From Tuesday evening, June 26, through Saturday, June 30, we will hold our seventh annual work retreat in honor of Ralph Chapin. The objective is to work together with Sangha friends on buildings and grounds - and at the same time   intensify our practice and enjoy the beauty of Chapin Mill in June. Individuals or families who would like to camp on the property in their own tents or RV’s are welcome to, and there will be plenty of room in the retreat center as well. We’ll be sitting a bit more than the regular training schedule, and daisan or dokusan will be offered each day. We’ve adjusted our schedule this year so that the bulk of our work takes place in the morning, with most of the afternoon free for unstructured activity – swimming, walking in the woods, visiting with friends, or even more sitting in our new zendo. 
Training fees will be waived (though donations for food are gratefully accepted.) It’s a big help to us to know who’s coming for work, for meals, and especially for rooms, so send your reservation to John Pulleyn at john@rzc.org or call him, if you can, at 473-9180 by June 23. Please include the following information with your reservation: Name(s), ages of children (if any), whether you will bring a tent or need a place to sleep, arrival and departure dates, and any skills or limitations you have. Please remember that everyone can participate. No special skills are needed.

What to bring:
Plenty of old work clothes, boots or other sturdy footwear, a hat, water bottle, bedding, towel, swimsuit, sitting robe, flashlight and tent (if you plan to camp.) If you are allergic to wasps or bees, remember to bring your medication.

When to arrive:
The retreat starts Tuesday evening, June 26th. It’s fine to come for all or part of the retreat.

Childcare:
As there will be formal sittings each day, childcare will be need to be arranged by parents for those times. Also, children playing around or in the pond will have to be watched at all times.

Meals:
There’s no need to bring food unless you plan to cook separately at your campsite using a camp stove. Breakfast and lunch will be taken as a group and leftovers will be available in the evening.
Note: Alcohol, illegal drugs, and flesh foods are not permitted at Chapin Mill. Open fires are prohibited as well. 

Work Retreat Daily Schedule:

Arnold Park During the Work Retreat:
During the Chapin Mill work retreat, a skeleton staff will run things at Arnold Park. Morning sittings will be informal, evening sittings will be held as usual. All are welcome at Chapin Mill sittings; there's no need to be a retreat participant.