What age range is suitable for children?

Children of any ages are welcome, from babies through to teenagers.

Can my child bring a friend?

Yes, please ensure you have permission from their parent or guardian. You will need to be responsible for all children that come with you.

Safeguarding Policy 

The Melbourne Buddhist Centre has a safeguarding policy to protect vulnerable participants, including children.  

Important Information: We are required to ask all adults attending overnight to have a Working With Children Check. If you don’t have one you can get one quite easily by following the link below. This is provided at no charge under the ‘volunteer’ category. Once you have an application number you can book on the retreat, and the check must be complete before the start of the retreat. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1

Do we need to be Buddhist?

Whilst the retreat is suitable for all families, the intention of the retreat is to support families to discover how the Buddha’s teachings (the dharma) may be brought into family life. There will be opportunities for both adults and children of all ages to engage with mindfulness and kindness-based activities that are age-appropriate.

What does the cost include?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food and accommodation.

When does the retreat start and end?

You are welcome to arrive any time from 4pm, with dinner provided at 6pm.  We will finish on the Sunday afternoon at 2pm.  

What will the accommodation be like?

Wesburn provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat. Each cabin will have 4 bunk beds (4 upper mattresses and 4 lower mattresses). You will share a room with your own children. If you are open to sharing your cabin with others, please express this openness on your registration form). If your family has particular needs for a cabin just for your family, please note this.  

We encourage attendees to consider camping to allow for more families to attend – there is ample flat grass area on the oval. Please note this on your registration if this is something you plan to do.      

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

What will the food be like?

Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegetarian.  Please do not bring meat on the retreat. Everyone will eat together communally, however, there will be ample snack breaks for children throughout the day.  

If you have any allergies that aren’t listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.

What do I need to bring?

We ask that you bring your own sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag. Pillows are provided, but you may wish to bring your own. 

Bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You’ll also need a good sun hat and suitable shoes, especially if you want to bushwalk. 

In addition, you will need to bring any toiletries you require, including a towel, insect repellent, and sun block. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen. Please leave electronic devices turned  off and out of communal spaces – this can be an important aspect of switching off during retreat.  

Please bring any special equipment for your family, such as high chairs or cots, as unfortunately there are none on site.