Programs

Sun Camp is a one-week-long, outdoor program open to any participant aged 10-16 years. To attend Shambhala Sun Summer Camp you must be at least 10 years old as of Dec 31st and no more than 16 years old by June 30th in the year of camp.

For example, a child who is 9 years old in July, but who turns 10 in December of that year, may attend camp that year. And a child who is 16, but turns 17 on July 1st of that year, may not attend camp. (Please note that ROW accepts participants aged 16-21 - see below.)

The Cadet Command Workshop (CCW) is a three-day intensive training program for 14 to 16-year-olds who have previously attended Sun Camp. The program focuses on developing leadership skills that participants will need to help prepare and take care of the environment in which Sun Camp will take place. CCW is a way of preparing the ground before the younger participants arrive. To attend Cadet Command Workshop you must be 14 years old as of Dec 31st and no more than 16 years old by June 30th, in the year of application. Applicant must have also attended at least one previous Shambhala Sun Summer Camp.

Please note: It is not unusual to attend camp for the first time at the age of 14 or later. Teenagers enjoy their experience whether or not they are able to attend CCW, but if possible, it does enhance the experience and provide valuable leadership training.

Rites of Warriorship is for 16 to 21-year-olds and, although the program immediately follows Sun Camp, it is a separate, stand-alone program. According to the Shambhala tradition, age 16 marks the transition out of childhood and entrance into adulthood. This is an opportunity for young people to harness their experience and deepen their trust in themselves in order to step into that transition. Like the coming-of-age rituals of many societies, the proceedings of the Rites of Warriorship remain unrevealed to participants until they undergo the program.

The program officially begins the day Sun Camp ends, but Rites of Warriorship participants who are eligible are strongly encouraged to attend the week long Sun Camp immediately before ROW. During the camp, ROW participants will be expected to look at themselves honestly and be compassionate with the younger participants. These activities are an integral part of becoming a compassionate, sane adult and a genuine warrior in the Shambhala Lineage.

The requirements for participation in the Rites of Warriorship are: 16th birthday before Dec 31st in the year of participation, and being no more than 21 years old at the beginning of the program; the completion of a least one level of Shambhala Training or attendance at one Sun Camp or Magyal Pomra Encampment; and/or some interest in further Shambhala or Buddhist study and practice.