I’m sure the excitement in your family is growing more and more as you begin to take some of the initial steps in preparation for the International Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat, December 22-31, 2011 at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh India. 

At this time we would like to request that you please:

Download and fill out the 3 forms below and email them back to us at childrensretreat  AT  ahymsin.org These forms provides crucial information for our planning and are the next step in your reservation.

• Registration Form
• Payment Options
• Travel Options in India
• Copy of this "Welcome Letter #2"

If you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact us at:
http://children.ahymsin.org/index.php/en/Contact-us/

Below you will find some further recommendations, requests and important things to keep in mind as you continue to plan in the coming months…

Make sure you and your children have up-to date passports.

Processing of passports can take up to 6 months depending on the country etc., so if you do not have passports it is vital that you apply for one NOW. 

Purchase your plane tickets as soon as possible.

Since the time frame of this retreat is such a prime time for global travel, it is best to purchase your tickets as soon as possible in order to avoid higher costs. Once you purchase your tickets please send us a copy of your itinerary so that we can help guide you to the Ashram safely once you arrive in India. Again, we highly recommend that you try to travel with a larger group from your region if possible to help us keep track of people more easily and again potentially cut down on some costs. When you book your ticket it is advised that you fly into the New Delhi International Air port. The fees for the retreat listed below are meant to cover only your basic accommodations, basic meals, lodging and programming. It does not cover your transportation once you reach India.

Please send donations for preparatory expenses. A.S.A.P.

While it is perfectly acceptable to make donations once you reach the ashram and have experienced the retreat, we are strongly encouraging those who are able, to please send donations to the Ashram A.S.A.P. This will help us cover preparatory expenses. Based on our estimated costs we expect that we will realistically need approximately $30 per person/day for each participant (or $300 or more for the 10 day retreat) to cover our bare minimum costs and insure that we do not over strain the Ashram and other areas of Swami Veda’s Mission. If you are able to give a little extra in order to help insure that those who are not able to pay the full price can also benefit from the teachings, this would be very much appreciated. Please see the attached document which explains how to make pre-payments and contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding this.

Aside from monetary donations, there are other material donations that would be greatly appreciated as well. Please click here to view our “wish list” which includes items that the ashram could use during the retreat as well as some small events that you could help to sponsor more specifically during the retreat itself. Please inform us ahead of time if you will be making a material donation so that we can keep this in mind as we plan ahead. If you have any links to potential sponsors outside who might wish to contribute to this International Peace gathering please let us know.

Travel from Delhi to Rishikesh

There are a variety of options for traveling from Delhi to SRSG. Please see the “Travel Options in India” attachment for all the details. The ashram staff can also help you with your planning.

Get your shots.

Please check with your local doctor to see the list of recommended vaccinations. There may be some vaccinations that require more than one injection with a wait period in between. Click here for more information from the center for disease control and prevention.

Warning about the accommodation situation:

Based on our current registrations at this time we have reached our capacity for the ashram. As stated before, we are hoping that you will all be flexible regarding the accommodation situation. Currently we are looking in to other options hopefully within walking distance for those who are willing and able to commute into the ashram daily for meals and programming. Since we are all one, big, spiritual-family we will need to support each other as best we can.

Our next letter to you will contain more information about what to bring to India, our program, the daily schedule, and more!

Again, if you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact us at:
http://children.ahymsin.org/index.php/en/Contact-us/

Warmest regards from Lela, Nalini and our SRSG Family