Home Retreat

Exchange Your Skills for Room and Meals in a Tranquil Retreat

NY, USA

Overview
Gallery
Video
Location
Contact
Add Review

Exchange hours per day
8
Days off per Week
2
Accomodation Provided
Yes
Meals Included
Yes
Minimum Commitment (In Days)
14
Amenities
Wifi, Dishwasher, Washing machine, Fridge, Garden, Kitchen
Types of Help & Learning Opportunities
Building & Repairing, Gardening & Planting, General Maintenance, Kitchen & Bar Help

About Springwater Center:

Springwater Center is a tranquil retreat located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of Western New York, just an hour south of Rochester. Nestled on over 200 acres of soft rolling hills, the center boasts a picturesque landscape that includes quiet trails, open meadows, secluded hardwood forests, and streams that wind through shaded ravines. A lovely pond, equipped with benches, offers stunning views of the valley below, creating an ideal environment for reflection and solitude.

The heart of Springwater Center is its expansive 12,000-square-foot retreat facility. This building provides 14 guest rooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, and a large sitting room that can accommodate up to 45 people. The center also features a library, a solarium, and an outdoor area perfect for enjoying meals with breathtaking natural vistas. The center’s commitment to providing nourishing food is reflected in its all-vegetarian meal offerings, which are prepared communally. A dedicated full-time staff maintains the center, ensuring that both guests and volunteers have a supportive environment during their stay.

Community engagement at Springwater Center manifests through a variety of activities tailored for local residents, such as all-day sittings, talks, discussions, and group dialogues. The center is especially known for its silent meditation retreats, which have evolved into an innovative and interactive format welcoming people from all walks of life. Participants are encouraged to engage in personal retreats at their own pace while adhering to a structure that includes timed sittings, a daily morning talk, and a communal work period. This balance of silence, solitude, and shared experience fosters a sense of community among retreatants, facilitating meaningful connections in a serene setting. The center serves as both a sanctuary for individual growth and a hub for communal activities, embodying a harmonious blend of personal reflection and collective engagement.

About Exchange Your Skills for Room and Meals in a Tranquil Retreat:

Volunteers at the Springwater Center have the chance to engage in meaningful work while enjoying a supportive communal environment. This opportunity allows individuals to exchange their time and skills for room and meals in a serene retreat setting. Volunteers can participate in a variety of tasks ranging from kitchen assistance to gardening, helping to maintain the center while gaining valuable experiences. A trial period and a maximum stay ensure that both volunteers and the center find a good fit.

Volunteer Opportunities Duties:

– **Duties and Responsibilities:**
– Kitchen assistance: preparing meals and cleaning.
– Housekeeping: maintaining cleanliness in common areas and accommodations.
– Gardening: summer gardening tasks to enhance the natural environment.
– Painting and construction: helping with maintenance and improvements.

– **Length of Stay:**
– First-time volunteers must complete a two-week trial period, with a maximum duration of five weeks.
– **Hours per Day:**
– Volunteers work from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, five days a week.
– **Days Off per Week:**
– Volunteers have Sunday and Monday off.
– **Type of Place to Stay:**

– Accommodation provided on-site with meals included.

**Benefits for Volunteers:**

– Room and meals provided in exchange for service.
– **Skill Development:**
– Opportunities to develop skills in hospitality, cooking, gardening, and maintenance.
– **Personal Growth:**
– Engage in a unique retreat atmosphere that fosters personal reflection and community connection.
– **Cultural Immersion:**
– Experience a diverse group of individuals and foster relationships through shared work.
– **Logistics:**
– Volunteers must pay for any retreats attended during their stay.