We are committed to keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible while here in residence. We will be operating in full compliance with all CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines. We request your cooperation as we do our best to follow current best practices and protocols.

In order to keep our participants, teachers, and staff safe, we will be requiring everyone at BCBS to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As part of the registration process, participants will be asked to check a box indicating that they have been vaccinated and proof of vaccination will be required when you arrive. This is not a decision we made lightly; it reflects our best understanding of our responsibilities to maintain as safe a work and practice space as possible. We will continue to monitor CDC and Massachusetts guidelines and respond as conditions change. We welcome anyone who is not vaccinated to participate in our online study and practice programs.

In Massachusetts masks and social distancing are no longer required for vaccinated people. Still, some teachers may require masks in closed spaces, so please bring one with you and be prepared to wear a mask per teacher request. Of course, anyone who wants to can wear a mask at all times while at BCBS. In addition, we will keep windows open when possible for increased air circulation, and we will run air purifiers in the dharma hall, classroom, and dining hall. Increased safety measures for food service include expanded outdoor and in-room dining options as well as more space between individuals in the dining hall. To reduce risk, only partners/friends will share the double rooms in the upstairs Farm House for the time being, so please let us know if you would like to share with a particular person when you register.

Following best practices for residential retreat centers, we request anyone who becomes sick while at BCBS to inform us immediately. For the good of other participants, staff, and teachers, participants who are sick will have to primarily remain in their room until they can return home. We will provide a full refund to anyone who needs to go home early due to illness. If someone becomes sick and needs to be in a public space, they will be required to wear a face mask.

Even as we do all that we can to minimize the chance of anyone becoming ill at BCBS, we also will require all participants to sign a waiver of responsibility acknowledging this risk when registering. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding, thank you for your cooperation, and thank you for supporting BCBS so generously while we have been closed. We all look forward to seeing you here in the woods of central Massachusetts once again to share meals, cultivate friendship, and support one another’s practice in person.