Mindful Media Retreat

• What: A 3-day digital detox and mindful media retreat for teens and young adults (ages 15–19).
• Where: Karmê Chöling Meditation Center, Barnet, Vermont (Green Mountains).
• When: Winter weekend - December 18 - 20
• Leaders: Mark Bacon and Gabe Taney (Teachers of Karmê Chöling’s Rites of Earth Warriorship program).
• Focus: Unplugging from media consumption, embracing boredom, cultivating creative self-expression, and exploring community contribution.

The Mindful Media Retreat at Karmê Chöling is an immersive 3-day weekend program designed specifically for teens and young adults (ages 15–19). In today’s hyper-connected world, young people face constant media bombardment across school, work, and personal lives. This retreat provides a supportive space to contemplate about how we as individuals approach the media in our lives. Whether through digital or analog, it is important to understand how the media we choose to both consume and create impacts communities local and abroad.

• Don’t Detach, Approach with Mindfulness: Screens are a part of modern day life whether we want them to be or not. Learning how to approach media is the first step to letting go of the control it has over our lives.
• The Journey of Siddhartha: The story of Siddhartha starts with him choosing to leave his comfortable cushions to find true meaning. Just as he travelled the world and discovered his own truth, we will explore participants' personal stories and how they find their truth surrounded by others’ narratives.
• Community Connection: Discussing individual identity and exploring how our own media impacts us and our communities.

The retreat is taught by Mark Bacon (age 26) and Gabe Taney (age 29), experienced instructors of Karmê Chöling’s Rites of Earth Warriorship program. Having grown up in Shambhala and Zen communities while navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape, Mark and Gabe uniquely understand the digital pressures facing today’s youth.

• Age Group: Young adults ages 15 to 19 bridging into adulthood, finding their footing, and defining their personal contribution to their local communities.
• Prerequisites: No prior meditation experience is required. Open to any young adult looking to disconnect from digital noise and connect with creative self-expression.

• Friday Afternoon / Evening: Arrival, program introduction, and exploring the story of Siddhartha.
• Saturday Morning: Guided practice and community discussions centered around media consumption.
• Saturday Afternoon: Creative practice and hands-on activities focused on media production.
• Sunday Morning: Group integration, reflection, and closing circle.
• Sunday Afternoon: Departure time for the program.
  Note: There is an option to participate in the Children's Day Celebration that will be taking place after lunch.

Because this retreat takes place during a Vermont winter at a residential facility with shared sleeping arrangements, participants should pack thoughtfully.

1. Winter Gear & Comfort Items

• Warm winter clothing (layers, heavy coats, etc.)
• A sleeping bag
• A pillow
• Winter accessories (hats, gloves, scarves)
• Sturdy outdoor shoes (activities will involve going outdoors during phase times, though no intense hiking is required).
• Phone

2. Medium of Self-Expression

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a tool for personal expression, such as:

• A film camera
• A sketchbook
• A guitar or portable instrument
• A pen and loose-leaf paper

• Age Policy: Any participant under the age of 18 must either have a parent/guardian present at Karmê Chöling for the weekend or designate an adult present on the land willing to act as their "surrogate" guardian.
• For Attending Parents/Guardians: Parents staying on-site can participate in Parent's Retreat Time, a self-guided practice retreat with the opportunity to assist the Karmê Chöling community in traditional Tsa Tsa painting.

• Where is the Mindful Media Retreat located?
  The retreat takes place at Karmê Chöling, a 500-acre residential meditation retreat center nestled in the Green Mountains of rural Barnet, Vermont.
• Is this retreat only for Buddhists?
  No. Karmê Chöling programs welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and experience levels. The focus is on secular mindfulness, digital wellness, and creative self-discovery.
• How do I register or confirm schedule details?
  • For young people, register on this page. Tuition includes group accommodations on one of the shrine room floors.
  • For the parents and guardians, please register for the parent's retreat to make arrangements for accommodations.
  • Further questions? Please contact Gabe or Mark at: gabetaney@gmail.com or markbacon78@gmail.com