Mindfulness, Adventure & Servant Leadership
Our retreat program balances quiet contemplation with high-energy cooperative adventures. Discover how each day at Camp Metta unfolds.
Three Dedicated Age Tracks
Activities and discussions are thoughtfully calibrated to meet young people where they are.
Junior Camper Track
Focuses on building self-confidence, forming genuine friendships, joyful outdoor teamwork, and approachable mindfulness exercises through movement and nature discovery.
- Interactive mindfulness games & guided relaxation
- Nature exploration & orienteering challenges
- Cabin bonding & cooperative team challenges
- Creative arts, crafts & skit preparation
Senior Camper Track
Empowers high schoolers with practical tools to manage stress and academic pressure, communicate mindfully, and practice compassionate servant leadership.
- Deep dive Dharma insights on mental wellness & balance
- Wilderness navigation & problem-solving courses
- Peer-facilitated circles on identity and purpose
- Campfire leadership & mentorship of junior peers
Counselors & Young Adult Track
A dedicated leadership intensive for collegiate students and young professionals returning as mentors, cabin leaders, and workshop facilitators.
- Advanced facilitation & active listening training
- First Aid / CPR and youth crisis support
- Personal life & career grounding meditation circles
- Lifelong community of compassionate change-makers
A Typical 3-Day Retreat Journey (Friday – Sunday)
Select a day below to explore the detailed hourly flow from morning awakenings to nighttime campfire circles.
Arrival, Grounding & Welcoming
Camper Check-In & Health Screening
Welcome reception, luggage drop-off, health check, and cabin assignments.
Icebreakers & Campus Orientation
Campus safety walkthrough, meadow team games, and meeting cabin mentors.
Mindful Dinner & Eating Meditation
First community meal in appreciation, learning mindful dining practices.
Opening Ceremony & Theme Induction
Lighting the retreat flame, introduction to the Four Immeasurable Minds.
Cabin Circles & Evening Reflection
Gentle check-ins with counselors, settling into sleeping quarters.
Noble Silence (Im Lặng Hùng Tráng)
Peaceful quietude across campus to recharge the body and mind.
Signature Camp Metta Experiences
Mindful Eating & Tea Meditation
Learning to slow down, savor flavors, express genuine gratitude for our food, and eat peacefully without electronic distractions.
Campfire Circles & Storytelling
Gathering around the crackling fire for acoustic music, comedic cabin skits, heartfelt storytelling, and peer encouragement.
Wilderness & Outdoor Skills
Developing practical outdoor competence including trail orienteering, knot tying, campsite stewardship, and nature appreciation.
Noble Silence & Deep Rest
Observing restful silence from 10 PM to 7 AM, allowing sensory detox, emotional equilibrium, and restorative sleep.
Camp Metta Retreat Series
In addition to our flagship Summer Youth Retreat, Camp Metta organizes seasonal family camps, culinary wellness weekends, and contemplative artisan workshops.
Making Buddha Statue Class
Hands-on contemplative artistry workshop where participants sculpt, cast, and finish their personal Buddha statues with patient devotion.
Cooking & Wellness Retreat
Plant-based culinary masterclasses, holistic gut wellness, mindful herbal tea tastings, and restorative yoga for body and mind.
Youth Mindfulness & Leadership Retreat
Flagship 3-day residential retreat empowering youth through mindfulness, digital detox, wilderness team building, and heartfelt big-brother / big-sister mentorship.
Lễ Vesak & Family Camping
Annual multi-generational family retreat celebrating the Buddha’s Birthday with ceremonial flower offerings, youth cultural performances, tent camping, and campfire fellowship.
Young Adults Retreat: Living Life to the Fullest
Dedicated retreat for college students and young professionals seeking authentic purpose, emotional grounding, stress tools, and mindful friendship.
Healing & Wellness Day Retreat
A gentle sanctuary day focused on emotional self-compassion, guided meditation, silent nature walks, and nervous system regulation.
Frequently Asked Program Questions
Does my child need previous meditation or Buddhist experience?
Not at all! Camp Metta is 100% welcoming and non-sectarian. Our mindfulness practices are presented as practical, universal life skills—such as breath awareness for stress relief and empathetic communication.
What are the lodging arrangements?
Campers stay in secure, climate-controlled gender-separated dormitory cabins. Each cabin is supervised by at least two trained, background-checked adult counselors.
What kind of food is served?
All meals are 100% vegetarian, balanced, and prepared fresh daily in our commercial kitchen. We happily accommodate allergies (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free) when noted on the registration form.
Can friends or siblings room together?
Yes! On the registration form, campers can request up to two cabin mates of the same age group and gender.
Join Us for Upcoming Retreats & 2027 Season
Capacity is capped to maintain a personalized 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Early applications are encouraged.