2027 Creating Refuge In Community

Creating Refuge In Community is open to experienced and new practitioners.

This retreat is for Trans, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, Non-binary, and all Gender Expansive communities.

This 4-night retreat will be a space grounded in self-care and compassion, and held in community, to support our healing and resilience at this time in this world. We will offer meditation, mindful movement, and heart-centered practices based on Buddhist principles. Silence will be gently balanced with small and large group discussions. We will cultivate and deepen connections that support our resilience and joy.

This retreat, grounded in the Dharma, is open to all practitioners and is available for all levels of meditation experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to practice in a space led and held by Trans and gender-expansive individuals.

We are aiming to create an intentionally multiracial community with a goal of 50% Black, Indigenous, Mixed-Race, and all People of Color (BIPOC). We also encourage other underrepresented groups, such as trans femme, rural folks, and people with disabilities, to apply to create a diverse group reflective of our vibrant community.

Registration closes on May 30, 2027.
If joining after this date, please contact us.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

This was hands down the best retreat I’ve ever been on. I would tell anyone in the trans community to come heal, explore, and sit in the communal energy of this retreat if and when they get the chance.

Wow, I feel so lucky and grateful to have gotten to experience this retreat with this exact community, staff, and epic teachers! If you’re considering it, I encourage you to do it. You’ll find some of the most intentional and caring people at this retreat and retreat center.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

ABOUT SILENT RETREATS & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

Also known as Vipassana, or Insight, this retreat is held for several days in the practice of “noble silence,” with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation throughout the day. There are teacher-guided sessions and talks, as well as self-guided periods. There will also be interview opportunities with the teachers to talk about your experience. Silence usually begins after dinner on arrival day and ends after breakfast on departure day. All are asked to hold the practice and silence throughout the entire time and not leave the retreat early, to support the fullness of practice.

GENEROSITY: RETREAT COST AND FEES

We strive to keep our retreats as financially accessible as possible. Your registration fee directly supports BBRC’s operations, covering your lodging, meals, and our dedicated staff. However, it does not include compensation for our teachers.

Rooted in tradition, our teachers share their wisdom without a set fee. Instead, participants are warmly invited to offer dāna (a donation of generosity) directly to the teachers at the close of the retreat.
While deeply appreciated and encouraged, dāna is never required. Learn more about dāna here.

IS COST A BARRIER?
Scholarships are available for those with reviewed, demonstrated financial need. Due to limited funds, not all requests can be honored. Contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Preparing for your retreat

We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.

Getting to BBRC

We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.

Accommodations

We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.

Meals

Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our goal is to create a deeply inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. Whatever your race, gender, sexuality, ability, or background, it is our wish to provide a space where you belong.

As you plan your trip, please consider our unique environment:

• We are at 6,500 feet of elevation in a mountain town that experiences all four seasons.

• Our facilities are spread across a hillside, with outdoor walkways between buildings.

• We are located two hours from LA and near three major airports. Learn more about getting here.

• We are committed to accessibility. Please contact us to discuss any ADA needs.

Check out our Planning Your Retreat page for more resources, and contact us if we can help you prepare for your stay.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura