MAITRI (བྱམས་པ་) is a joyful and meaningful children’s retreat designed to help cultivate compassion, kindness, mindfulness, and cultural awareness through storytelling, creative activities, practical life skills, and Tibetan cultural experiences. 

OBJECTIVE: To cultivate compassion, empathy, kindness, and cultural awareness in children through mindfulness activities, Tibetan Buddhist teachings, and joyful cultural experiences that support their growth into thoughtful, peaceful members of society.

TARGET AUDIENCE: The retreat is designed for children ages [6-11] from Tibetan and non-Tibetan backgrounds, with their families interested in mindfulness, compassion-based education, and Tibetan culture. The program welcomes participants of all cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and shared community. At least one family member is required to stay during the duration.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday (August 21st) Evening – Arrival & Grounding

• 7:00PM – 7:30PM | Check in
• 7:30PM -8:00PM | Welcome circle introduction with a large colorful parachute activity
• 8:00PM – 8:30PM | Dinner 
• 8:30PM – 9:30PM | Movie night w/ snacks

Saturday (August 22nd) – Cultivating Kindness & Friendship

• 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Breakfast 
• 9:15AM – 9:45AM | Morning mindfulness (Meditation: 30min session)
• 10:00AM – 11:00AM | SEE Learning Curriculum (Module: mindfulness eating, listening, walking) + Crafting Yak Dolls 
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM | Lunch
• 1:00PM – 3PM | Hiking with Goats with Farm Jib-IT
• 4:00PM – 5:00PM | Soccer 101: Building Kindness & Connection
• 5:30PM – 6:30PM | Dinner
• 7:00PM – 8:00PM | Story night in front of the fire with Gorshey (Traditional Tibetan circle dance)

Sunday (August 23rd) – Compassion in Action & Carrying the Seeds Forward

• 8:00AM – 9:00PM | Breakfast (8-9)
• 9:15AM – 9:45AM |Morning mindfulness (Meditation: 30min session)
• 10AM – 10:30AM | SEE Learning Curriculum (Muddy mind) 
• 10:30AM – 11:30AM | Compassionate charade showcase
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM | Lunch
• 1:15PM – 1:45PM | Closing mindfulness session (Meditation)
• 2PM – 3:00PM | Closing gratitude circle + “Pass It Forward” soccer ball gifting
• 3:00PM – 4:00PM | Get ready to check-out 

RETREAT FACILITATORS:

The retreat activities will be led by experienced facilitators and Tibetan cultural educators, and with Geshe Dhargey. 

REGISTRATION AND COST:

https://forms.gle/DtXankCzCweBSZaf7

CAMPING & AMENITIES: Participants will camp on the monastery grounds, creating a shared community experience throughout the retreat. Meals will be provided. Outdoor facilities, including portable toilets and basic washing stations, will be available; however, indoor bathrooms and showers will not be accessible due to septic limitations. We encourage all families to plan to stay on-site for the duration of the retreat.

For questions, please reach out to (917)330-1897 or (203) 470-0932 or YakandPlay@gmail.com