New Year’s Teen Retreat: NorCal

“Located on a prime 485 acres in west Sonoma, Black Mountain Retreat Center consists of a cluster of one-story buildings in the center of wooded valleys and open meadows, at around 1100 feet altitude. Rustic but very clean and comfortable, we have room for up to 125 people, although the place is just as welcoming for a small group of 12 (our minimum). Many groups have returned to stay with us year after year, drawn by the beautiful setting, great prices and friendly service.”

Important notes for driving to Black Mountain:

• We strongly recommend that you use the directions provided on the Black Mountain Retreat Center website. It may be helpful to print them in advance or pull them up on your smartphone in Santa Rosa (since cell phone reception can be spotty or non-existent as you near Cazadero).
• GPS navigation systems and mapping apps like Google Maps/Waze have often led people astray, so please do not rely on them. Every year we have attendees who get turned around/lost or arrive well after the registration period has ended.
• Allow yourself more time than you think you need to get to Black Mountain Retreat Center. The roads to the retreat center are winding and narrow so the driving is slow. At New Year’s, sunset will be at approximately 5:00 pm. Driving up these country mountain roads in the daylight hours is much easier than doing so in the dark.

Black Mountain Retreat Center is 3 hours from San Francisco International airport (SFO).

Shuttle must be reserved and paid for using the form sent to fully enrolled registrants from the Inward Bound registrar. Payment for the shuttle is nonrefundable.

All riders taking the shuttle will be added to a group email and text chat. The email with the pickup location, driver’s information, and other logistics will be sent 24-48 hours prior to the retreat.

A shuttle captain (one of the retreat participants) will support the rest of the shuttle riders in finding the pickup location.

packing list for retreats in winter/colder weather

Bring clothing to last for 5 days and 4 nights. We will be outdoors as much as weather allows, so be sure to bring things you will be comfortable in, outside in December. Please bring an extra change of clothes or two as clothes can get sweaty, wet, or dirty, and accidents do happen.

You’ll want to bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to meditate. Seated meditation in tight jeans or pants is really uncomfortable! You do not need to buy new or special clothing for this retreat – pajama pants, yoga pants, and sweatpants are all great options for sitting comfortably.

essentials to bring

• Pillow & pillowcase & twin sheets
• Blanket / sleeping bag
• Towel and washcloth
• Water bottle / travel mug
• Watch (you won’t have your phone and may want to know the time)
• Slip on shoes for the meditation hall

clothing

• Comfortable pants / jeans / sweats
• Long sleeved shirts / T-shirts
• Sweaters / sweatshirts / hoodies
• Clothes you can do yoga in
• Warm jacket
• Rain gear (rain jacket / umbrella)
• Warm socks & underwear
• Sneakers / walking shoes / boots if there is snow
• Winter hat / scarf / mittens

toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste / floss
• Shampoo / conditioner
• Bath soap / body wash
• Hair brush / comb
• Deodorant
• Medications / remedies / vitamins & supplements

optional items

• Meditation cushion / sitting bench
• Shawl or blanket to keep you warm while meditating
• Yoga mat
• Flashlight / headlamp
• Journal and pen
• Musical instrument
• Camera
• Toys / games (cards, hacky sack, etc.)
• Please be mindful in your selection of appropriate games to bring

prohibited items & activities

• Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind is expressly forbidden.
• Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited throughout the property.
• Possession or use of weapons or firearms is expressly forbidden.
• Candles, incense, and fires of any kind are prohibited.
• No food or drink in the dorms or guesthouse rooms.
• Hair dye, tie dye, or other permanent dyes.

what’s provided

• Twin bed and mattress
• Meditation cushions and chairs
• Yoga mats
• Refrigerator for medications or special food items you need
• First aid kit/OTC meds