Frequently Asked Questions
Questions:
- What do I need to bring?
- What is the purpose of the retreat?
- Is this retreat right for me? Will I "fit in"?
- Do I need to know someone else to get the most from the retreat?
- How many people will be attending?
- What types of people come to these retreats?
- Can I only come for one day?
- I live nearby, can I sleep at home and attend?
- When is the deadline to register?
- Is there a cost to register?
- Will I get a full refund if I cancel?
- Are there any transportation arrangements to get to/from the retreat centre?
- What to wear?
- Who is running the retreat?
- Will there be older adults to co-ordinate the retreat?
- Will there be any physical activities or sports?
- Will it be fun?
- What is open mic night?
Answers:
What do I need to bring?
All retreat participants should bring the following:
- Toiletries (i.e. soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Bath towel (s)
- Bedding: pillow case and bed sheet (a bed with a mattress, pillow, and blanket are provided but you are welcome to bring your own pillow and blankets or sleeping bags)
- Alarm clock.
- Good walking shoes, boots, gloves
- Warm winter clothing. (A number of activities over the weekend will take place outside).
- Portable mirror - there are mirrors at the facility, but in order to keep washrooms free and to ensure that everyone has access to a mirror (especially those tying Dastaar's) it is advisable to bring your own.
- Head covering.
- Musical instruments - for those who have instruments such as harmonium, tabla, keyboard etc., and would like to use them in the kirtans.
- Gutka - for those who wish to use their personal gutka.
- Personal water bottle
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What is the purpose of the retreat?
Our goal is to connect with Sikh youth in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and around the world, to learn, to discuss, and to share experiences on the path of Sikhism. Many of our past attendees have called the retreats positive life-changing events.
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Is this retreat right for me? Will I "fit in"?
Yes. This retreat is open to anyone. Regardless of your background knowledge, you will learn as well as be able to make a useful contribution. You will fit in just as well as everyone else, as well as the facilitators.
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Do I need to know someone else to get the most from the retreat?
Absolutely not, at previous retreats only a small number of people knew each other prior to the retreat. Through the retreat you get a chance to meet likeminded people on the spiritual path, gaining knowledge, and above all, having fun.
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How many people will be attending?
There will be a limit of 60 participants. This is a fixed number due to the limited number of beds at the retreat site.
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What types of people come to these retreats?
We have found that people from all over North America and with all sorts of backgrounds/knowledge have attended retreats in the past.
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Can I only come for one day?
No, the retreat is a 4 day event and all participants are required to attend the whole retreat. Exceptions will be made for those who arrive on the Friday rather than the Thursday.
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I live nearby, can I sleep at home and attend?
No, all participants will be expected to come Thursday night and stay the duration of the weekend until Sunday afternoon. Participants must remain on the retreat premises at all times. Part of the retreat experience is the bonding that will occur during the evenings and early mornings.
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When is the deadline to register?
Payment must be made when you register. Registration will close on Jan 3, 2010.
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Is there a cost to register?
Please see the About section for more information. The cost to register and attend if you are a student is $140 CAD and $110 CAD 'early-bird special' if paid before Dec. 4, 2009 (or while quantities last; limited to 10 spots). If you are not a student, the registration cost is $170 or $140 if paid before the early-bird deadline (or while quantities last; limited to 10 spots). Students who register after the first 10 student spots are filled will have to pay the full rate thereafter. For legitimate financial difficulties, special arrangements can be made; see the Register section for more information.
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Will I get a full refund if I cancel?
Since our costs (facilities, food, supplies, etc.) are based on the number of registrants, we will NOT be able to provide any refunds after the registration/payment deadline unless you are able to arrange for someone to take your spot or a new person wishes to register (and thereby takes your spot).
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Are there any transportation arrangements to get to/from the retreat centre?
All effort will be made to make appropriate arrangements for transportation, especially for those flying into Toronto. Please contact us directly and let us know your particular situation.
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What to wear?
See Location page.
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Who is running the retreat?
Youth volunteers of the Toronto Sikh Retreat have been organizing retreats on and off for over 10 years. We don't have a name, we're not an organization, and we have no affiliation with existing groups/organizations. We are a few friends who thought it would be nice to get away from our hectic lives and learn more about Sikhism.
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Will there be older adults to co-ordinate the retreat?
Yes. There will be individuals who facilitate workshops and an additional 5 adult supervisors.
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Will there be any physical activities or sports?
Yes. There will be opportunity for both organized activities and/or some organized sports. In addition, there will also be free time which can be used as you desire, by exploring the site (keeping in mind the constraints of retreat rules).
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Will it be fun?
Yes, for sure. You will enjoy workshops as well as recreational activities, along with many group activities.
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What is open mic night?
Along with our fun activities we will be holding an open mic night Saturday evening. Come share your talents with Toronto Sikh Retreat attendees! We’re interested in your best joke, song, poem, skit, instrumental, story, rap, tabla duo, quail session or even a puppet show. Best rated performances will win a prize. Your act can be Sikhi themed or about anything at all.
Participation is optional but highly encouraged! Be sure to bring all the props you need
Open mic night is an evening dedicated to having fun. It’s a chance for everyone to showcase their hidden talents and be creative. Anyone can perform, it’s not formal but very casual. |
