Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center

1184 Route 11
Craryville, NY 12521
phone: 518-325-3583
e-mail: pumpkin@taconic.net
Web site: www.pumpkinhollow.org

Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center, the northeast Theosophical retreat center, was founded in 1937 to provide a peaceful and harmonious setting in which the essential spirituality of the individual can blossom and grow. Nestled amidst the Berkshire and Taconic Mountains, the Retreat Centercovers 130 acres of open fields, lush forests, flower beds, and an abundant vegetable garden nourished by the crystal clear Taconic Stream which flows through the property, rushing over a rocky waterfall and out through the base of a deep hemlock-lined gorge. Pumpkin Hollow offers a unique rustic setting for workshops, retreats, yoga, meditation, evening talks and campfires, singing, dancing, and storytelling. The central house, meditation center, and quaint cabins all connect with a network of nature trails. The Healer's Sanctuary, nestled in a pine grove on the other side of the stream, provides a special place for solitude and meditation.

Housing

Shared accommodations are the rule rather than the exception. Single rooms are limited in number. When registering feel free to indicate your preference, but understand that rooms are assigned on a first-request basis.

Fees

For a schedule of fees at Pumpkin Hollow, write or call. Workshop fees apply to everyone (except children) whether or not you participate in a workshop. Children under 12 years of age pay half room and board. Upon request, a 10 percent discount on all room and board fees is available to members of the Theosophical Society. A valid membership card will serve to demonstrate membership.

One can register by mail or through credit cards. If you would like to register through the mail, mail your deposit check to the Pumpkin Hollow Foundation. Also list your name and address, your telephone numbers at home and work, the number of people who will be attending and their sex, housing preference (main house or cabin, dormitory, camping), and your means of transportation to Pumpkin Hollow. Please list the program you want to attend and if you will here by dinner on Friday evening. To use a credit card call the office (1-877-325-3583).

If you would like to receive a copy of our brochure with the reservation form, write Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center at the address above or send e-mail to pumpkin@taconic.net.

Sellon Charitable Trust Scholarships

Through the generosity of the John Sellon Trust, scholarship assistance is available for certain designated programs. See calendar and call for details.

Work Scholarships: A limited number of half-work scholarships are available. Upon application, individuals may be able to cover half of their room and board by helping in the kitchen, garden, office, or maintenance areas during the weekend.

Midweek retreats

Although most of our programs are scheduled for weekends, the Retreat Center generally is in operation during the week as well. If you are looking for a truly peaceful retreat, either as a time of reflection or relaxation, or in order to pursue a creative project, Pumpkin Hollow's natural rhythms and rustic tranquility may be what you seek. Call to find out conditions and availability.

Positions open

Pumpkin Hollow is looking for full or part-time volunteers to help us maintain the upkeep of the Retreat Center and to help the programs run smoothly. Helpers are needed in the Office, our vegetable garden, the kitchen, housekeeping and laundry, and in maintenance. Call or write for an application and conditions. If your experience at Pumpkin Hollow suggests that you pursue a deeper, more intensive commitment to our community's ideals, you may wish to consider applying for a summer residency (a period of one week to three months). We are looking for people who are interested in working in a community dedicated to a Theosophical way of life "Study, Service, and Meditation" and sharing this with the larger Pumpkin Hollow community. The cooperative spirit and talents of the residents are essential to make the Pumpkin Hollow ideal a reality.

Residency

Contact Charlie Elkind, at Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center, for an application or inquiry.

The Retreat Center is filled with magical places, but if you have not found your own particular oasis of peace and harmony, visit the Healer's Sanctuary. It is always open for personal retreat and meditation.

The way of life at Pumpkin Hollow is designed to embody its essential vision as fully as possible. Such an ideal must be the outgrowth of each individual's growing perception of goodness and truth, yet it obviously includes certain elements that are central to the spirit of the Hollow. In accordance with our principle of respect for all life, hunting and fishing are not allowed, and the cuisine is vegetarian. Pumpkin Hollow's philosophy is life-affirming (based upon thoughtfulness and consideration of others). Therefore, substances injurious to health such as alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted on the property, and smoking is permitted only out of doors. Since the community is committed not only to harmlessness but also to helpfulness, everyone is invited to share in the daily chores of the kitchen, the garden, and other parts of the property, and to see that his or her room is cared for.

The spirit of volunteerism is the central feature of our philosophy that those who come to the Retreat Center are not merely visitors, but friends, associates, and fellow-seekers who contribute to the Retreat Center's health, well-being, and spiritual atmosphere. In this spirit, some after-meal work activities called Karma Yoga are shared among all workshop participants.

We need your help

Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center is a nonprofit organization. We try to keep our fees low, and donations of all amounts are always welcome and needed. Even a few dollars can help us in defraying our mailing costs. All contributions are tax deductible.

Tell your friends!

The Pumpkin Hollow community grows primarily by word of mouth. Share your enthusiasm for the Retreat Center with like-minded friends; we love to see new faces.

Transportation

Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center is located 125 miles north of New York City (2 1/2 hours by car), an hour south of Albany, 10 minutes from the Massachusetts border, and 150 miles west of Boston (3 hours by car).

Train
Via Amtrak leaving Penn Station, NYC, to Hudson, NY. We make ONE scheduled pickup on Friday evening and a return trip to Hudson on the afternoon of the last day of a workshop. When you register for a class, call Amtrak (1-800-872-7245) to reserve a seat on the train (train departure is approximately 4:35 pm on Friday).
Car
The easiest way is taking the Taconic Parkway to Exit 23 (Claverack/Hillsdale). Follow the sign going east to Hillsdale onto Rte. 23. Remain on Rte. 23 for about 2 miles until you see the Elm Tree Motel on your right. Right after the motel make a right unto Rte 11 and continue on this road for another 2.5 miles until you see the Pumpkin Hollow sign on your left. The sign has a green background with an orange pumpkin. From the NY Thruway to Pumpkin Hollow is about 15 miles.
Airplane
Our closest airport is in Albany, NY. Participants will be responsible for obtaining transportation from the airport to the Retreat Center. Call for a list of available companies.