Summer volunteering at Plum Village France (July to August 2025)
Note: this spiritual volunteering opportunity at Plum Village requires a participation fee/contribution.
Hi everyone, if you appreciate the teachings of the Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, you may be interested in volunteering in his tradition at the Plum Village Monastery in France during the Summer Opening 2025. Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in 2022 and his monastic community now continues his legacy of mindful living and engaged Buddhism, welcoming practitioners from all over the world to practise together in the countryside near Bordeaux.
What you receive
As a volunteer, you follow the daily schedule of meditation, Dharma talks, mindful walking and working meditation while helping to support the retreat. You camp on site (bring your own tent) and receive simple, nourishing vegetarian and vegan meals. You will live closely with the international community of monastics and lay friends, with plenty of time for practice and rest.
What you offer
You offer your presence and your energy in service. Depending on your skills and the needs of the community you may help with the children or teens programs, the kitchen, cleaning, gardening, transport, logistics or translation. Volunteers are asked to commit to the full Summer Opening volunteer period, from 4 July to 5 August 2025, so that the community can rely on a stable team.
Contribution
As of 2025 the suggested contribution for volunteers starts from around EUR 50 per week (about EUR 200 for four weeks at the scholarship rate), including food, camping space and retreat costs. Always check the official Plum Village website for the latest contributions and conditions.
Program: Summer Opening 2025
Each summer Plum Village hosts several weeks of Summer Opening for adults, families, children and teenagers. Volunteers help create a safe, joyful atmosphere for hundreds of retreatants each week. You practise mindfulness in a spirit of joyful service, becoming part of a spiritual family that lives simply in nature for the whole month.
Key information
What
Volunteering at the Summer Opening 2025 retreat in Plum Village, supporting an international community of families, children, teens and adults.
Who can apply
Plum Village invites volunteers who have already practised in the Plum Village tradition and who feel comfortable living simply, camping and practising in a large international community with many families and children.
When
Volunteer period: 4 July to 5 August 2025.
Retreat dates: 10 July to 2 August 2025, with weekly arrivals and departures for retreatants.
Where
Plum Village Monastery, in the countryside near Bordeaux, southwest France.
What to bring
A tent, sleeping bag and practical clothes for outdoor camping and meditation. The monastery provides camping space and shared facilities.
CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧
Official Plum Village information and registration
Summer Opening 2025 overview:
plumvillage.org/event/retreat/summer-opening-2025
Volunteer program details and application form:
plumvillage.org/event/volunteering/volunteering-summer-opening-2025
General retreat calendar and other opportunities:plumvillage.org/retreats/retreats-calendar
Plum Village Facebook page: facebook.com/plumvillage
Originally shared with Voluntouring.org by practitioner Hoa Truong
(Couchsurfing profile: couchsurfing.com/people/hoa-truong).