YOUTH RETREAT CAMP,

About the event

The focus is to inspire our youth to develop a spiritual perspective. The camp will provide an opportunity to develop friendships, mentoring relationships, confidence, and relentless HOPE for a brighter future.

YOUTH RETREAT/CAMP

AT KASHI ASHRAM IN SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA

DATES AVAILABLE - June 17^th to 19^th | July 22^nd to 24^th | Aug 5^th to 7^th

Imagine innocent children who have been told that they have a possibly terminal disease, that they must fight to live, that they will undergo numerous tests, medical procedures, and that each and every one of those will post a new challenge and discomfort.

They are told that through the course of what will seem to be an endless battle – every day, every waking moment -  will be a fight for that which some take for granted: LIFE!

These innocent and precious lives deserve all the physical, emotional mental and spiritual support that we can give.  They and their loved ones deserve a break, a breath of fresh air – a place where they can break free from their everyday worries.  We have designed a project that will help them do just that!

We can provide them with a place where they will be helped to erase those worries, if just for a few days, and have them enjoy life.  This project will give them the opportunity to experience outdoor activities such as volleyball, canoeing, and swimming, among many other things. Perhaps most importantly, however, they will experience Yoga and Meditation, which will help them to focus on the present, to cherish every breath, to focus on positive energy and rejoice in the moment.

The Youth Retreat/Camp is the name of this project; it will take place at Kashi Ashram in  Sebastian, Florida.

Kashi Ashram is an 80-acre interfaith spiritual community and retreat center.  Founded in 1976,  Kashi  is dedicated to spiritual enrichment and education.  The vision is to provide a sacred gathering ground for all traditions. 

[Please find attached a testimonial of a recent visitor to Kashi which was published in Travel Weekly magazine, and which I feel sure you will find interesting]

An unexpected experience....

​

Life is hectic and stressful.  Sometimes you just want to press the restart button and start over.  At Kashi Ashram in Sebastian, Florida, that is more than just wishful thinking.

Ten years ago, if someone had told me that I would be autogenously writing about being humbled by my visit to a spiritual community where people seek to make spiritual connections, I would have used such idioms as "gone bananas," or "off your rocker!"  However, that would have been the sophomoric, intolerant and close-minded person that I called me!  Today, after a few years of reading philosophical and self-improvement books as well as attending a few retreats, I relish changes in myself that have resulted in a paradigm shift of sorts.  So I thought, "why not," when nudged by a friend to come and see how the Kashi Ashram could help.

While only one visit does not constitute my spiritual awakening, I was so affected with everything that I saw, and moved by everyone I spoke to, that I became more confident this place could be the next stop on my personal journey.

​

In writing this piece, I knew in advance that Kashi Ashram is not for everyone, however to all those who are open-minded and want something more in their lives, please read on, you will be glad that you did.

​

Kashi Ashram is situated on 80 pristine acres situated along the St. Sebastian River, preserved as nature intended, and contrived to preserve peace and tranquility.  Throughout the Ashram, and in the Ganga area, are a variety of  "interfaith" temples which embody the principals of Kashi, an interfaith community and spiritual destination welcoming all walks of life, races and religions, founded by the late Ma Jaya, a well known spiritual teacher and author.  Anyone from any religion, or those who do not practice religion are welcome to participate and find the depth in his or her individual spiritual path.

​

Upon arriving to Kashi, I was greeted by several of the Swami teachers.  Now when I heard that I would be meeting with Swami, I pictured men in robes walking peacefully through a field of grass!  Instead, an ordinary looking man in a baseball cap greeted me and introduced himself.  I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the temple area by him and later left the village to have lunch and talk.  Afterwards the Swami went off to play volleyball!  Neither the Swami, nor myself had any idea that I would be writing this article.  My point is that these are normal every day people who just want to make a difference in their life and promote peace, kindness, compassion, and service throughout the world!

​

My initial reaction after meeting the Swami was one of complete warmth and approachability.  I was actually very moved by the immediate connection I felt with these wonderful people who's objective is to promote peace on earth, love over hate, and goodwill to all of humanity.

​

The community features both housing for full-time residents, as well as lodging for visitors. There is a self-guided Interfaith Peace Walk tour of the temple area around the serene Ganga pond where people of all religions from all over the world can come to pray, meditate, or just contemplate.

Walking further along the grounds, you would come to the Memorial Boardwalk which supports engravings on each plank in memory of loved ones.  The boardwalk leads out to the beautiful and serene  St. Sebastian river where, if you walk along the riverbank, you will come to a Native American medicine wheel like ones that have been used for centuries for health and healing.

​

The Kashi School of Yoga is also located on the grounds and has daily yoga classes as well as breath, meditation and Qi Gong classes.  The school has been accredited by the Yoga Alliance for 200 and 300 hour teacher trainings. It is also home to Kali Natha Yoga, a unique yoga that was developed over the course of 40 years by Kashi founder, Ma Jaya.

​

If you like to help or provide service to those who are in need, Kashi's communities around the country have service programs which are run by dedicated volunteers.  Kashi's ashram in Atlanta has a weekly feeding program called Street Meals.  Other Kashi locations throughout the country have similar programs.  Kashi also developed a 41-bed affordable housing project for low income seniors which is located adjacent to the Sebastian property, providing frail elderly seniors with their own private room and bathroom.

​

In addition, over the last several years, Kashi has implemented a planned development for the entire 80 acre property.  As part of the overall development plan for Kashi's land, Kashi has also allocated land for residential lots for sale to people interested in building their home in the Village of Kashi.  There have already been several lots sold and homes built.

​

There are several retreat type destinations that are popping up these days, providing amenities like vegetarian dining, alcohol-free environment as well as meditation and yoga.  I was fortunate enough to have a friend introduce me to Kashi Ashram, which has been around for 30 years, and is not just a company taking advantage of a hot trend.  They truly are the real deal!

​

While I can only describe with words what I have seen and what I have heard, it can't take the place of seeing it and experiencing it for yourself.  Whether it’s for the day, for the weekend or even longer, I highly recommend paying the Kashi Ashram a visit!

​

[LIKE ALL GREAT PROJECTS – IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THIS TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE AT NO COST TO THEM – WE NEED YOUR HELP – THERE ARE EXPENSES THAT ARE JUST SIMPLY UNAVOIDABLE.  WOULD YOU HELP US MAKE THIS WONDERFUL PROJECT A REALITY?]

Thank You

Most Attentively

AJ Someilan | Durga Baba

CandleLight Ent | Unified Hearts

Why should you sponsor?

Axel Someillan

Contact the Organizer Contact the Organizer