Staff Program at BCM

We are not taking applications for staff at this time. The following applies to when we return to Themed Retreats.

We have opportunities for guests to serve as retreat staff at Blue Cliff Monastery before and during some of our retreats such as the Holiday Retreat, and Summer Family Retreat. We invite mindfulness practitioners who have already attended at least one 5-day retreat (or longer) at a Plum Village monastery to apply for the staff program.  Staff members help us in many different aspects, most of which involve physical work.

During this time that you are serving as staff, you are asked to set aside other responsibilities to be fully present for the staff program. There is no partial staff period and/or coming and going from the monastery during the retreat dates.

Serving on the staff team is often a rewarding and fulfilling experience, working together in joy and community.  Here are some of the qualities we are looking for in staff members:

• Ability to speak basic English

• Being in good physical and mental health

• Ability to listen deeply to others and to be open to the ideas of others

• Ability to practice skillful, patient speech

• Being mindful and keeping calm even in difficult situations

• Working well on a team

• Capable of guiding a group in work, including patience

• Responsible, diligent, and thorough in your work

• Creative and energetic

For first aid, we are looking for people with first aid experience or medical background

All staff members are asked to follow the retreat schedule and/or their work assignment schedule. The retreat schedule typically begins at 6:00 AM and ends at 9:30 PM. Depending on the work you do, you may have to miss regular retreat activities to complete your work assignment.
 
Work is done in small groups or “families” comprised of monastic brothers and sisters, experienced lay practitioners, and registrants. Staff will be asked to coordinate and lead family groups in their assigned work. There will be regular staff meetings to learn from each other and nourish harmony within the retreat.
 
Staff members who work with adults will be trained to lead a family group in working meditation. Examples of family work assignments include kitchen duties, pot-washing, dining hall cleaning, meditation hall set-up, restroom responsibilities, compost, trash and recycling.
 
Staff members who work with children/teens will fulfill their work assignment during Dharma talks, Dharma sharing, and Dharma presentations, so that parents may attend these activities. With the guidance and support of monastic staff members, you will lead children/teens in various mindful activities including age-appropriate meditation, playing games, arts and crafts, hiking, and snack time. Staff working with children/teens come for free.
 
Thank you for your aspiration to help bring joy and peace to many people in the retreat.

Application for the Staff Program at BCM