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 arranging all transportation (rental car and/or carpool).
There is no public transportation between Dallas, Graham, and the campus; Sacred Grove is about a 20-minute drive from Graham.
Accommodation
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own accommodations during the retreat.
On-campus lodging at Sacred Grove becomes available once your volunteer role is confirmed and can be booked through your Blossom Foundation profile.
Several hotel options are also available in Graham, TX.
For full accommodation details, including lodge information and hotel contacts, please refer to the Volunteer Registration page.
WhatsApp Group
Volunteers will be invited to join WhatsApp groups to coordinate carpools, share hotels, and connect with other registrants.
If your volunteering plans change and you are no longer able to participate, please leave the WhatsApp group and notify the volunteer team by email.
Volunteer cancellations
Volunteer cancellations less than 7 days before the retreat will result in being ineligible to volunteer for the next season retreats. Notification must be sent to Blossom Foundation’s Volunteer Team at sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com at least 7 days in advance if you are unable to come to Sacred Grove for volunteering.
Staying Healthy at the Retreat
Retreats at Sacred Grove bring together participants and volunteers from many places. To support everyone’s comfort and wellbeing, we invite you to take a few simple and thoughtful steps as you prepare for your visit.
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:
Before you travel:
Bring your regular medications and any personal health items you may need while away from home.
Check in with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any health concerns, and review any local health advisories that may be relevant to you.
During your journey and stay:
Consider wearing a mask in airports, on flights, in carpools, and indoor spaces at Sacred Grove.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer as needed, especially after being in public spaces.
“Namaste” is a respectful way to greet others, and can be a gentle alternative to physical contact.
If you are not feeling well:
If you develop a fever, we kindly ask that you rest at home and postpone your visit until you have been fever‑free for at least 24 hours without medication.
If you have symptoms such as a cold or cough, please consider wearing a mask and being extra mindful of hand hygiene and distance in shared spaces.
Our shared intention is to create an environment where everyone can practice, serve, and be together with as much ease as possible. Your care for your own health, and for the wellbeing of others, is an important part of that seva.
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 emphasizes that Seva is an integral part of one's Sadhana. All our retreats are run by volunteers from diverse backgrounds who help with tasks such as:
Food preparation and kitchen support
Dining hall setup and cleanup
Cleaning and maintenance of facilities and lodges
Meditation hall setup
Parking and traffic flow
Registration and check‑in for attendees
Volunteers are essential to the smooth and efficient 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 U.S. citizen, or
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 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 on campus 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 about one hour after dinner is completed on the last day (approximately 9:00 PM CT).
Leaving earlier makes it difficult for the team to wrap up the retreat, so we request that volunteers stay through the end.
For the final retreat of the season, additional help on the day after the retreat is welcome to help close the campus for the season.
How many hours am I expected to volunteer?
Volunteers are expected to dedicate approximately 8–10 hours of service per day during the retreat. Please ensure that any work or personal commitments do not interfere with your volunteering schedule.
If you need to work during breaks, please do so from your hotel room or car, not on campus.
If your work obligations are substantial, consider volunteering at a future retreat when you can be fully available.
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.
Only registered attendees and volunteers are allowed on campus during retreats. If you have younger children, please make separate arrangements for their care, as they cannot accompany you on campus.
Volunteers between 15 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is registered as a volunteer or attendee at the same event.
The parent or guardian must complete volunteer registration for their child through their Blossom Foundation profile.
Are food and accommodation available for volunteers?
Volunteers are offered nutritious vegetarian meals prepared by fellow volunteers during the retreats.
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.
Lodge registration opens through your Blossom Foundation profile as a separate step after you are successfully registered as an attendee or volunteer.
Discounted rates with select hotels in Graham, TX will be announced; please book directly with hotels (not via third‑party sites) for better service.
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 for seva and support the retreat’s success.
Is there an orientation for volunteers before arriving at Sacred Grove?
Yes, there are two orientation sessions:
An online Zoom orientation approximately 3–4 weeks before the retreat.
An in‑person orientation at Sacred Grove on Day 1 at 9:00 AM CT (with mandatory arrival by 8:30 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?
One-on-one sessions with Sri M are not possible. Volunteers can pay respect (Pranams) to Sri M and receive his blessings at the retreat’s end.
Note: Refer to the pranam policy in the Retreat FAQs for more details about pranams.
Can I be a remote volunteer?
While spots for remote volunteers are limited, if you have specific skills to offer please email sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.
Can I volunteer part of the retreat, meaning just one day or half a day?
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 open to participants and volunteers only during scheduled retreats and events. For information on other visiting opportunities (such as local yoga classes), please refer to the Sacred Grove FAQs.
Additional Information
For more information about the registration system, see the Registration System FAQs.
For details about visiting Sacred Grove, including campus guidelines, accessibility, and what to bring, please refer to the Sacred Grove FAQs.
If you have any other questions about volunteering, please email sacredgrovevolunteers@blossomfoundation.com.