May 28-June 3, 2026

The dorms at the Ascension Center are simple, rustic cabins originally built for children’s summer camps. They offer a humble and supportive space for deep inner work, with a layout that fosters both solitude and shared community.

Each cabin contains two large dorm rooms, separated by a shared middle space. The dorms have open ceilings, so sound carries easily — you’ll be able to hear anyone in the adjoining dorm. It’s helpful to be mindful of alarm clocks and other sounds, especially during a silent retreat.

The dorm areas are furnished with bunk beds, and depending on retreat attendance, you may be sharing one side with another person. Some guests bring a lightweight room divider to create a bit more personal space. Many people also choose to pull their mattress onto the floor for more comfort and freedom of movement.

The central shared space between the dorms serves as a kind of cabin community space. People often bring snacks to share, and a tea kettle is provided for making hot water — a cozy alternative to walking across campus when you want something warm to drink. 

Each dorm includes:

    •    One shared bathroom with:

    •    2 toilet stalls

    •    2 shower stalls

    •    Electricity and heat, though minimal natural light

    •    Rustic charm — these are older camp structures, so it’s normal to see the occasional dust bunny or spider.

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🧺 What to Bring:

    •    Twin-sized bedding (fitted sheet, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow)

    •    Towel for showering

    •    Robe and slippers for bathroom visits

    •    Headlamp or small flashlight for nighttime

    •    Optional comforts: mattress pad, extra blanket, earplugs, space divider, favorite tea/snacks to share

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The cabins aren’t luxurious, but they’re deeply supportive for the kind of work retreats invite: slowing down, listening inward, and resting into stillness. The simplicity of the space often becomes part of the medicine.

If you have any questions as you prepare, we’re happy to support you.

Retreat Schedule (*subject to changes that reflect what is needed in the moment).  

Thursday:  

• 2-4 pm.     Registration 

• 5:00pm     Dinner and visiting 

• 6:15 - 8     Orientation, questions, intentions

• 8 pm         Begin silence with guided meditation and silent sitting  

Friday, Saturday and Monday, Tuesday: 

• 6:45am         Silent Sitting (optional)

• 7:30am         Breakfast

• 9-9:30am      Silent sitting

• Break

• 9:45-10:30    Jennifer giving a talk

• Break

• 10:45-11:30   Guided Meditation  

• 11:30-12        Break 

• 12-12:45        Lunch 

• 12:30-2:00    Individual time (walking, napping, journaling, BEING, sitting, creating….)

• 2:00-3:30      Contemplative movement: Yoga; Qi Gong; Walking meditation.  Or Small Groups

• 4:00-4:45      Silent sitting

• 5:00pm         Dinner 

• 6:15-8:00      Question/response/reports from the silence/ poems/writings/music 

• 8:15-8:45      Silent sitting followed by bedtime    

Sunday

• 6:45am.         Silent Sitting

• 7:30am          Breakfast 

• 9-9:30           Silent sitting

• 9:45- 5pm.    Self guided contemplation and inquiry.                 

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• 5pm               Dinner

• 6:15-8pm.      Inquiry/Response, reports from the silence, poems, music

• 8:15-8:45.      Silent sitting 

Wednesday

• 6:45am      Silent Sitting 

• 7:30am      Breakfast 

• 9-9:30        Silent Sitting

• Break

• 10:00-12    Gratitude, appreciation and group picture

• Noon          Lunch and visiting.  End of retreat at 2 pm.