method for a specific retreat, but you may signup for our Coyote Tracks newsletter on our home page and we may include it there. Most likely registration will open in April or May.
Good morning – We live in Florida, and are interested in joining the retreat with my son. I just wonder if the event opens to parents as well, or just for teens? Thank you, and have a happy day.
Thank you for asking. Teen Camp is just for the teens. We invite the parents to enjoy their time elsewhere. 🙂
Good aftenoon. I would like to know if this retreat is only for english speakers. Thank you so much
In general, we have found that most of the teens speak English. However, we do offer Vietnamese translation for the talks and may be able to do more.
Hi! I am so happy to have encountered this event. I work at a drop-out prevention program at a high school. I’m wondering what costs are associated with the program if you are familiar? Thank you.
Thank you for reaching out Cameron. And what a gift you offer to our young people. My recollection from last year, the cost was $160 for the full retreat. We also have scholarships for those young people that may have needs.
What time do teens check-in on July 5? What time do they leave on July 9? Trying to arrange travel. Thank you!
Checkin for retreats is usually 2pm-5pm on arrival day and checkout is after lunch on departure day. Perhaps 1pm-2pm.
My son has an obligation on July 5th 6-7:30pm. Could I bring him late on the first night? Also, is this camp religious in content or just practicing mindfulness, meditation and appreciation?
Thanks!
Yes, you can bring him late but please communicate with the registration office by emailing office@deerparkmonastery.org. We would not consider this a camp with religious content and try to present our practice in a non-sectarian manner.
Okay thank you. He wants to join! Should he bring sleeping bag, pillow and towel or is that included. Also, can you accommodate a vegan diet or should I pack him food?
Yes, bring the necessary bedding and toiletries. And our meals are vegan.
Hello, for how long the camp will be?
The camp is four nights
Good morning,
Could you please let me know if it’s an overnight camp? If so, may I have more information on the room and board at the camp?
Thank you,
Ha Nguyen
The teens will be camping together in our campground. Everything is provided. And it’s for four nights.
Will teens have access to their cell phones? (for example, to arrange a taxi to the airport for the last day?) Thank you.
The cell phones are typically held by us during the retreat and returned on the last day. They can also speak to one of the monastics about their needs.
May we volunteered to help with anything during the time our kids are in there? Thank you
Only the teens are welcome to be at the monastery during this retreat.
Hello – is it possible to arrange group transportation to and from the airport for teens? (my 14yo will be arriving from Toronto, Canada)
Hello. I can help to pick up and drop off if teens need help. Please email me at dnubac@yahoo.com.
Would you please help my son too? He arrived to San Diego Airport on 07/05/23 at 12:35pm.
Hello
When would I register my kid?
You can register now. The link button is at the top of this page.
Hello Brother Joy. Is there a waiting list I can sign up? Registration is full now. Thank you.
Yes, it is still open but we have a subscription expire over the weekend preventing new registrations. Please try again.
Hi, is the registration still open? I clicked on the above link but it didn’t work.
Yes, it is still open but we have a subscription expire over the weekend preventing new registrations. Please try again.
Good Morning,
How do I arrange for transportation from San Diego International Airport to the village in Escondido?
Please check our getting here page. https://deerparkmonastery.org/visiting-deerpark/
Hi my name is Aurelio Campos and my kid is registered for this camp, but she was accepted into a Medical research program with strict attendance via zoom from 3:00am to 7:00am. Will she be able to access her device with headphones to not disturb other campers while still participating in the camp? Is there any Wi-Fi available and/or good celular reception? I sent a previous email that was never addressed. Thank you for your assistance.
Can you please let us know the name of your child? And then we can check with the retreat organizers. Thank you.
Good afternoon,
I want to sign up the teen camp from July 5-9 for my daughters. One is 16 y/o and the other is 14 y/o. I have the following questions:
1-Are parents required to accompany with the kids during the retreat.
2-My 14y/o has to attend a sport event so she won’t be able to check in until July 7. Is it acceptable or she has to check in exactly on July 5th.
3- What time is the check-in time on the Fifth
Thank you very much for your help
Hello friend,
1. Parents are asked to stay home; no parents allowed.
2. Please contact our registration staff about this request. Email office@deerparkmonastery.org
3. Checkin is between 2pm-5pm
Hope this helps.
Br. Joy
Saw that registration has been re-opened and trying to register for Teen Camp July 5-9 but it says it is not available?
Please make sure that you select the correct arrival day which is Wednesday, July 5. If it still doesn’t work, please send an email to our staff at office@deerparkmonastery.org.
How early may parents arrive for Sunday Pickup?
We are scheduled to open the gate at 2pm for pickup.
Update: we will open the gate at 12:30