Contemplative Ecology Retreat with Sam King, March 15-18, 2024

The suggested donation for this retreat is $400.

Due to the expenses incurred hosting directed retreats, the $400 must be paid at the time of booking. Cancellations made before March 26, 2024 may receive a full refund. After March 26, $350 will be refunded.

Don't let cost keep you from attending. If you need financial assistance to attend this retreat, please email mepkinguestmaster@gmail.com.

This retreat will take participants on a holistic journey into seeing the world as what Thomas Berry calls a "communion of subjects." Through outdoor practices, lectures, and contemplative dialogue, we will attempt to experience an "ecological conversion" in hopes of re-membering our relationship with our more-than-human kin. At a time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, participants will reflect on how such awareness might inspire regenerative action and the emergence of resilient eco-spiritual communities in their home bioregions.

Sam King is an environmental educator, writer, speaker, and activist. He serves as Director of Integral Ecology for the Marist Brothers USA where he works with youth leaders across the country to create more just and sustainable communities. He is also a Research Associate for the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology and Project Manager for the Emmy Award-winning Journey of the Universe film and multimedia project, hosting the Journey of the Universe: 10 Years Later podcast and editing the monthly newsletter.

Sam received a Master's in Religion and Ecology with a certificate in Educational Leadership and Ministry from Yale Divinity School, as well as a Master's in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College. He also served as a Teaching Fellow at the Yale School of the Environment. A former Fulbright Scholar in Sri Lanka, Sam taught at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and researched agrarian Buddhism in a rice-cultivating village. He has also taught English, Environmental Science, Philosophy, and Religion at The Hotchkiss School and Phillips Academy Andover Summer. An avid gardener, forager, and outdoorsman, Sam lives on ancestral Quinnipiac land in New Haven, CT.

Rooms in the beautiful St. Francis Retreat Center include a bed, desk, reading chair, and private bath. Bed linens, towels, and soap are provided. Three vegetarian meals a day are included. Married couples or those traveling together can be accommodated in connecting rooms.

Vaccines and masks are no longer required.