Retreat Program Schedule Timelines:

Friday May 26th 2023 – 6.00 PM to 8.30 PM

Saturday May 27th 2023 – 6.00 AM to 8.30 PM

Sunday May 28th 2023 – 6.00 AM to 8.30 PM

Monday May 29th 2023 – 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM

Morning
The morning Devotional Program  starts at 6 a.m with Omkar (the chanting of Om 21 times) in the Devotion Hall followed by Suprabhatam (invoking the Lord of Parthi). A small group of selected devotees circumambulate the temple and Sai Baba’s room chanting Vedic verses, starting from Swami’s room. Simultaneously, Nagarsankirtan takes place: ladies and gents, in separate groups, walk around, almost following the Vedic chanters, singing devotional songs (bhajans).

After a warm and nourishing breakfast, the morning devotional program will continue with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by inspirational discourses from our keynote speakers.

Afternoon
Spiritual workshops on topics related to the retreat theme and Swami’s teachings.

Evening
The evening devotional program will begin with group Bhajans in the main hall, followed by evening cultural program(s). We retire for the night with dinner.

The Young Adult program will have special sessions with guest speakers, who will share their experience along with relevant topics that will captivate young adults. Additionally, there will be unison singing, interactive workshops, that will target various challenges in different stages on a youth’s life, including college, as well as games/activities. Please note, YA programs are strictly for YAs. SSSE Group 4 students only may attend specific sessions.

Activities

Please click “YA Schedule” button above for the deatils.

All Sri Sathya Sai Educare (SSSE) students will be involved in age appropriate Seva activities.

Ages
Sri Sathya Sai Educare (SSSE) program for children in grades 1 – 12 are divided as follows: Group 1 (Grades 1-3), Group 2 (Grades 4-6), Group 3 (Grades 7-9) and Group 4 (Grades 10-12). All children between the ages of 6 and 18 are required to attend the SSSE programs at the retreat.

Activities

Please click “SSSE SCHEDULE” button above for the details.

“Do not postpone the cultivation of devotion to God. Start serving God through service to your fellow-beings. Every act of service, however small, is service to the Divine.”  — Sathya Sai Sai Speaks vol16 page 18, 1983

The retreat is made possible by the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. Devotees are encouraged to volunteer for any seva opportunity that appeals to them. To practice Unity in Thought, Word and Deed, all volunteers are requested to follow-up on their commitments. This is your commitment to Swami.

Please review carefully the service opportunities that are briefly outlined including the timings. Note as you volunteer, you might have to miss some of the programs as the timings of some service opportunities might conflict with the main program. Most activities (except SSE Teachers) require 2 to 3 hours of commitment.

List of Service Opportunities

Audio System Support
This group takes care of the Audio system requirements during the retreat. They help transport, setup and monitor sound systems in Devotion Hall, SSE programs, Young Adults meeting room and workshop venues.

Site Setup
Committed volunteers are needed to transform the campsite into an atmosphere where all can enjoy an uplifting, spiritual experience. This is done on Friday. Setup needs to be completed prior to our first bhajan session on Friday evening. A large number of volunteers are needed in the devotion hall to help with setting up of the altar, decorations and seating arrangements. Volunteers are also needed to help place signs and banners throughout the campsite for easy navigation. Assistance is needed in transferring groceries / supplies to the kitchen area and in setting up the dining hall.

Site Cleanup
We all want to leave the camp and head home as soon as possible but our goal is to leave the site in a better condition than when we arrived. If you can stay back and help with the camp cleanup, it would be greatly appreciated. Please note that this is a much needed service. We are very grateful to those who assist in our retreat’s closing activities.

Devotion Hall Maintenance
Maintenance of the devotion hall, including ushering of devotees, preparing for programs/workshops, etc.

Dining Hall
This service involves setting up and keeping the dining area clean and lovingly serving all devotees. Please note that this seva does not involve cooking. Do not check off this service if you are participating in cooking a meal with your center at the same time.

Kitchen
Support staff for service opportunities in the kitchen.

Medical Clinic (On call doctors and support staff)
On call doctors and support staff to deal with medical emergencies (this is different from the health camp that is open in the morning hours for preventive care).

