Description

We are seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as the Main Cook to support the 2026 Third Vajra Yoga Practice Retreats at Dzokden Kalapa taking place for two weeks (see below) from September 6 through September 20, 2026.  

Service for at least an entire week is highly preferred.  The volunteer is also welcome to serve for both practice Retreat weeks (see below).  However, if a commitment for an entire week is not possible, accommodations may be possible, but  not guaranteed. 

Timing – One or both weeks are available:  

1. Sunday, September 6, 2026 (arrival until 12:00) – Sunday, September 13, 2026 – evening (8 days) or Monday, September 14 (morning)
2. Sunday, September 13, 2026 (arrival until 12:00) – Sunday, September 20, 2026 – evening or Monday, September 21 – morning (8 days)

Hours:

8 hours a day full time for a single 7,5-day week option = total 60 hours onsite + 20 hours preparation beforehand (personal preparation, meetings, etc.) = total 80 hours for a single 8-day week option.

If serving for 2 weeks, total hours = 80 (1st week) + 80 (2nd week) = 160 total hours

*Note:  This role also counts toward EAP

Responsibilities

• Preparing breakfast, a varied, nourishing lunch, and a light dinner for a group of retreatants at the size of around 5-15  persons. 
• The food is vegetarian and must include a vegan and a gluten-free alternative.
• Note:  If the group is larger than 10 retreatants, you will have a part-time cooking helper.
• Responsible for setting up the daily menu, keeping kitchen spaces nice and clean and managing the cook helper, if needed.    
• These retreat weeks will follow a much larger retreat.  You are highly encouraged to prepare a menu using as much as possible the food supplies from the previous larger retreat.  After arriving, you will check the food stock and prepare a shopping list (including calculating quantities of each item) for any missing items needed for your menu.
• Final deep cleaning of kitchen, washroom & dining hall before your departure. 
• Experienced cooks from past retreats can be contacted for additional exchange, if desired.

What Dzokden Kalapa Offers:

You will be able to enjoy all the areas in the retreat center except for the Kālachakra Temple where the retreatants will practice.  Unlike the retreatants, the external volunteers can access electronic devices, the internet, and so forth.  If you commit to the whole volunteering period, during your stay, we can provide free access to an online course or recorded retreat at our digital learning center if you would like to support your practice and study while you are volunteering.