RETREAT: Family Week – SIBA

SIBA is a place to naturally relax and enjoy yourself in the space and freedom, just being here is a unique healing experience to give to ourselves.

It's a fun week where kids can get involved in plenty of supervised activities, and parents have the opportunity to participate in yoga and meditation classes. This is a great way to introduce your family to the teachings of Buddism that are of lifelong value.

The Family retreat will have a morning and afternoon session for the children.

In the morning session (9am -12 noon) the children will learn about music in Buddhism. They will learn to sing mantras and play musical instruments including guitar, drums and other percussion instruments such as tambourine, maracas and click sticks. 

In the afternoon session (2.00 – 3.30 pm) the children will learn some yoga and meditation skills. This session will include listening to some Buddhist stories.

They will be able to participate in many craft activities such as making God’s eyes. The children will also colour in mandalas and do free form painting. They will be allowed to take all their creations home with them. 

On the last day, the children will perform a musical concert for their parents, Rinpoche and other participants.

Marguarita Van Oosten is very pleased to be given the opportunity to work, play and engage with your children at this year’s White Tara family week.

Marguarita has been practising meditation since 1980 when she first started doing Yoga and Meditation classes.  She learnt Calm Abiding Meditation from Ani Kunsang in 2003 and has been benefitting from this practice ever since.  Marguarita has been on many retreats which include Calm Abiding Meditation, White Tara and Ngondro.  She has been attending the White Tara retreat for 12 years and continues to do the meditation practice on a daily basis with sincere love and devotion. 

Marguarita has been a nurse for over 40 years and is an experienced Midwife.  She has a Bachelor of Community Education from the University of Canberra, a Masters in Child and Family Health from Western Sydney University and she is also qualified Lactation Consultant.  For the last 6 years she has been working as a Child and Family Health Nurse at QE II Family Centre in Curtin, ACT where she works with families assisting them to find solutions to the many challenges that arise when parenting babies and young children.

The beautiful retreat center of SIBA, set in the Snowy River Country of East Gippsland, Victoria, is perfect for family summer recreation in a Buddhist community that is founded on a spirit of harmony, respect and generosity.

Watch this short video clip of previous years Family Week at SIBA Watch

This retreat is held alongside the annual White Tara Retreat conducted by Lama Choedak Rinpoche.

Price is per family and includes all meals and activities.

*Please note the program finishes Saturday afternoon*