Summer - Children & Youth Programs

Children practice as a choir for 45 minutes, and then participate in theme-based activity programs each morning. The Children’s Choirs are specially designed to nurture and encourage growth through music.

For children entering grade 1, 2 or 3

Children practice as a choir for one hour, and then participate in theme-based activity programs each morning. The Children’s Choirs are specially designed to nurture and encourage growth through music.

The week’s activities for youth are divided into theme-based group times, and choir rehearsal times. Choir rehearsal forms half of each morning session and alternating evening session times.

For teens going into grades 7 - 9.

The week’s activities for youth are divided into theme-based group times, and choir rehearsal times. Choir rehearsal forms half of each morning session and alternating evening session times.

For teens going into grades 10 – 12.

Come savour and delight in the gifts of the earth and one another. We’ll prepare food each day from the bounty of a Naramata harvest, engage creativity and spiritual practices, tell stories and get to know one another, and explore the reality, blessing and responsibility of food in a world where many go hungry. We’ll share food during the week and a have special meal together, Friday lunch.

Can’t draw? No problem! If you can write your name you can be a cartoonist. Story ideas come from your own life. Graphic memoirs have caused a sensation in the literary world, telling vivid life stories. Our time together will include exercises to stimulate creativity, cartooning basics, generating stories and transforming your stories into a graphic memoir. At the end of the week we will print a booklet of selections of everyone’s work. Discover this great way to tell stories and record memories - all ages welcome.

Have you ever thought, “I’ve always wanted to play the guitar?” This basic get-started program is for adults and young people 12 or older with little or no guitar experience. Bring an acoustic guitar in good operating condition. Come ready to play, sing and be amazed by great results! As you get rooted in the rhythms of musical accompaniment, you’ll also have an opportunity to write your own song. Playing guitar can help to create a time of personal rest and may propel you to discover your own Sabbath practice.

This is a fun introductory class to learn simple basics in Jive, Tango, Foxtrot, Salsa and more. Partner dances and a few solo line dances will be included. Enjoy learning about music and movement in a relaxed setting. Be prepared for a week of variety and fun. All are welcome!

(Most suitable for those ten years old and older; please sign up with a partner of any gender.)

Join with us as we design, build and decorate, using basic tools to create restful housing for our feathered friends. We’ll provide some simple designs that you can build or use as a base to design and craft your one-of-a-kind creation. All materials will be supplied. Bring your imagination, enthusiasm and basic tools (hammer, saw, tape measure, screwdrivers).

Please note: children must register together with adults for this program.

Relax and renew with a creative and youthful exploration of gentle yoga, soothing breath work, guided meditation and journaling. Experience the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of breath and stillness, an opportunity for the body, mind and soul to simply be. Create an oasis of healing and rejuvenation for your whole self amidst the buzz and business of life. Feel the earth under foot, heaven above and all that you are, filling the space in between.

Come, play and find out why golf is one of the fastest growing sports. You’ll learn all the basic skills necessary to bring out the “Tiger” in you. Experience the fun of golf and the thrill of a well-hit shot. Discover a sport that can be played throughout your life with friends and family. Learn in a relaxed, restful environment, which is what golf is all about!

“Once everyone was sad, but no one knows why. It was because there was no …?” Join us as we explore story for young and old. Reclaiming imagination and creativity, participants will see, hear, experience and become the story. There will be hints, helps and how-to’s for honing storytelling skills for the seasoned teller as well as the novice

Have you ever found yourself in a bead shop gazing at beautiful beads, but not knowing where to start? Or have you seen stunning bead jewellery at craft fairs and wished you could create some yourself? Here is your opportunity to explore the possibilities! Bring your own broken jewellery and remake it as well as create new pieces using gorgeous beads from around the world. 

In this workshop you will experience play as a means of rest, exploration, connection, spiritual learning, renewal and fun. Each morning we’ll start with a “wide” game for everyone. Participants will then have the opportunity to choose from a number of shorter games, both active and quiet. Come and enjoy mornings in the best way possible … play, play, play!

What do we experience when we are at rest, how might we translate this quiet moment into a visual interpretation? While learning about the camera we’ll explore the theme of rest. Sharing and talking about the photographs we’ve taken are also a part of this program. All levels of photographers are welcome.

We will have five morning walks in the landscape surrounding Naramata to explore our relationship within the natural world. Attentive walking can take many forms. Throughout the week we’ll draw on a variety of exercises that hone our senses, help us to look closely at the world around us, and prepare our souls for wonder. Bring good walking footwear, a water bottle and all-weather gear.

Experience the ebb and flow of rhythmic bliss. You’ll be guided through a percussive journey that allows for both rigorous play and contemplative listening. This process has the power to stop time, bring silence, allow the mind to be led by the body, and open the individual self into group oneness. You’ll learn proper technique on the djembe drum, how to create complimentary patterns, and how to play as an ensemble. Bring your favourite percussion toy; drums will be supplied.

Knitting is a way to feed your spirit and stimulate your imagination. Knitting used to be something we did out of necessity, to clothe and keep our families warm. The art of knitting is being rediscovered and recognized as so much more! This will be a week of interactive hands-on learning where you’ll experience the excitement and the relaxation of knitting. Develop skills to create your own works of art, and to venture out on your own to knit just about anything you want! 

Whether you are experienced or beginner, potter or artist, we’ll provide opportunities to have fun learning to create with clay. We’ll learn various methods from hand building to wheel throwing, using forms to using stamps. Bring your imagination and a willingness to try something new. You may be surprised to see what you can create!