The program is nearing capacity however we are accepting waitlist registrations and letting families in based on age group availability. Please click Register Now above to sign up for the waitlist.

Uncovering Our True Nature: The Journeys of Intelligence, Confidence and Compassion

Nurture family connections while rejuvenating your spirit in the beautiful terrain of Shambhala Mountain Center. Family Camp is a creative and contemplative retreat the whole family can enjoy. Take time for yourself in the mornings to practice meditation or yoga while your children participate in enriching group activities. The afternoons and evenings offer fun family activities like hiking, family yoga, dance, contemplative arts and crafts, games, storytelling, song night, and a talent show.

Stay in comfortable, platform tents among the fresh pine and fragrant summer breezes or enjoy indoor lodging with views of the unspoiled wilderness.

Children’s Activities

Kids start the day with a morning session of activities,  from 9:15am to Noon. There are six age groups:

      Name                       Ages

• Tigers                       3 to 5
• Lions                        6 to 7
• Garudas                   8 to 10
• Rites of Passage      9 to 10
• Dragons                  11 to 12
• Dharmic Warriors  13 to 18

Experiential activities include craft projects, time outdoors, stories, songs, hikes in the woods, and group games. Children are introduced to sitting meditation and meditative arts as ways to work with their hearts and minds. They are also introduced to the notion of basic goodness as a way to inspire intelligence, compassion, and confidence— all while having fun and developing friendships!

Please note:  The Tiger Cubs program for children aged 2 and under is not available this year due to COVID protocols and space limitations.

* Rites of Passage (for children ages 9-10)

This special program marks the transition children begin to make from being dependent on their parents to taking on greater responsibility within the family and the community. Through sitting meditation, kyudo (Zen archery), ikebana (flower arranging), haiku, calligraphy, and other meditative arts, Rites of Passage gives children powerful tools to help them care for their own mind and emotions. These tools also empower them to relate to their internal and external worlds with confidence and gentleness. At the week’s end, this transformative program is sealed with a powerful ceremony in which the children take a vow of kindness towards themselves and others. There is an additional fee of $110 per child for Rites of Passage. 

Attendance Requirements

All children and at least one adult must attend at least five days of the six-day program. Additional adults may attend less than the required days. Full attendance helps support the community building of Family Camp, and allows participants to experience the beginning-middle-end journey of the camp, which is part of its magic! Rites of Passage children and their families need to stay through the conclusion of the program to participate in the Rites of Passage Ceremony. If you need to attend only a portion of the retreat, please email the Front Desk to register frontdesk@shambhalamountain.org.

For more about the program experience, see this article on our blog: Family Camp at Shambhala Mountain

Early Registration Recommended

Space for this program is limited due to COVID-19 precautions. If you have questions, we recommend you register right away to reserve your spot, and then contact the Front Desk to sort out your questions. For any questions after registration, email is the fastest way to receive a response. Contact:  frontdesk@shambhalamountain.org

Public Health

Our Covid-19 policy requires that age-eligible minors and adult participants must be fully vaccinated by the time of arrival. Please read and understand SMC’s current COVID-19 policy before registering.

Registration Fees (payable to SMC)

Registration fees include the Program Tuition and Lodging fees. Our regular room rates are discounted to make Family Camp more affordable. Initial housing costs shown include adult meals and lodging, as well as the 1st Adult’s $200 tuition. Tuition for the 2nd Adult ($200) and Child(ren) ($300 each) are added to the total as each individual is added to the registration. Children’s meals and lodging are included in their tuition cost. An additional fee of $110 per child is charged for Rites of Passage. Registration fees cover Shambhala Mountain Center’s operational costs of facilities, lodging, food, supplies, SMC support staff, and direct program expenses, including a base honorarium for the Family Camp Directors.

The Heart Fee (payable to Shambhala Families & Children)

Many Family Camp teachers and program staff volunteer their expertise to create the magical container and experience of Family Camp. To show our deep appreciation for all their hard work, we collect a Heart Fee at the time of registration, prior to arrival at SMC. This is paid directly to Shambhala Families & Children (a 501c3 legal entity of Shambhala) and can be paid via PayPal. One hundred percent of this fee goes towards both teaching and non-teaching program staff honoraria. (This fee takes the place of the heart gift, which was previously collected during the retreat.) The Heart Fee is our path towards reaching a sustainable family program — we appreciate your support of these dedicated leaders.

Choose ONE payment per family.

• $100 – Jade
• $150 – Gold
• $200+ – Diamond
• Other – Choose an amount that works for your family

Please offer from a place of generosity regardless of the amount. Complete this payment via PayPal to:  smcfamilycamp108@gmail.com

If you do not have a PayPal account, please contact Steve Sachs at stevesachs108@gmail.com to make payment arrangements. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Shambhala Mountain Center does not process this fee. It must be paid directly to Shambhala Families & Children.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Click here to learn more about Financial Assistance and Scholarships. First, register, and select Personal Check for Payment – this registers you without payment. If you receive a scholarship, you will receive your award via email, and we will connect with you for any remaining balance.