Volunteering
Volunteers make Easton Mountain’s mission possible. Preparing meals, getting rooms ready for guests, doing laundry, and caring for the property are all part of the work. Whether you join us for a retreat or stay for several months, you’ll be helping care for a place that means a great deal to many people.
You’ll also become part of daily life here, getting to know residents and other volunteers through shared work, meals, and conversations. You can join residents in meditation and other practices, spend time outdoors, or use quieter hours to deepen your own spiritual practice and work on creative projects.
Our community includes people from a variety of backgrounds. We’re looking for volunteers who value being of service, are committed to their own spiritual growth, and feel connected to something greater than themselves. Living and working together takes a willingness to listen, take responsibility, and work through differences.
We welcome volunteers throughout the year. Read below for details about the work, accommodations, and what to expect during your stay
Planning your volunteer stay
How long can I come?
You can come for a few days to help with a retreat, stay for a couple of weeks, or join us for two to three months or longer. We welcome volunteers throughout the year. We’ll talk with you about your availability and where we need help to work out the timing and length of your stay.
What kind of work will I do?
Most volunteer work supports the everyday operations of the retreat center, particularly kitchen help, housekeeping, and laundry. Volunteers support both Easton-produced programs and retreats hosted by our rental partners. When retreats aren’t taking place, there are still spaces to care for and projects to complete. Depending on the season, work may include cleaning projects, gardening, property upkeep, winter preparations, or clearing snow from pathways. For longer stays, there may also be opportunities to contribute administrative, creative, maintenance, or other skills. Tell us about your experience and interests so we can explore where they meet Easton’s needs.
What is the time commitment?
During retreats, volunteers generally contribute approximately five to six hours of work a day. Volunteers also attend scheduled volunteer and community meetings. Between retreats, schedules are more flexible, but service remains an ongoing commitment throughout your stay. Longer-term volunteers work with the volunteer coordinator to arrange days off and balance responsibilities with rest, reflection, and personal pursuits.
What housing is provided?
We provide a warm place to sleep in the best available accommodations. Housing varies and may be shared. Some accommodations use the bathrooms and showers in the main lodge, which may be up to approximately 300–400 feet away. We’ll discuss the available arrangements with you before your stay.
How do meals work?
During retreats with a chef on duty, volunteers receive three meals a day. Between retreats, volunteers have access to the kitchen, with staples or leftovers available. Community members sometimes prepare meals for one another.
What is community life like?
Volunteers have opportunities to get to know residents and one another through shared work, meals, conversations, and occasional outings. You may also join residents in meditation and other practices, enjoy the land and facilities, and participate in activities that bring volunteers together. There are quieter periods, too. Being comfortable spending time on your own, as well as connecting with others, will help you make the most of your stay.
Can I attend workshops?
When an Easton-sponsored program is taking place, volunteers may be invited to participate in some workshops and activities, depending on the needs of the program and their volunteer responsibilities. Participation is arranged with the volunteer coordinator and program team. If your main reason for applying is a financial barrier to attending a particular retreat, please visit our scholarship page.
Who is a good fit?
We welcome applicants of all genders, ages 21 and up, who can contribute to everyday physical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. We’ll discuss your abilities, skills, and interests during the application process. We are looking for people with a commitment to their own spiritual growth, a connection to something greater than themselves, and respect for our shared values. Living and working together asks us to communicate honestly, receive feedback, respect boundaries, and work through differences with care. You can be navigating challenges in your life and still find a meaningful place here. It’s important that you can take responsibility for your own well-being and have the personal resources and support you need to participate in community life.
Do I need a vehicle?
Easton is in rural Washington County, New York, near Greenwich and within reach of Saratoga Springs and Albany. Having a vehicle is helpful for trips into town, but community members can often help with rides.
How do I apply?
Complete the volunteer application, and our volunteer coordinator will contact you for a brief video interview. We’ll talk about what draws you to Easton, what you have to offer, and what you would need for a successful stay. Together, we can explore whether the opportunity is a good fit.
[Apply to volunteer: APPLICATION LINK]
Please direct questions about volunteering to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@eastonmountain.org.
There is always something going on at Easton Mountain! We need volunteers throughout the year for our in-house events, as well as events produced by our rental partners. See upcoming events that we need help with below!
NOT ALL RENTAL EVENTS ARE LISTED BELOW. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, REACH OUT TO: volunteer@eastonmountain.org.
