Samish Island Summer Sesshin 2026

Start
Friday, June 12, 2026
5:00 PM
End
Saturday, June 20, 2026
12:00 PM
Location
Samish Island Campground, 11565 Scott Rd Bow WA 98232 and Online on Zoom

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:

(a) Full Time, E Cabin – $1,090.00
Full time sesshin attendance.
(b) First half, E Cabin – $580.00
(c) Second half, E Cabin – $580.00
Prior attendance at a Samish Island Zen sesshin is required for second half arrival.
(d) Full Time, Rustic Cabin – $890.00
Full time sesshin attendance.
(e) First Half, Rustic Cabin – $500.00
Half time sesshin attendance.
(f) Second Half, Rustic Cabin – $500.00
Prior attendance at a Samish Island Zen sesshin is required for second half arrival.
(g) Full Time, RV camping – $890.00
Sleeping in a vehicle, whether hooked to power or not, is considered RV camping at Samish.
(h) First Half, RV camping – $500.00
First half attendance at sesshin.
Sleeping in a vehicle, whether hooked to power or not, is considered RV camping at Samish.
(i) Second Half, RV camping – $500.00
Prior attendance at a Samish Island Zen retreat is required for second half arrival.
(j) Full Time, Tent – $700.00
Tenting on the lawn. Our most affordable option.
(k) First Half, Tent – $370.00
First half attendance.
(l) Second Half, Tent – $370.00
Prior attendance at a Samish Island Zen sesshin is required for second half arrival.
(m) Zoom online – $150.00
A new option! Access to the entire zendo schedule online. Flexible attendance. Zendo events only can be experienced on Zoom.
(n) Scholarship supported, 50% off, full time, Rustic Cabin – $445.00
Donation-supported 50% scholarship.

Two scholarships available.
(o) Scholarship supported, 50% off, 1st 1/2 Rustic Cabin – $250.00
Four scholarships available.
(p) Scholarship supported, 50% off, 2nd 1/2 Rustic Cabin – $250.00
Four scholarships available.

Note: you must have attended Samish Sesshin previously for second half arrival.
(z) Core organizer, E-Cabin (if available) – $840.00
(z) Core Organizer, Rustic cabin – $525.00
Available to Ino, Registrar, Tanto, and Retreat Manager only. You may also register with the regular options if you choose.

Join us for our annual summer sesshin at Samish Island Retreat Center

This powerful sesshin includes seven days and eight nights of silent practice of sitting and walking meditation in this beautiful church camp on the water on Samish Island in the Skagit Valley, led this year by Nomon Tim Burnett and Shudo Chris Burkhart.

The retreat includes dharma talks, dokusan and practice discussion with the teachers, plenty of sitting and walking meditation, and delicious vegetarian meals. A deep time for practice and reflection with the support of sangha and teachers. All held in a beautiful outdoors oriented environment on the water.

Teachers:
Nomon Tim Burnett and Kanho Chris Burkhart will all be giving talks and offering dokusan (private interview). You can read this message from Zoketsu Norman Fischer who will not be attending this year.

Schedule:
You may attend the entire retreat or the first or second half. Second half attendance is only appropriate to those who have sat sesshin with us at Samish before. We are unable to offer other attendance choices. Signing up is making a commitment to be part of the retreat for the entire period you signed up for.

Full Retreat - Friday 5pm to Saturday at noon.
First Half - Friday 5pm to Tuesday at 5pm.
Second Half - Tuesday at 5pm to Saturday at noon.

Prerequisites & Requirements

This is a rigorous and structured experience. To benefit from being at Samish Sesshin please abide by the following requirements:

You should have attended at least one full day formal meditation retreat before attending this 7-day, 8-night retreat.
If you have never attended Samish sesshin please start at the beginning (Full or First Half). Orientation is offered at the beginning only.
This is a silent retreat without talking, reading, writing, computer or cell phone use.
Following the full schedule is a core practice. Alternate schedules for health needs can be arranged with the Ino.
Plan on remaining at camp for your entire session; do not leave for errands or appointments.

Housing Options

E-Cabins: Modern with shared full baths. Please leave these for those with health challenges if possible.

e-Cabin Exterior

e-Cabin Interior

Rustic Cabins: Simple 1950s plywood cabins. Separate shared bathhouse.

Rustic Exterior

Rustic Interior

RV & Tent: RV (full hook-ups available) or Tent camping on the lawn (lowest cost).

Online Attendance (Zoom)

Access the full zendo schedule (zazen, kinhin, talks) online. Dokusan and meals are not available via Zoom. Flexible attendance is permitted for online participants.

Dates & Cancellation

May 15: Last day for full refund. Full payment due.
May 16: Unpaid registrations may be cancelled for waitlist.
June 1: Last day for partial refund.

See our Cancellation Policy and Scholarship information (available for Rustic Cabins).

Location & Travel

Samish Island Campground: 11565 Scott Rd, Bow, WA 98232 | Map & Directions

No public transit is available. For carpooling, visit groupcarpool.com or contact registrar@redcedarzen.org.

www.RedCedarZen.org 360-389-3444 registrar@redcedarzen.org

Red Cedar Zen Community is a 501(c) non-profit organization.