Evening Practice at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension

"There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met.”

-Jim Henson

Friends make nearly everything better. Friendship – with ourselves  and with others – helps us feel safe, accepted, understood and happy. We invite you to join friends -- old and new -- for the Still Water Mindful Families Retreat. Together we will have the chance to play, practice, share, and make music on the Chesapeake Bay, supporting on another as we dwell in the present moment in a family-friendly environment.

All participants who share the aspirations of the retreat are welcome. You do not need to bring children to attend. Our mindful weekend offers a gentle rhythm of mindfulness practice, arts and crafts projects, nature exploration, planned and free play, and service to our retreat sangha. Children are invited to learn and lead basic practices of mindful living in community. Adult practice is supported by early morning sitting and walking meditations, as well as dharma discussions on parenting and practice in the family. The setting at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay provides opportunities to explore and engage in mindful play and activities in engaging natural habitats.

The community will share responsibility for three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each family unit will help purchase and prepare one or more vegetarian meals. All participants will help wash dishes after each meal and share in age appropriate community chores during the retreat.

 The retreat will be held at the Charter Hall Retreat Center near Perryville, Maryland, about 75 miles from downtown Silver Spring. 

The Still Water MPC has established a sliding scale for our retreats so that all may attend:

For those staying in the lodge the suggested donation is $160 for each adult and $60 for each child. For those wishing to offer additional support to the community, the benefactor donation is $200 for each adult and $80 for each child. The limited income donation, which just covers the cost of the accommodations, is $120 for each adult and $50 for each child.

For those wishing to camp the suggested donation is $80 for each adult and $40 for each child. The benefactor donation is $120 for each adult and $60 for each child. The limited income donation is $50 for each adult and $30 for each child.

You are welcome to contribute any amount between the limited-income contribution and the benefactor contribution (or more if you wish), in accord with the urgings of your heart and your means and circumstances.

NOTE: All contributed amounts above the Limited Income level are considered by the Still Water MPC to be voluntary, tax-deductible donations.

Space in the lodge is limited, so please register early.

Cancellation Policy
If the registrant cancels 8 days or more before an event, the entire amount will be refunded. If the registrant cancels 7 days or fewer before the event, 75% of the amount paid will be refunded.

Register now

For more information, please contact the retreat registrar, Ari, at arbaissa@gmail.com.