YSC dates for 2008:
June 24 - Aug 10 (6/12 weeks)
Aug 19 – Oct 19
Oct 21 – Dec 21
 
YSC dates for 2009:
Jan 6 – Mar 1
Mar 3 – Apr 26
Apr 28 – June 21
June 23 – Aug 16
Aug 18 – Oct 18
Oct 20 – Dec 20

Experience life in a community dedicated to daily living of spiritual ideals through the practice of yoga.

The Mount Madonna Center community has been in existence since 1978 and includes children and adults of all ages. Inspired by the teachings and example of Baba Hari Dass, a lifelong practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, our aim is to create an environment where residents and guests are supported in the pursuit and fulfillment of their personal growth and spiritual goals. We eat communally, work together, share in study and meditation, and join in responsibility for our retreat and conference facility and our children's school. The spiritual disciplines of yoga and selfless service are the foundations of our community life.

The Center serves the larger society through the retreats and seminars which the Center hosts, and through Mount Madonna School, an independent private school (pre-school through high school). Most of the work of running the Center is done on a volunteer basis with the aim of making the work selfless service (karma yoga), one of our main practical methods of self-development.

Each Yoga, Service, and Community program includes yoga classes, community service (kitchen, housekeeping, garden, maintenance, etc.); some evening classes and discussion groups in yoga theory; free time for rest, study, and recreation; and opportunities to meet and study with our teacher, Baba Hari Dass (except when he is traveling). Experienced community residents lead work, study, yoga practice, and discussion sessions.

Fees, including meals and lodging, for the 8-week program (with a 28 hours/week commitment - 24 hours of work/service and 4 hours of weekly meetings): $500 - Exceptions: $350 for June 24 - August 10 .

Deposit required: $150. We must receive applications with deposits no later than 10 days before the starting date of the YSC session to which you are applying.

Balance of fees, in cash, check, or money order is due upon arrival at the Center. Because an orientation process begins the program, we ask that participants commit to the starting date. We also ask that the commitment be for the entire eight weeks of the program.

Partial and Full Scholarships Available: A limited number of partial and full scholarships for each YSC 1 program are available to those with financial need.  For more information regarding scholarship availability please ask when requesting an application or include the request along with your application and deposit.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel at least two weeks prior to the starting date of your program, there is a cancellation fee of $50; the remainder of your deposit will be refunded. If you cancel within two weeks of the starting date, your deposit is forfeited.

For information and an application, please write, call, or e-mail the Center's YSC Committee:

Mount Madonna Center
445 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone (408) 847-0406, extension 370
ysc@mountmadonna.org

Work honestly,
Meditate every day,
Meet people without fear,
And play.

– Baba Hari Dass

* This program has Continuing Education Credit available for nurses
(BRN provider number 05557).