Young Persons Retreat

Running over a weekend – Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, this retreat is open to those aged between 13 and 19 years old. It is an opportunity for teenagers to sample a more formal retreat setting with an invitation to silence, guided mediation, walking meditation, reflection and discussions. The setting within a monastery is also an opportunity to get a taste of life in a contemplative community. 

The retreat starts at 5 pm on Friday and finishes at 4.00 pm on Sunday. Accommodation is provided in the retreat centre. Participants will be in the male or female dormitories unless there is a very specific need for a single room. There are three meals a day and all food is vegetarian. 

Part of the requirement of staying in a Buddhist setting is to take responsibility for keeping the five precepts during the weekend. This will form the foundation to allow a very open, relaxed and safe environment for all present.

The precepts are:

1 Not intentionally harming living beings

2 Not taking what does not belong to you

3 Not indulging in sexual misconduct

4 Not using speech to harm or lie

5 Not taking drugs or alcohol 

A group of adult helpers and parents will provide support over the weekend allowing teenagers time for quiet study and group work. The guidelines for family events also apply to this retreat. A child protection policy is in operation and all helpers are police checked or sign a personal disclosure form. To ensure a duty of care and to enable all to maintain a healthy energy throughout the weekend the retreat will operate with a lights out policy from 12am.

Example Timetable for the YPR

Friday

5.00 pm

5.30 – 6.30 pm

6.45 pm

7.30 pm

Saturday

6.30 - 7.15 am

7.15 am

8.00 – 8.45 am

9.00 am

11.00 am 

1.30 – 4.00 pm

4.00 – 4.45 pm

4.45 – 5.00 pm

5.45 – 6.45 pm

7.30 – 9.30 pm

Sunday

6.30 - 7.15 am

7.30 am

9.00 am

11.00 am

1.30 – 4.00 pm

4.00 pm