“SERVICE IS THE BEST WAY; SERVE OTHERS AND DO YOUR SADHANA ALONGSIDE.” - SRI M 

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING AT SACRED GROVE ENTAIL?

Volunteering at Sacred Grove is a unique spiritual retreat experience with Seva as the core focus. Sri M says that Seva is an integral part of one's Sadhana. All our retreats are 100% run by volunteers from different walks of life. Volunteer tasks include food preparation, setting up the dining and meditation halls, cleaning, parking, and checking in attendees. Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of the retreats.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RETREAT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

No, there is no fee to volunteer.

WHEN DO I NEED TO ARRIVE AT SACRED GROVE TO VOLUNTEER?

We recommend that you plan to arrive at Sacred Grove at 5:00 PM CST one day before the retreat start date. This allows you to meet with your team, understand your tasks, and get oriented with the campus.  

You must be at Sacred Grove by 8:30 AM CST on Day 1 of the retreat to attend a mandatory orientation meeting starting at 9:00 AM CST. 

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN ON DEPARTING AFTER THE RETREAT SO I CAN ADEQUATELY COMPLETE MY VOLUNTEERING DUTIES?  

Please plan to depart one hour after dinner is completed (estimated 9:00 PM CST) on the last day of the retreat you are volunteering for. Avoid leaving earlier to support the team in wrapping up the retreat.

HOW MANY HOURS AM I EXPECTED TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are expected to dedicate about 8-10 hours per day. Kindly ensure any other work commitments do not interfere with your volunteering schedule, and plan to work in your hotel room or car, not on campus.

CAN I DO MY WORK PART-TIME OR IN BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING BREAKS

If your work commitments exceed an hour, consider volunteering at a future retreat when you can fully dedicate your time. If working during breaks, kindly use your hotel room or car for work, not other campus areas.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Yes, volunteers must be 15 years or older. Those under 15 are only allowed as attendees.

ARE FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Volunteers are invited to enjoy the nutritious vegetarian meals prepared by fellow volunteers, but must arrange their own accommodations. Discounted rates are available at select hotels in Graham, TX. Book directly with the hotels and not through third-party sites for better service. A retreat-specific WhatsApp group will be created to help facilitate conversations regarding room-sharing, rides, and more.

Hotels info  

  • Hotel Middleton: $90/night plus applicable taxes. 
    Link:  www.hotelmiddleton.com promo code:  blossom25
    This is a new boutique hotel (opened in 2023).  The rooms are small, converted container spaces, but the finishes are nice.  They have rooms with 1 queen bed, ideal for a single occupancy or a family of 2.

  • Salt Creek Lodge:  Daily Rates $60, Weekly Rates $350 plus applicable taxes.
    Please call the hotel to book directly at +1 (940) 549-8320, and mention “Blossom Foundation Rate”  to avail of this rate 

Other accommodation options include Airbnb/VRBO and camping in the nearby area.

The two closest cities to Graham with hotel accommodations are Mineral Wells (approximately 45 minutes from Graham) and Wichita Falls (approximately 1 hour from Graham). 

Attendees have previously shared rooms based on preferences. After your retreat application is confirmed, you’ll receive a link to join a WhatsApp group where you can coordinate room sharing with others. Please note, there is no accommodation at Sacred Grove, so securing your hotel stay upon registration is essential.

CAN I HAVE A PREFERENCE ON VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES THAT MATCH MY SKILLS or INTERESTS?

Volunteers can request preferred activities, and we will try to accommodate them. However, assignments are based on the retreat’s needs. Embrace any assignment as an opportunity to give back, meet new people, and support the retreat’s success.

IS THERE AN ORIENTATION FOR VOLUNTEERS BEFORE ARRIVING AT SACRED GROVE?

Yes, there are two orientation sessions. The first is an online Zoom session 3-4 weeks before the retreat, and the second is in-person at Sacred Grove on the retreat's first day at 9 AM.

DO VOLUNTEERS GET INITIATED INTO KRIYA YOGA?

No, Kriya Yoga initiation is not part of the volunteer program. If this is your focus, please join the Kriya Yoga retreats as an attendee.

DO VOLUNTEERS GET 1-ON-1 TIME WITH SRI M?

Volunteers can pay respect (Pranams) to Sri M and receive his blessings at the retreat’s end, but 1-on-1 sessions are not possible due to time constraints and the number of participants.

CAN I BE A REMOTE VOLUNTEER?

While spots for remote volunteers are limited, you can request consideration if you have specific skills to offer by emailing sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.

CAN I VOLUNTEER PART OF THE RETREAT, MEANING JUST ONE DAY OR HALF A DAY?

Currently, we do not offer part-time volunteering. We require full-time volunteers for a minimum of one 3-day retreat.

CAN I SPEND TIME ON THE SACRED GROVE CAMPUS AFTER VOLUNTEERING FOR A RETREAT?

The Sacred Grove campus is only open to participants and volunteers during scheduled retreats. For any other questions, please contact us at sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.

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