You and your family are warmly invited to join monastics from Deer Park and Plum Village for The Sun My Heart Retreat, held August 9–15, 2026 at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.
During this retreat, mindfulness communities and friends from across North America and beyond gather to practice the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in the Plum Village tradition of Engaged Buddhism and build a beloved community.
Hosted by monastics of the Plum Village tradition, this precious retreat offers us a chance to restore our connection to nature and cultivate transformational healing in ourselves, in our relationships, and in the world.
Continuing to Build Thay’s Vision
For over a decade, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) came to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park to offer mindfulness retreats for thousands. In 2007, Thay specifically asked the monastic community to continue offering retreats in this sacred place, even if he could no longer be physically present.
In 2024, Deer Park Monastery hosted the “Earth Our True Nature” retreat for over 400 friends to keep this tradition alive. Now we return two years later to walk in Thay’s footsteps once more in the Rockies.
Family Friendly Experience
Families are at the heart of our community. Special programs will be offered for:
- Children (ages 6–9)
- Tweens (10–12)
- Teens (13–17)
This retreat is designed to nourish the whole family. Various accommodation options are available, and all youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents of toddlers must self-organize childcare, as no program is offered for children under six.
