Friends of Cloud Mountain

We offered 30 teacher-guided group retreats varying in length from 3 to 13 days in 2023. Two supported self-retreats for small groups of individuals were also held. All of the retreats were organized solely by Cloud Mountain. Retreats focused on various aspects of Buddhist teachings or practice and featured a teacher or teachers well known among practicing Buddhists. Lectures, meditation, or related activities are scheduled throughout the day. Participants have little free time and are often expected to continue meditation on their own during unscheduled times. Retreats are staffed by Friends of Cloud Mountain employees, with significant amounts of labor provided by the participants themselves, which helps to keep retreat fees low. The fee for each retreat depends on the length of the retreat and related costs. Generally, every retreat accepts some work-exchange participants who pay a reduced fee. There are need-based scholarship funds funded in part by donations from the community available to assist low-income individuals to attend retreats. A special scholarship fund for young adults ages 18-35 has been established, available on a select group of retreats, which is funded largely by private donors, with additional contributions from the community. A special scholarship for people of color has also been established through donations from the community.