Family Camp and Rites of Passage
For families, single parents, and children aged from 3-10.
For over 25 summers, Family Camp has offered the opportunity to combine family life and meditation. It is a space where parents and children can slow down and expand together — simply to be together as a family: children with children, adults with adults, in a simple atmosphere of mindfulness and awareness.
Close to nature, your children (and you) will roam the beautiful land of Dechen Chöling at its summer best. In the mornings, a children’s programme is offered, while parents have the opportunity to meditate. Afternoons are open, with organised activities offered from time to time. A gentle adventure for all.
IN MORE DETAIL
In the mornings, there is a children’s programme for children aged 3 to 7, mostly outdoors, where they can move, play, explore, paint, craft, and sing.
At the same time, there is a programme for children aged 8 to 10 that acknowledges the growing independence of this age group — as they develop their own views of the world and begin to take responsibility for their own activities. In this programme, the children will engage in several projects, including art and building their own bows and arrows.
These projects lead up to a ceremony and celebration at the end of the camp: a Rites of Passage ritual in which parents and children acknowledge the children’s emerging maturity and the wider space they are entering. If your child participates in this programme, please plan to attend for the full duration. For more information, please see here:
https://www.dechencholing.org/rites-passage-8-10-year-old-children/
In the mornings, while the children are with their peers, parents have the opportunity to meditate, study, and share common topics with one another. These morning sessions will be led by two teachers and will include meditation practice, talks, and time for exchange.
Along with meditation, we will explore family life as the place where our children learn how to be — in countless small, moment-to-moment situations, both beautiful and challenging.
We will draw on meditations and teachings from Shambhala and traditional Mahayana Buddhism, a rich treasury of guidance on how to be available to our children throughout daily life — how to tune into and apply our heart’s natural love, strength, and wisdom as we accompany them while they grow up, and as we grow with them.
Afternoons are open for family time, with structured group activities offered occasionally.
Parents are, of course, welcome to visit the children’s programme, and likewise, some of the youngest children may prefer to sit with mummy and daddy during their class.
All activities are optional. However, we highly encourage participation in classes and meditation practices, as well as simply spending time together. This balance of practice and open space is the ground from which the magic of the camp arises.
Practical Information
Arrival day (Thursday 23th July): Programme starts at 8pm. You’re invited to come from 16:00 in order to register and settle in your room or tent. Dinner is served at 18:30.
End of programme (Friday 31th July): Rites of Passage Ceremony and closing circle, festive family banquet in the evening.
Departure day (Saturday 1st August): You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.
At Family Camp, we aim to accommodate all the languages spoken by participants and children, with an emphasis on English and French. An interpreter will be available to assist if necessary.
Price Information
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FAMILY CAMP 2026 PRICES |
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(Euro) |
Adults |
Children |
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|
3-12 years |
under 3 years |
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Programm Price |
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|
Standard |
250 |
125 |
see* |
|
Early Bird |
212 |
106 |
see* |
|
Full board (standard accommodation + all meals) |
60 € / night |
25 € / night |
free |
*Children below 3 years old are welcome at Dechen Chöling, under your responsibility. You can bring with you a babysitter or an au pair – they will pay 25.- € a day for food and accommodation.
Programme price
| Regular | 250 € | |
|---|---|---|
| Patron | 358 € | Help support lower income participants |
| Early Bird | 213 € | Expires 25 June 2026 |
| Under 30 years of age | 125 € |
If you require financial assistance to attend this programme please contact [email protected].
Price information
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Total standard price | 895.98 € |
| Programme price (Early Bird) | 213.00 € |
| Full board: 9 nights (74 € per night - Shared 2-person room) * | 666.00 € |
| Room tax: 9 nights | 1.98 € |
| Dechen Chöling association’s annual fee ** | 15.00 € |
* Includes Shared 2-person room and all meals. Other accommodation options available during registration.
** Legal yearly obligation (calendar year) for every participant or visitor.
