Summer Volunteering at SMC
Summer is a beautiful and exciting time at Shambala Mountain Center. Wildflowers are in bloom, the aspens are bursting with golden green leaves, and the land is thriving with a wide variety of programs. It is also the season when people come from around world to volunteer their skills and enjoy the enriching experience of being in contemplative community.
Living in furnished, canvas tents nestled in the mountainside, you are immersed in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Each morning is a verdant walk among the fragrant pines to a hardy breakfast and then group meditation, where the community comes together to practice their commitment to mindfulness. From this nourishing foundation, the work day begins and volunteers assist in one of the SMC’s numerous departments—from marketing and programs, to cooking in the kitchen and working with the land—to name but a few.
At noon, there is another opportunity to meditate before a delicious lunch and then again before dinner. Evenings can be spent enjoying a dharma talk, sitting around a campfire, or watching the sun
set in the beautiful Colorado sky. On free days, volunteers can enjoy participating in retreats at no charge, hiking on over eight miles of scenic trails, doing yoga with the community, or throwing a get-together with new found friends.
Interested in learning more? Read what last year’s volunteers had to say below and visit our website for upcoming opportunities by clicking here.
“I learned a lot about myself, met a bunch of interesting people, and made some lasting friendships. That plus the opportunity to attend some advanced contemplative study programs made 2013 one of the most memorable and positive summers I’ve ever had.” –Paul from Denver
“While volunteering at Shambhala Mountain Center, it was clear to me that I was working for the benefit of all beings, and that something beyond my control, and profoundly good, was occurring. Over the summer, magic unfolded. I connected with amazing people, personal inspiration, insight. I believe that the overall consequences have been more positive than I can yet fathom.” –Travis from Florida
“Spending time at the Shambhala Mountain Center is like coming home. It gives me a chance to connect deeply with the earth, my sangha, and myself. I went for set-up and stayed for nine months! And I’ve returned year after year. Definitely one of my favorite places on earth thus far.” –Jodi from Boulder
“It was exhilarating to let go of time-consuming experiences such as grocery shopping, riding the bus, and aimlessly surfing the internet. Also, your friends live by you, work with you, cook for you, and teach you how to hula hoop!” –Heather from Seattle
“I had a pleasant stay while working at SMC last summer. I worked in the gift store as a cashier. Enjoyed the friendly conversations with everyone who visited the gift store. SMC is just a beautiful place to live and work. You are always with nature and I loved having the sun be my alarm clock warming up my tent each morning. Moments I will treasure and am grateful for.” –Dennis from Boulder
Tent photo and meditation photo by Karen O’Hern
Tori gate photo by Barb Colombo
