Family Dharma Camp 2013

We are thrilled to offer our very first family camp to our members this year.  It will provide us with the opportunity to learn and practice the dharma over the course of a weekend in a family friendly setting.  Based on the Camp Vajrapani FPMT dharma family camp manual, we will have activities scheduled throughout our time together for ages 5 & up.  (See schedule below.)

We will be evaluating submittals on a first-come, first-serve basis (as space is limited).

Facilities

We expect everyone will need and want to spend the night at the camp.  Our activities will run late on both Friday and Saturday evenings (approximately around 9:30pm) and our mornings will begin early with breakfast beginning at 7:30am.  We have limited indoor sleeping options with men/boys sleeping in the gompa and women/girls in the “dorm,” but plenty of prepared designated space to set up tent camping outside. We will accommodate sleeping requests to the best of our ability.

If you sleep in the dorm or gompa, we recommend you bring:

• Washcloth and small towel for washing face to refresh

• Bedding such as an air mattress or camping pad that can be easily moved out of the way during the day, plus any pillows and linens (Bedding is NOT provided)

• Basic toiletries (There will be an extensive list of other things to bring included your registration confirmation letter.)

• Ear plugs – always a good idea for sleeping in a group setting!

Meals

All of the meals and snacks will be provided.  Everything served will be vegetarian.  As much as we would love to accommodate everybody's special dietary needs, it would be very difficult to prepare individual meals. Please let us know if you will need help in planning your food options for the weekend.  It may be necessary to bring your own food for those with severe allergies.  

Talent Show

There is a talent show scheduled for the Saturday night at camp and we want to feature all of your talents!  Start thinking about what you might want to share with the camp and we will do our best to help you shine!

Schedule

The schedule of the camp is below. We understand participants may need flexibility on Friday, but everyone is required to arrive by 6:30 pm, in time for the Program Orientation.  

Friday

• 3-5pm campers arrive and settle in dorms/campsites
• 5-6pm registration/chore assignment
• 6-6:45pm dinner/dinner clean-up
• 6:45-7:30 program orientation
• 7:30-8:30pm opening program
• 8:30-9pm snack and goodnight prayer
• 9pm bedtime

Saturday

• 7:30-8:15am breakfast/breakfast clean-up
• 8:15-9:15am initial meditation session
• 9:15-9:30am break
• 9:30-10:30am first activity
• 10:30-11am break/snack
• 11-12pm second activity
• 12noon break
• 12:15-12:45pm meditation
• 12:45-1:30pm lunch/lunch clean-up
• 1:30-3:30pm free time
• 3:30-4:30pm third activity
• 4:30-5pm break/snack for kids, parents continue discussion
• 5-5:30pm Circumambulation
• 5:30-6pm Dorje Khadro Fire Puja
• 6-6:30pm Group Photo
• 6:30-7:30pm Dinner/Dinner Clean-up
• 7:30-8:30pm Talent Show
• 8:30-9pm Singalong/Goodnight Prayer
• 9-9:30pm Snack
• 9:30pm Bedtime

Sunday

• 7:30-8:15am Breakfast/Breakfast clean-up
• 8:15-8:45am Meditation
• 8:45-9am Break
• 9-10am Fourth Activity
• 10-10:30am Break
• 10:30-11:30am Drama Rehearsal
• 11:30-12pm Break/Start to pack up individual areas
• 12-12:30pm Meditation
• 12:30-1:15pm Lunch/Lunch clean-up
• 1:15-2:30pm Whole Camp Clean-up/ Set up for performance
• 2:30-4pm Camp Drama Presentation/Closing gathering/Goodbyes

Cost

To make the program affordable for everyone, we are requiring a $60 non-refundable fee per person for food and basic facilities costs. We will be evaluating submittals on a first-come, first-serve basis (as space is limited). We will request payment once we have confirmed you will be attending camp with us.

It is also auspicious to make offerings to the sangha at any retreat, so you will probably want to bring a kata and optional offering/gift.

Registration and Wait List

Please follow this link and complete the form

Volunteers Still Needed!

• Chores Coordinator
• Kitchen Assistant
• Set-up Crew
• Games Coordinator
• Trash Manager

This camp could not function without everyone’s help.  Please let us know if you are willing and available to help out with any of the above.  Thank you!