Our youth and family programs help children and teenagers develop self-awareness, kindness, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.
Zazen is the heart of our practice. Even a few minutes of stillness supports children to enjoy calm minds and bodies, bring more attention to the present moment, and meet each other with kindness. Creative expression invites children and teens to explore themselves and the world with originality and vitality. We move our bodies, create visual art, make collaborative music and more to encourage children to find and express their unique voice.
The beautiful grounds of the monastery are ideal to experience the vibrancy of life all around us. The kids and teens explore and play in the forest, grow plants in the garden and even cook meals over a fire, cultivating a deep connection with the natural world.
Our programs are offered via age-appropriate groups (see details below). We look forward to sharing practice with you and your family.
A member of the kids programs offers a flower for the Buddha’s birthday ceremony.
Tween “elves” serve a festive meal to the local community at our annual Dana Dinner.
The teens savor a campfire snack.
Zen Kids @ Zen Mountain Monastery, In Person Programs (ages 4-10)
Sunday mornings offer our young Sangha the opportunity to come together at the Monastery to practice Zazen, enjoy animal kinhin, eat together, play, be creative, discover stories and more. Parents should plan to stay with their little ones for the duration of the program. Plan to be outdoors: we’ll be outside whenever possible, so please dress accordingly and bring your bug spray and sunscreen! And… if it’s really coming down- we’ll be inside!
You may email zenkids@dharma.net for more infomation. Please use this form and RSVP if you plan to attend, so we know how many people to expect.
The program runs from 9:00 am til noon on Sundays. We will meet in the Sangha House (the building with the solar panels on top).
Next dates (2026): April 12th, May 10th, June 7th, July 12th, Aug 9th, Sept 6th, Oct 4th, and Nov 8th.
Zen Tweens @ Zen Mountain Monastery, In Person Programs (ages 11-13)
Zen Tweens/Teens are currently meeting together to practice Zazen and explore perception through various activities and relational social experiences. Meeting together allows us to cultivate relationships between age groups to inspire practice at various stages throughout adolescence. We gather and meet in the Sangha House at Zen Mountain Monastery and also explore natural sites on the grounds. Attending youth are encouraged to bring an offering for our shared morning snack.
Email Kyuko and Jo at zentweens@dharma.net for more info or to answer any questions. Please let us know if you intend to attend.
Sunday Service that day is intended for returning visitors who have already received beginning instruction.
Parents attending the morning service should still pre-register for Sunday service for the following Zen Tweens program dates:
Next dates (2025): November 23
The program runs from 9:00 am til noon on Sundays.
**Thursday Zoom sessions are currently on break** Zoom sessions offer tweens the opportunity to come together despite physical distance, to deepen our understanding of the Dharma, zazen, and ways to extend our awareness and “practice” into everyday life. We use the foundations of mindfulness through games, examining impossible questions, using our perceptions, and seeing how everyone’s mental processes are both unique and similar. Using videos, visuals, and other creative methods, attendees also have the opportunity to make art and share.
Zen Teens @ Zen Mountain Monastery, In Person Programs (ages 14-18)
Zen Teens: We are ready to reconvene! Email zenteens@dharma.net for more info. Because of the small group size, Zen Teens will meet concurrently with Zen Tweens until further notice.
The program runs from 9:00 am til noon on Sundays.
Zoom Group For Parents:
Parents Together in Practice: A (virtual) space for parents, welcoming people parenting children of all ages and members of all family structures and identities. If interested please email Seijo at raeraenevins@gmail.com. See our Staying Connected webpage for more information, and meeting dates.
