welcome to
your retreat
The most rewarding part of retreat was making new lifelong friends.
— Milo, 17-year-old gender fluid attendee
feel seen, feel heard
Inward Bound mindfulness teen retreats offer young people the rare opportunity to gain uninterrupted and genuine insight into their life experience through the practice of mindfulness. Together with their peers and mindfulness teachers, teens hang out and connect within a welcoming, fun, and caring community.
Mindfulness can be hard, and it’s also the best thing I’ve ever discovered.
— 17-year-old female attendee
I loved being in a space where everyone is so kind and supportive.
— Rumi, 16-year-old female attendee
be in beloved community
speak your truth, be free
Authentically share who you are. Connect with fellow teens in a safe, welcoming space. Find contentment in being yourself.
Small groups were the most meaningful experience in my entire life.
— Oliver, 15-year-old male attendee
I experienced a confidence I’ve never had before. I want to take that with me.
— Sage, 17-year-old gender fluid attendee
so what happens on retreat?
meditation
We teach teens mindfulness practices such as breath & body awareness, relational mindfulness, mindful walking, and more. All levels of experience welcome!
small groups
Laugh in good company, take the opportunity to be vulnerable, and play games like “sweet seat” to connect more deeply with a small group of teens.
workshops
Explore daily activities like painting, improv, journaling, mindful sports, and more. Pick what interests you or lead a workshop yourself!
hanging out
Every day of retreat offers ample time for teens to just hang out. Teens share their lives with each other and forge friendships that last a lifetime.
wisdom talks
Cuddle up with a blanket while listening and learning how to tend to relationships, emotions, the challenges of our times, and how to apply mindfulness to daily life.
nature walks
Daily mindfulness walks in silence grant teens a moment to immerse in nature and take in the scenery.
dance party
Dance like no one cares because we welcome all our unique ways of dancing (or not dancing if that's your thing)!
mindful movement
Move and release through guided daily mindful movement practice suited for all levels of experience.
upcoming events
view calendarSpring 2025
Young Adult Retreat
Virginia; for 18-32 year olds
Spring 2025
Young Adult Retreat
Northern California; for 18-32 year olds
Summer 2025
SoCal Teen Retreat
Big Bear, California
I learned how to love myself more and forgive myself.
— Rowan, 17-year-old male attendee
The dance party and meditation under the stars were absolutely amazing and transformative.
— Jordan, 18-year-old female attendee
led by adults who get you
Inward Bound retreats are led by awesome adults with years of experience serving and working with teens and young adults, alongside their own longstanding mindfulness practices. Our diverse staff walk their talk in their professional and personal lives, and devote themselves to creating a truly unique and safe container for all to be welcomed, be real, and be accepted — and have some fun (yeah, we do that too).
there’s a seat for you here
Equitable access is fundamental to our mission. We work to ensure that no teens are barred from the opportunity to attend our programs due to the systemic injustices that have left many groups economically vulnerable. For retreat tuition, we offer a sliding scale approach to accommodate a wide range of household incomes. We also offer scholarship support and payment plan options.
I learned that discomfort is something I can acknowledge instead of avoid.
— 19-year-old transgender attendee
I learned that happiness is not dependent on the external.
— Madison, 19-year-old female attendee
an experience of a lifetime
Teens on an Inward Bound mindfulness retreat reconnect with their own brilliance, confidence, and intuition — their inner spark. Through curiosity, teens develop their powers of perception and their capacity to understand their emotions and thoughts. The mindfulness practices they acquire on retreat transform into essential skills that are valuable now and for a lifetime.
see you on a retreat!
post-retreat community
Bummed that retreat is over? Engage in mindfulness practices and offerings beyond retreat.
explore
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your retreat experience and voice are welcome. support our work by sharing your story.
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