Families and Children

Children’s Programs at the Seattle Shambhala Center

Children’s Program
Summer Camps
Children’s Day
General Resources for Families


Children’s Program

Seattle Shambhala Children’s Program offers respite for parents who wish to meditate as well as an introduction to mindfulness for children. Activities include short meditations, mindful games, singing, mindful walking and making mandalas. The aim of the program is to introduce children to practices they can use to calm themselves and stay present in the moment.

The children’s program is offered the first Sunday of the month this year, starting at 10 am and ending before the facilitated discussion (around 11:30am). Some snacks, drinks and games provided. Parents are invited to bring appropriate supplies for their children.

There are no age restrictions but we do ask that you contact us in advance if your child is 3 years or younger, or has special needs.

Upcoming dates are Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 and Dec. 3, 2023.

Location: Seattle Shambhala Center, 3107 E Harrison St, Seattle.

For details, contact Andrea D’Asaro, [email protected].


Annual Shambhala Summer Camps

Camps at the Shambhala Land Centers

Sun Camp

Shambhala Sun Camp is an outdoor sleep-away summer camp for children ages 10-16 with locations in Colorado, Nova Scotia and France.  Sessions take place in July and August.

Shambhala Sun Camp at Land Centers

Family Camps

Shambhala Family Camps are held at several land centers during the summer.  Family Camp is a creative and contemplative retreat the whole family can enjoy.  Children are grouped by age.  For more information see program details from current and previous years below.  Registration usually opens in early Spring.  Search for this summer’s program on the land center’s website.

Shambhala Mountain Center, 2018

Karme Choling, Vermont, 2017

And, check out this video of Family Camp at Karme Choling


Children’s Day

The Children’s Day Celebration on the Winter Solstice is one of four high seasonal celebration days, or Nyida Days in the Tibetan tradition, with a special focus on children and the nourishing light and warmth of community in the midst of the cold and wet abundance of our Northwest winter season. It’s a time too, for slowing down and reflecting.

Find out more about Children’s Day here.

How do the King and Queen celebrate Children’s Day in the magical city called Kalapa, which is the capital of the Kingdom of Shambhala?  Find out in  A Children’s Day Story by Martin Janowitz

Children’s Day at Seattle Shambhala Center

Iliana and her dignity companions, the local King and Queen of Shambhala, and sangha celebrate a magical and lively Children’s Day and Winter Solstice.

The Iliana Story

The performance or telling of the story of Iliana, by Water Fordham, Iliana: A Solstice Tale, is a much loved part of the annual Children’s Day Solstice celebration.

The Iliana Story

The Iliana Songs: available at Kalapa Publications

Background on the Iliana Story


General Resources for Families

Shambhala

Shambhala Families and Children Website (“The Hub”)

Shambhala Articles:

Family Meditation

Drala Kids

Shambhala Songs

Shambhala Canon (Unborn Unborn)

We are the Warriors

Additional Resources:

A Monastic Youth Dathun

Slow Family Living

New Parent Groups, Programs for Early Parent Support – PEPS

Lion’s Roar: This Shambhala publication often includes articles about the lives of children, and family