Multimedia (Audio/Visual)
Multimedia support for devotional activities, workshops, hybrid retreat management etc..

Parking Lot/Main Gate
This is the first impression that devotees will get of the retreat. After a long journey, seeing a friendly, helpful parking attendant will go a long way in making the devotee feel welcome.

Photography
Capturing campsite events for posterity.

Sanitation
These volunteers keep an eye on the rest rooms and other areas. Supplies and other resources will be provided.

Service Desk
These volunteers will be at the service desk which forms the central point of contact for devotees for all their needs. Service desk functions include matching attendees to the service activities they have committed to, serving as lost and found, disseminating messages, managing emergencies, dispatching external transportation where needed, etc. They will ensure that problems with cabins are dealt with appropriately. They will have directions and information about nearest hospitals, hotels, bus stations, supermarkets, and other facilities.

Shoe Service
In the devotion hall, help is needed in arranging and maintaining the shoes in an orderly fashion.

SSSE Teachers and Support

SSSE Teachers will be working with SSSE children. Please note that you will miss some of the main program and/or bhajans. For additional information, please contact Sister Alpa Uchil, Regional SSSE coordinator at education.region2@sssgc-usa.org

SSSE Support involves assisting the teachers and supplying SSSE students with snacks and water in the afternoon and during Sai Games. It also involves helping the SSSE children in their games and activities.

Swami’s Room
Volunteers are needed to maintain the tranquility around Swami’s room in two-hour slots from early morning till late evening.

Transportation (External)
This group takes care of rides to/from the nearest bus station, airport etc.

Videography
This is an aspect where memories created are kept for a many years after the event. This will be a major service to all the devotees who are unable to attend the retreat or who were providing valuable seva in the areas identified in this section. Retreat videos are posted on the regional website. If you have camcorders/video equipment and are good at using them, then please consider signing up for this seva.

God will not ask you, when and where you rendered service? He will ask with what motive you did it. You may boast about the quantity, but God seeks quality, the quality of the heart, the purity of the mind, the nobility of the motive. The Lord is pleased only when you do the things He desires. How else can you win His grace, but by nursing and nourishing His children.
— March 19, 2008 Thought for the Day

Smaller and interactive study circle style workshops are planned based on the retreat theme and covering areas of devotion, education and service

Accommodations

Campsite accommodation is very limited and retreat participants are encouraged to register early to ensure overnight accommodation.

Campsite accommodations are in cabins with lower and upper bunk beds for 8 to 16 people. Men and women stay in separate cabins. Young boys under age 6 can stay with their mother, however boys 6 and over will need to stay with father or a male guardian. Its recommended that children and young adults occupy upper bunks to allow elderly and adults to occupy lower bunks. You will also need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or bed sheets, pillows, blankets etc.).

Families preferring to stay together or with special health or other requirements may want to make reservations at hotels nearby.

The cabins are not heated. Nights at retreat camp site can get cold. We recommend that you bring a few personal items to ensure that your stay at the retreat is comfortable and safe. Items should include warm clothing, coat, raingear, walking shoes, towel, toiletry including hand soap, flashlight, alarm clock, insect repellent, cushion, pen, notebook and water bottle.

Offsite accommodations

Devotees who choose to stay offsite are responsible for making their own arrangements. During Memorial Day hotel room availability is at a premium. Please call early to ensure accommodation during this busy vacation weekend. The following is a partial list of hotels close to the retreat site:

Holiday Inn Lansdale/Kulpsville  (Discount Available. Group Code: SAI)
1750 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, PA 19443
215-368-3800
7 miles from camp

Booking Instructions: Please click on the Hotel Name above to go to the hotel reservation page where the discount code is applied. Rates after discount is $189/night + taxes & fees. The link has the dates from May 26th to May 29th (3 nights stay). Additional Details: Phone – 215-368-3800, select Reservations prompt and ask for SAI Retreat or provide group code SAI while providing your travel dates. Reservations do required a 2 night minimum stay. Reservations must be booked by 5/7 to obtain group rate.)

Hampton Inn Quakertown (Discount Available. Group Code: SRT)
1915 John Fries Highway, Quakertown, PA, 18951
215-536-7779
8 miles from camp

Booking Instructions: Please click on the Hotel Name above to go to the hotel reservation page where the discount code is applied. Rates after discount is $179/night + taxes & fees. The link has the dates from May 26th to May 29th (3 nights stay). Additional Details: Phone – 215-536-7779, select Reservations prompt and ask for SAI Retreat or provide group code SRT while providing your travel dates.)

Courtyard Philadelphia/Lansdale
1737 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, PA 19446
215-412-8686
7 miles from camp

Comfort Inn & Suites Quakertown

1905 John Fries Hwy, Quakertown, PA, 18951
866-539-0036
8 miles from camp

Doubletree Guest Suites
640 W Germantown Pk, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462
610-834-8300
20 miles from camp

Marriott Courtyard – Plymouth Meeting
651 Fountain Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462
610-238-0659
20 miles from camp

Retreat Check In

Upon arriving at the Camp, please proceed directly to the Registration desk and pick up your badges. There will be volunteers to assist with the luggage for the elderly. Registration will open at 3:00 Friday. Registration will close at 9:00pm on Friday night and reopen Saturday morning at 7:30am. Vehicles are not allowed in the campsite and transportation help may not be available. Please make your best efforts to arrive early.

Coming Soon !!!!

Retreat Rules

The restrictions, rules and self-control are the royal roads leading to that goal of self- realization. They are not just to bind you, to limit or control you – Sathya Sai Baba.

This is a spiritual retreat. To ensure that all attendees can spiritually benefit from the Retreat, we require that everyone observe the following basic rules:

Safety Rules

Swimming pools and the lake are off limits to all retreat attendees because of safety, insurance and liability reasons. Please observe designated lights out time at night.

General Rules

Park only in the designated areas. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to move around the campsite. Camps have underground pipes and tanks that are easily crushed as well as hilly and wet areas where cars/vans are not allowed. Please respect the campsite rules and property. Do not tamper with cabin fixtures. Stay in your assigned cabins. Do not leave children and valuables unattended. Men and women will be seated separately for all activities. Do not undertake any independent workshops or group activity. Engaging in any commercial transaction is prohibited. Please note that pets are not allowed on the camp site

Dress Code Rules

Modest clothing, suitable for an Ashram, is required at all times. No shorts, miniskirts, or tight fitting clothes are allowed. Early morning and evenings can be cold so please come prepared with sweaters and shawls.

As children will take part in outdoor play activities, sneakers and comfortable play clothes are encouraged.

Behavior Rules

Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and possession of firearms, fireworks, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

Please review the retreat information on the website before starting the registration.

1. Every one attending the retreat must pre-register. There will be no walk-ins or onsite registration.

2. Camp stay accommodation is limited, please register early if you want to stay inside the camp.

3. Please use this form to register members of a single family. There are no charges for children below the age of 6, and discounted charges for children between 6 – 12. However, ALL children must be registered.

4. Retreat Pricing…

Retreat Charges [Camp Stay]

Adults + Children over 12 – $135 ( $145 after 30 Apr)
Children Ages 6-12 – $65 ( $75 after 30 Apr )

Retreat Charges [No Camp Stay]

Adults + Children over 12 – $80 ( $90 after 30 Apr)
Children Ages 6-12 – $40 ( $50 after 30 Apr )

[All rates inclusive of full retreat , no single day rates]

5. The charges are for the retreat program including meals. Outside Camp Accommodations, if needed, are to be made by the registrants.

6. Payment for the registration can be made by a check or electronically using Zelle which is offered by most banks. If you are paying with a check, please enter the number of the check. For electronic payments enter 9999 as the check number.

7. Checks should be made out to “Sarva Dharma Service Center” and mailed to 144 West Farms Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727. For Zelle payments, payable email address is “treasurer@saiservice.org”. Make sure to add “SSSGC Retreat”, your name, email address and phone number in the memo section of check or Zelle payment.

8. There is no refund for cancellation by devotees. Your funds will be used to support retreat expenses and regional Sai activities. However, if retreat is cancelled because of COVID or other reasons, registration payment will be refunded.

9. Registration closes on 5/22/2023. Your Registration is not complete until your payment has been received.

10. If you have any questions, please use the contact us form on the website.

For registration, please click the “Register” button below.