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Teen Camp: Be a Real Human, Connecting with Life

July 5, 2023 July 9, 2023 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
$160 Cost per individual
2499 Melru Lane
Escondido, CA 92026 United States
+ Google Map
760-291-1003

45 responses to “Teen Camp: Be a Real Human, Connecting with Life”

    • 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.

  1. 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. 🙂

    • 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

          • 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?

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Hello – is it possible to arrange group transportation to and from the airport for teens? (my 14yo will be arriving from Toronto, Canada)

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Good Morning,
    How do I arrange for transportation from San Diego International Airport to the village in Escondido?

      • 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.

  10. 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

  11. Saw that registration has been re-opened and trying to register for Teen Camp July 5-9 but it says it is not available?

  12. I know it’s very early but I live in Europe and was thinking of having my teens do this retreat for summer 2024. I am also looking at Plum Village in France.
    Do you have any idea what week the teen retreat will be held for summer 2024?
    Thank you so much!

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