Past Programs Archive
GTMC's Past Programs Archive highlights activities from two distinct periods: before and after the COVID pandemic.
Prior to COVID, the center hosted regular in-person retreats, workshops, and community events, fostering deep engagement and personal growth among participants. During the pandemic, the Zen center was temporarily closed to ensure everyone's safety. After gradual reopening, GTMC adapted by offering both in-person and virtual programs, expanding access and continuing to support the community with innovative online resources and hybrid events.
Georgia Buddhist Summer Camp
Mother’s Day Weekend (May 8–10, 2026)
Georgia FFA–FCCLA Center, Covington
Join us for our 13th Annual Georgia Buddhist Camp, an overnight Mother’s Day weekend retreat from May 8–10, dedicated to the heart of Buddhist compassion. This year’s theme, “The Joy of Kindness,” honors the timeless teachings that remind us to care for all beings the way a mother cares for her only child.
Rooted in Shantideva’s wisdom—
“All the happiness there is in this world arises from wishing others to be happy.”
—this retreat invites us to cultivate the qualities that make compassion transformative: warmth, courage, patience, and boundless love.
Set once again at the peaceful Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, just 50 minutes east of Atlanta, this family-friendly, volunteer-run retreat welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Lodging is offered at cost, and donations are deeply appreciated to help support logistics and dana for our monastics.
What to expect:
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Morning meditations to settle the mind and open the heart
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Teachings from Buddhist monastics and long-time practitioners
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Interactive workshops exploring loving-kindness, mindfulness, and the Bodhisattva path
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Family-friendly and children’s programs
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Evening community activities that foster warmth and connection
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Hearty vegetarian meals and comfortable overnight lodging
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Space to rest, breathe, and reconnect with what matters most
Long Weekend Meditation Retreat with Ben Connelly & Sister Pearl
Event Overview:
This joint retreat will be conducted at the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis. This event will observe forms and rituals that have been part of the Soto Zen tradition for centuries. Participants will take part in sitting and walking meditation, liturgical ceremonies, dharma talks, formal vegetarian meals, individual meetings with the teacher, and structured work practice throughout the weekend.
*All participants must to attend the orientation on Friday evening from 7 - 9 p.m.
Children’s Mindfulness Day Retreat
A mindful, hands-on retreat for children ages 6–12 to explore nature, creativity, and calm.
Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Giac Tam Meditation Center, 3729 Pilot Knob, Eagan, MN 55122
Invite your child to a peaceful day at our Zen Center! This special retreat offers a welcoming environment for children to explore mindfulness through calming practices, engage in gentle movement, and enjoy healthy lunch and playtime. These experiences help cultivate focus, joy, and emotional balance, offering skills for a more relaxed and happy life.
Who Can Attend?
Open to children ages 6–12. Parents may drop off and pick up their children at the designated times. Alternatively, parents are welcome to remain with their children throughout the retreat as volunteers.
What to Expect
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Children will participate in guided breathing exercises, mindful movement, and creative activities to help them relax and enjoy the present moment.
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Kids will have chances to connect with new friends, find joy in hands-on exploration, and discover the beauty of nature in a safe, nurturing setting guided by mindfulness practices.
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A healthy vegetarian lunch and snacks are included for all participants, so everyone can enjoy delicious and nourishing meals throughout the day.
Registration Form:
