April 2 – April 8 PDT
An in-person 7-day retreat for young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, hosted by Deer Park Monastery with the support of monastics and practitioners in the Plum Village Tradition.
In this retreat:
- Sitting and walking meditation with live guidance from Deer Park monastics
- 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, including specific spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ identifying people
- A transmission of the Five Mindfulness Trainings offered by the monastics of the Plum Village Tradition.
Accommodations and Cost
- SOLD OUT
3-bed dorm: $600 (total cost for 6-nights) - SOLD OUT
6-bed dorm: $450 (total cost for 6-nights) - tent or vehicle camping: $360 (total cost for 6-nights)
Sample Schedule:
-6:00 Morning Sitting Meditation
-7:00 Walking Meditation
-7:45 Breakfast
-9:00 Working Meditation
-11:00 Dharma Talk
-12:30 Lunch
-2:00 Total Relaxation
-3:00 Dharma Sharing
-5:00 Exercise Time
-6:00 Dinner
-7:30 Evening Sitting Meditation
$360.00 – $600.00
Depending on accommodation type.
62 responses to “Wake Up 2023 Retreat”
Do we know when registration will be open ?
Sometime in the new year. Maybe February.
Is there a way to sign up for email notifications for the opening of registrations?
We don’t really have an easy method for this. But we will give a week or more notice before registration opens. It’s also possible we will post a blog about it and you can get notifications for blog posts at https://deerparkmonastery.org/deer-park-monastery/ (below “Subscribe to Site Updates”)
Hi, does this retreat end April 8th at 7:30pm or in the morning?
Our retreats usually end after lunch on the last day.
Does Deer Park offer a wake-up or other retreat for seniors?
Most of our retreats, except Wake Up and Teen Camp, are open to everyone regardless of age. A good retreat to attend will be one during the US Tour next Fall.
How much do these week-long retreats usually cost?
Last year the cost was between $250-$400 (depending on accommodation), but since we added another couple days it will be a little more.
Hello, I am wondering if planners might be aware already that the Wake Up retreat for young adults is scheduled during the first week of spring quarter for UCSD, San Diego State, and UCI. Spring break is actually the last week of March when more young adults could attend. Just fyi. Would love my young adult kids to come but they have not been able to bec of scheduling. Thank you!
Is the Wake-Up Retreat for young adults… I am 72 years young and would like to attend.
Wake Up Retreat is for 18-35 year olds. We have other retreats later in the year for all ages.
Is it okay if my one year old comes if the parents watch him the whole time ? It’s difficult for us to find caregivers for 1 week and it’s his first birthday week, so I’d feel badly leaving him at home. Missed last year’s Wake Up as well since I was in labor. Thank you!
It is acceptable and it may also be challenging. One of you will always be missing something in the schedule. But our family made this work when my kids were little.
Thank you, Brother Joy. This question is for both the family and wake up retreats- would we be able to secure a dorm room for just the 3 of us? My son is generally a good sleeper but it’s a new environment for him so I’m sure he’ll need to adjust and we don’t want to disturb others’ peace.
Hello – I am wondering when sign up for this retreat might be. Thank you!
We hope it will be sometime this month. We will announce before the registration opens on this page.
is this the only one that will take place this year?
This is all we have on our schedule, but our sister monastery Magnolia Grove Monastery is also offering one.
Hi, my boyfriend and I are planning on coming to this retreat. But I was wondering some details, will there be times for us to see each other and be around each other whether it’s during practice or meals. Thank you
For the Wake Up Retreat, everyone practices together. This includes meditation, eating, dharma talks, etc. The times when you may not be together are during dharma sharing but that’s to be determined later.
Can we bring our phone or a camera with us?
Yes. No problem.
Hello—is there a way to volunteer to help at the retreat? Would this also reduce cost? Thank you.
Yes, there will be staffing opportunities. This should be available right about the time of the normal registration.
Will this be the only retreat offered for the youth this year? My son attended last year and enjoyed it, but it is not possible to remove him from school that week. Unfortunately, that is the week after San Diego Unified spring break.
It’s the only official one for this age group. Other possible retreats are the Family Retreat and our retreat in the fall where we’d probably have a Wake Up group.
Hello! There’s not many BIPOC LGBT events for adults, could 37y/o be allowed for this, specially as a 1st timer at the monstery? Thank you
This really shouldn’t be a problem, but your best bet is to contact the Registration office staff at office@deerparkmonastery.org
Hi, I was wondering if registration for this retreat is opening soon. Thanks!
Retreat registration will open on Friday, February 10th at 12 noon PST
Hi I was wondering if registration was opening soon. Thanks!
Retreat registration will open on Friday, February 10th at 12 noon PST
Just checking in to see if registration has opened by any chance ? Thank you so much
Retreat registration will open on Friday, February 10th at 12 noon PST
What is the experience level for this retreat? Is it okay that I have minimal experience with meditation/mindfulness?
Any or no experience are okay. We welcome you to come and learn a bit more about practicing meditation while you are here.
How much is it going to cost?
The pricing from last year should give you an idea, although the retreat this year is a little longer.
Bring Tent to Camp – Per young adult: $240 for the entire retreat
6 Bed Dorm Room – Per young adult: $300 for the entire retreat
3 Bed Dorm Room – Per young adult: $400 for the entire retreat
Hello , do you know about retreats for older than 35 in the USA ? Thank you
Yes, we have other retreats for all ages. In this coming year, we will have the Family Retreat (although this one will have kids too!) and we have a retreat planned for October. More details coming soon.
I’m very interested in attending this retreat, but would be unable to make it there until 11am or Noon on April 2nd. Would this late arrival pose an issue? Is there any advice/flexibility you can offer?
Please contact our registration office with this question. Email office@deerparkmonastery.org
I have a time sensitive commitment with little flexibility for work on Monday (4/3) of the retreat – is it reasonable to ask if I may be excused from the programmed activities for 1-2 hours?
Hi Brother Joy,
Do you know what time check in time is, on 4/2?
We typically have checkin between 2pm-5pm on arrival day.
Greetings Brother Joy!
I just turned 36 last month… Is it still possible to attend this retreat?
Be well,
Ryan
This is a question for the organizing team. You may email office@deerparkmonastery.org and ask the question.
Hi Brother Joy, I am from Costa Rica and am interested in attending this retreat. Do you usually receive people from outside the USA?
Thank you
Absolutely. We often have folks from other countries join us for retreat.
Where is this located? I know other retreats in the past had it at national parks for camping.
We’re located in northern San Diego county. We have dorm and camping accommodations on our 400 acres.
For a solo traveler, what is the best way to reach the location from the San Diego Airport? I don’t drive so I am hoping there are some options. Thank you very much
You can use our Rideshare page to seek other people arriving. There are also directions on getting here using public transit.
https://deerparkmonastery.org/visiting-deerpark/
what is the recommendation if flying from another US state to attend the retreat.
You will want to fly into San Diego airport then use this page for ground transportation options.
https://deerparkmonastery.org/visiting-deerpark/
Hello everyone,
I wanted to see if anyone has an extra tent or sleeping bag they could bring to the retreat? I am flying in from South Bay Area and cannot fit these supplies with me. Thank you!
Here is my email: perrywillig5@gmail.com
Bowing In,
Is there a waiting list for one of the dorms? I did not know this retreat would fill up so fast!
Thank you,
Leena
It’s all one waiting list. You can indicate your preference on the form.
Do you know if Uber would go to from the airport to the monastery? Thank you very much
Yes, they do.