Description

We are seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as the Main Cook to support the 2026 First Vajra Yoga of Kālachakra Empowerment, Teachings and Retreat at Dzokden Kalapa taking place from July 27 through August 6, 2026.  

Service during the entire retreat is highly preferred. However, if a commitment for the entire period is not possible, accommodations may be possible, but  not guaranteed.  

(There is the opportunity to arrive 1-2 days earlier than indicated below and serve for a much smaller group of people (helping prepare for the Retreat Season Start) – an ideal time to settle in!)

Timing:  ~12 days – Friday, July 24 (arrival until 12:00) through Thursday, August 6 – evening or August 7 – morning (departure)

8 hours a day for 13 days, total 104 hours onsite + 24 hours preparation beforehand (personal preparation, meetings, etc.) = 128 hours

*Note:  This role also counts toward EAP

Responsibilities

• Preparing breakfast, a varied, nourishing lunch, and a light dinner for a group of retreatants at the size of around 25-35 persons. 
• The food is vegetarian and must include a vegan and a gluten-free alternative.
• Responsible for setting up the daily menu and preparing a shopping list (including calculating the quantities of each item) beforehand.
• Manage the onsite volunteer cooking team (1 full-time Cook helper + 1 hour daily Karma Yoga group (retreatants) for meal preparations).
• Final deep cleaning of kitchen, washroom & dining hall after Retreat ended. 
• Experienced cooks from past retreats can be contacted for additional exchange, if desired.

What Dzokden Kalapa Offers:

You will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple where the retreatants will practice.  Unlike the retreatants, the external volunteers can access electronic devices, the internet, and so forth.  If you commit to the whole volunteering period, during your stay, we can provide free access to an online course or recorded retreat at our digital learning center if you would like to support your practice and study while you are volunteering. Alternatively, if you have already received the First Vajra Yoga before, you can also participate in any sessions of the event in the temple for free.