Open Family Retreat

What age range is suitable for children?

Any children from pre-school age through to teenagers are welcome.

How many children can come per adult?

Normally we get people coming in groups of 1 adult with 1-2 children or 2 adults with 2-3 children. Please contact us in advance if you are thinking of bringing more children so we can ensure we have a reasonable ratio considering the ages of the children.

If you would like to come alone without children to help support, please contact us in advance.

Can my child bring a friend?

Yes, please ensure you have permission from their parent or guardian. You will need to be responsible for all children that come with you.

Do we need to be Buddhist?

No, the retreat is suitable for all families.

What does the cost include?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.

When does the retreat start and end?

You are welcome to arrive any time from 3pm with the first gathering beginning at 4.30pm before we all have dinner together at 6pm.

We will finish on the Wednesday before 2pm at the latest.

What will the accommodation be like?

Vijayaloka provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. You will share a room with your own children, and everyone will eat together communally.

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

What will the food be like?

Many Buddhists eat a vegetarian or vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegetarian at a minimum with some food being vegan.

If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.

What do I need to bring?

Unless you are coming a long distance we ask that you bring your own sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag (we have plenty of pillows).

It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and quite hot in the middle of the day, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need a good sun hat and suitable shoes, especially if you want to bushwalk. There is a river that you can swim in, so you may also want to bring swimwear.

In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel, insect repellent, and sun block. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.