October 2026 Community Builders

Renew to Recommit

Voluntary contribution-based pricing; however, a suggested donation of $300 or more is requested.

Registration is restricted to one person per organization.

We ask that everyone attend the entire retreat. Please register by October 8, 2026.

This is a retreat for nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to step away from the constant demands of the work, reconnect with purpose, and renew alongside others who understand the realities of leadership.

Through guided reflection, meaningful conversation, selected prompts from the book Quest: 121 Questions of Liberation from the Prison of Self-Domestication, and mindfulness practices, participants will explore questions of identity, change, purpose, and what they want the next chapter of their leadership to look like.

This retreat offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with your WHY, and return to the work with renewed clarity and intention.

Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

This retreat is offered to guests free of charge. However, participants are invited, if possible, to contribute toward the cost of the retreat and on-site offerings. A suggested contribution of $300 helps support the retreat and includes access to optional massage offerings, with sessions offered at approximately 30 minutes per person, as availability allows.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND FACILITATORS

A truly inspirational gathering of people! There was so much intentionality and kindness. I feel truly grateful and rejuvenated. Thank you for opening this transformational experience up.  – Winter 2024 Participant

Coming to the BBRC retreat was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. Everything from the space, grounds, exceptional staff, incredible food and activities. Made the experience special. This has definitely left an imprint and I am looking forward to coming back soon.        – Summer  2024 Participant

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

We’ll host leaders and team members in community-based organizations and the philanthropic sector.  Folks working in CBOs (community-based organizations) and in philanthropy in the SoCal region. We’d love your suggestions and recommendations on who to invite to this community builder and expand our reach. Please send your recommendations to: Melanie Yetter (melanie@bigbearretreatcenter.org)

SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 15th: 10 am – 12 pm Check-ins and Arrivals
* We ask everyone to arrive by lunchtime; arriving beforehand is preferred*
*lunch will be followed by a brief welcome walk and an orientation session*

Saturday, October 17th: 11 am Retreat close and departure

           Full program schedule will be shared upon arrival.

YOUR STAY INCLUDES

• A private bedroom in a shared retreat cabin (up to 3-4 rooms), with wifi, a kitchen, living room, central heat, and a shared deck with views of nature
• Three healthy freshly prepared meals
• Daily center-guided wellness, mindfulness, and dialogue activities
• Access to center amenities and natural environment and trails

ACTIVITIES

• Mindfulness Meditation Sits led by deeply resourced practitioners
• Facilitated discussion prompts for deep reflection
• Space to truly rest

“I can think of no better way to spend a week than to take in the breathtaking beauty of BBRC. This is the place to learn how to truly appreciate life. Everyone I have encountered there has been nothing but kind and helpful.” – Retreat Guest

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY BUILDERS RETREAT?

At Big Bear Retreat Center, we offer annual retreats for the local SOCAL nonprofit and philanthropic sectors focused on R&R and community building. These are invite-only and offered at donation-based pricing. The intention is to cultivate wellness and respite in nature, to bond with peers and to practice mindfulness tools that can be integrated into our everyday lives.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

• The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.
• We are located at an elevation of 7,000 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.
• We experience weather of all four seasons.
• We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.
• We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

See our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Simple and elegant lodgings to support rest and renewal. Our rooms are uniquely designed to offer comfort, convenience, and simplicity. All of our cabins are surrounded by nature with forest sights and sounds. Lodgings are a short walk from spaces for dining and gathering. See a video tour of a cabin.

Our Gathering Hall is spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere that feels deeply integrated with nature and the surrounding forest. The versatile space is conducive for meditation, movement, workshops, training, and other community gatherings.

Food that nourishes to support healing, restoration, and community. Our organic and seasonally inspired menus feature creative and nourishing vegetarian meals, tailored to support meditative practices. We use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Our indoor and outdoor dining hall is open 24/7 with self-service coffee, tea and healthy snack options.

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 M.

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!! – Anonymous

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