People of all ages and from all walks of life come for our YSSI program. Some are fresh out of high school; some have retired from their working lives and are looking for a change of focus to spend their free time. Some have taken time out of their busy careers, while others are looking to reshape their lives after deciding to change jobs. People come to us from many different countries. In previous years, we have had applications from as far afield as Denmark, Australia, Ghana, Switzerland, England, Spain and Japan, along with many from Canada and the United States.

Most of those coming wish to strengthen their yoga practice – some have even taken a formal yoga teacher training program; but others come with little knowledge or experience of yoga. For some, the experience of living in a working yoga community is the main attraction. All share the common desire to selflessly contribute their skills and life energy to the mission of the Centre: passing on the teachings of the 8 limbs of classical yoga as taught to us by Baba Hari Dass.

You will be scheduled for approximately 15 hours each week in a Centre department.  Your service shifts will be focused in one of the following areas: kitchen, housekeeping, farm or landscaping. 

If you have a special skill to contribute, such as building, renovation, vehicle maintenance, plumbing, organic farming, information technology or the like, you may be asked to focus your time in that area. Our needs vary with the time of year and the type of programs we are hosting. An extensive orientation to your department area will be given at the start of your stay.

In addition to the service hours of the YSSI program, there are an additional required 15 hours each week as the study component. Please refer to the YSSI page for more information.

The YSSI program has been enhanced for a more in-depth focus on the yoga teachings, including yoga study, workshops, mentorship and self-inquiry. However, there will usually be morning, afternoon, and some evening asana class to choose from. The number of yoga asana classes you attend will vary depending on your daily service shifts and your energy level. We also encourage you to take your mat outdoors for a self-guided asana practice during your time off.  

You will generally have two full days off of service shifts each week, but it is not always possible for these to fall on the same days each week, depending on the needs of the community.

Bring appropriate clothes for indoor and outdoor work as well as yoga asana and meditation classes. Other items to bring include toiletries, an alarm clock, rain gear, sun hat and sunscreen, a flashlight or headlamp and warm clothing for the evenings. Indoor shoes are recommended and may be required depending on your work department. Residents find that slip-on outdoor shoes are convenient as outdoor shoes are not permitted indoors. Please bring your own tent and bedding if camping. Please note: Cooking with a camp stove (or fire) is NOT permitted in the camping area. Any food not prepared by the Centre Kitchen must be cooked in the communal kitchen. We may be able to provide tents for those who do not have them.

Many also wish to bring the following: swimsuit, journal, book(s) to read, water bottle, travel mug and yoga mat/props. If you are bringing a bicycle, please also bring a bike lock and helmet.

Towels are supplied and laundry facilities are provided, the cost of which is included in your monthly fee. Please do not bring the following: non-prescription drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, pets, or non-vegetarian food (no meat, fish or eggs). Use of open flames at the Centre is restricted to ceremonies and cooking in the Centre kitchen, so please do not bring candles, incense etc.

Classes will be taught by a variety of experienced teachers, including the SSCY Yoga Teacher Training faculty and guest instructors.