LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY

Cesar E. Chavez Afterschool Service Clubs

Project CATALYST

Service Learning Support

California Service-Learning Leadership Institute

Regional Service Learning Leads

Teacher Education Partnership

California Afterschool Service Learning

Training and Technical Assistance

Summer Learning Institute

Special Events

Annual Forums

Annual Retreat

Annual Retreat - Exploring the Spiritual, Religious, and Cultural Roots of Service

Marconi Conference Center • Marshall, CA
August 8 - August 10, 2008

download the application

You are invited to join us for our tenth annual summer retreat which will bring together an intergenerational group of approximately sixty-five people to reflect and share ideas about the role of spirituality, religion and culture in lives dedicated to the service of others.

This retreat seeks to help nurture and rejuvenate people involved in youth service by providing a stimulating and trusting environment to explore personal values, expand collegial connections, and deepen knowledge and self-understanding.

Youth Service California and the Shinnyo-en Foundation are working now to craft a rewarding retreat program that will include four basic components.

Participants will be able to:

• Select and take part in a small Study Group of seven or eight that will focus on a single topic and meet three or four times during the retreat. Possible topics will range from introductory and advanced meditation, spirituality through creative expression, the quest for social justice, the joy of writing, Six Billion Paths to Peace, and concepts like Compassion and Identity. The Study Groups offer an opportunity to both explore an issue in depth and build personal relationships.

• Take part in optional activities that appeal to multiple intelligences, including a nature walk to the ocean, kayaking on Tomales Bay, talking with the leaders of the Shinnyo-en Foundation and creating original crafts.

• Enjoy unscheduled time for personal savoring of the beautiful environment and the creation of
spontaneous on site activities.

• Participate in large group activities that offer diverse perspectives and encourage community identity.

Retreat Details

Eligibility: Anyone involved in youth development work who is interested in the retreat focus is invited to attend. We seek diversity in culture, religion, age and social backgrounds. Youth in high school or college are especially welcome. Organizations may bring groups to the retreat to nurture deeper relationships and increase unity but the number is limited to five members unless extra space unexpectedly becomes available.

Registration and Costs:

There is a $75 registration fee that covers program, room and board for adults.

Youth ages 16 to 24 have a $25 registration fee that covers all their expenses except for travel.

Retreat Acceptance: The general policy will be to accept registrations on a first come, first served basis. A few spots will be reserved, however, to allow some consideration for ensuring participant diversity. Priority will be given to applications received by May 14, 2007.

Accommodations and Amenities: Marshall, CA is approximately 90 minutes north of San Francisco,
adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore. The Marconi Conference Center offers simple but high quality
rustic resort-like motel rooms and very tasty food in a sensational, natural setting that overlooks Tomales
Bay. Participants share a double or spacious triple room.

For more information contact:

Don Hill, Youth Service California, don@yscal.org, (650) 356-0288

or

Liane Louie-Badua, Shinnyo-en Foundation, llouie@sef.org (415) 777-1977