“SERVICE IS THE BEST WAY; SERVE OTHERS AND DO YOUR SADHANA ALONGSIDE.” - SRI M
Quick Facts: Travel & Accommodation
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
Best Western Plus Graham Inn: Group Rate $104.99 plus 13% tax and $6.99 facility fee per night; $10 for each additional guest beyond two.
Reserve via the Best Western Group Link or call (940) 521-0190 (mention “Blossom Foundation Fall Retreats 2025”).Holiday Inn Express & Suites Graham: Standard rooms from $139 plus tax, suites at $149 plus tax.
Reserve via the Holiday Inn Reservation Link or call (940) 521-9188 (mention “Blossom Foundation”).Hotel Middleton: New boutique hotel (opened in 2023). Small rooms (converted container spaces), ideal for 1 person or a small family.
$90/night plus applicable taxes;
Reserve at Hotel Middleton or call (817) 705-7403 (promo code "blossom25")Other Local Options:
Salt Creek Lodge: (940) 549-8320
Airbnb and VRBO rentals are also available in the Graham area.
RV Parks & Campgrounds
Sacred Grove does not offer on-site camping or RV facilities. Options are available in Graham and nearby towns.
Nearby Cities
If Graham is fully booked, consider hotels in Mineral Wells (~45 minutes from Graham) or Wichita Falls (~1 hour).
Reservation Note
Always book directly with the hotel (see above contacts) rather than with third-party sites to ensure correct group tracking and better service.
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.
Travel Advisory: REAL ID Requirements
Beginning May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers in the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another federally approved form of identification, such as a passport. Please ensure you have the appropriate ID before making travel arrangements for your retreat.
For more information about REAL ID requirements, visit the official Department of Homeland Security page: REAL ID Information.
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 travel. Also follow the 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 100% 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.
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 CST on Day 1 of the retreat to attend a mandatory orientation meeting starting at 9:00 AM CST.
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.
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 are available at select hotels in Graham, TX. Book directly with the hotels and not through third-party sites for better service. Volunteers are also able to sign up for the raffle for on-campus lodging.
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 AM.
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 1-on-1 time with Sri M?
Volunteers can pay respect (Pranams) to Sri M and receive his blessings at the retreat’s end, but 1-on-1 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.