Volunteer FAQs

“SERVICE IS THE BEST WAY; SERVE OTHERS AND DO YOUR SADHANA ALONGSIDE.” - SRI M

At a Glance

Travel & Accommodation

Directions and Travel Logistics

For full address and detailed directions, visit our website, search “The Blossom Foundation” on Google Maps, or use this Google Maps link.
Nearest airports: DFW and Dallas Love Field (DAL), are both about 2.5 hours from Graham; please plan accordingly.
Volunteers are responsible for rental cars and all transportation.
No public transport is available between Dallas, Graham, and the campus (20-minute drive from Graham to Sacred Grove).

Accommodation

You have several choices for your stay during the retreat, including convenient on-campus lodging and a range of local options:

On-Campus at Sacred Grove

Blossom Foundation Lodges: Comfortable on-campus accommodation is available at Sacred Grove. Learn more and register at the Lodge Registration page.

Hotels in Graham, TX

Coming shortly

WhatsApp Group

After confirmation, volunteers will be invited to WhatsApp groups to coordinate carpools, share hotels, and connect with other registrants.
Please leave the whatsapp group if your volunteering plans change.

Staying Healthy at the Retreat

Please note that you will be in close quarters with ~150 people traveling from various places; infectious diseases spread quickly. Please consult your doctor and check local health advisories before you start traveling. Also follow general precautions to promote a healthful environment:

Consider wearing a mask when in airports & other public places including Sacred Grove, carpooling, and use hand sanitizer as needed.
Namaste is a great (and safe) way to greet friends and family instead of hugs.
Wash your hands frequently (e.g. after we touch our face, use the restroom, or when we touch non sterile surfaces, etc), with soap and warm water, for 20 seconds.
If you have fever please stay away from the retreat until you are fever free for 24 hours (without medication). If you have symptoms such as cold/cough, please wear a mask.
Bring your medications and consult your medical provider for any other steps that are specific to your condition.

Volunteer Tasks & Responsibilities FAQs

What does volunteering at Sacred Grove entail?

Volunteering at Sacred Grove is a unique spiritual retreat experience with Seva as the core focus. Sri M says that Seva is an integral part of one's Sadhana. All our retreats are run by volunteers from different walks of life. Volunteer tasks include food preparation, setting up the dining and meditation halls, cleaning, parking, and checking in attendees. Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of the retreats.

Do I have to pay fees to be a volunteer?

No, there is no fee to volunteer.

What is the immigration eligibility criteria to be a volunteer?

Volunteers must be a US Citizen, a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holder.

When do I need to arrive at Sacred Grove to volunteer?

We highly recommend that you plan to arrive at Sacred Grove at 5:00 PM CT one day prior to the retreat start date. This allows you to meet with your team, understand your tasks, and get oriented with the campus.

You must be at Sacred Grove by 8:30 AM CT on Day 1 of the retreat to attend a mandatory orientation meeting starting at 9:00 AM CT.

When should I plan on departing after the retreat ends?

Please plan to depart one hour after dinner is completed (estimated 9:00 PM CT) on the last day of the retreat you are volunteering for. Please avoid leaving earlier to support the team in wrapping up the retreat. For the last retreat of the season, we welcome additional help the day after the retreat to close the campus down for the season.

How many hours am I expected to volunteer?

Volunteers are expected to dedicate about 8-10 hours per day. Kindly ensure any other work commitments do not interfere with your volunteering schedule, and plan to work in your hotel room or car, not on campus.

Can I do my work part-time or in between volunteering breaks?

If your work commitments exceed an hour, consider volunteering at a future retreat when you can fully dedicate your time. If working during breaks, kindly use your hotel room or car for work, not other campus areas.

Is there a minimum age for volunteers?

Yes, volunteers must be 15 years or older as of the retreat start date to be eligible to volunteer. Only registered attendees and volunteers are allowed on campus during the retreats, so if you have younger children please make the arrangement for their care as we are unable to have them accompany you on campus. Volunteers between the ages of 15–18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who should be a registered volunteer or an attendee at the same event.

Parent or guardian must sign the volunteer registration form on behalf of their child.

Are food and accommodation available for volunteers?

Volunteers are offered nutritious vegetarian meals prepared by fellow volunteers, but must arrange their own accommodations.

Discounted rates with select hotels in Graham, TX will be announced soon; please book directly with the hotels and not through third-party sites for better service. Registration window for on-campus lodging will be announced soon.

Can I have a preference on volunteer activities that match my skills or interests?

Volunteers can request preferred activities, and we will try our best to accommodate them. However, assignments are based on the retreat’s needs. Please embrace any assignment as an opportunity to give back, meet new people, and support the retreat’s success.

Is there an orientation for volunteers before arriving at Sacred Grove?

Yes, there are two orientation sessions. The first is an online Zoom session 3-4 weeks before the retreat, and the second is in-person at Sacred Grove on the retreat's first day at 9:00 AM CT.

Do volunteers get initiated into Kriya Yoga?

No, Kriya Yoga initiation is not part of the volunteer program. If this is your focus, please join the Kriya Yoga retreats as an attendee.

Do volunteers get one-on-one time with Sri M?

Volunteers can pay respect (Pranams) to Sri M and receive his blessings at the retreat’s end, but one-on-one sessions are not possible due to time constraints and the number of participants.

Can I be a remote volunteer?

While spots for remote volunteers are limited, you can request consideration if you have specific skills to offer by emailing sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.

Can I volunteer part of the retreat, meaning just one day or half a day?

Currently, we do not offer part-time volunteering. We require full-time volunteers for the entire duration of the retreat.

Can I spend time on the Sacred Grove campus after volunteering for a retreat?

The Sacred Grove campus is only open to participants and volunteers during scheduled retreats. For any other questions, please contact us at sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.

For more details about visiting Sacred Grove, including campus guidelines, accessibility, and what to bring, please visit the Sacred Grove FAQs page.