Holistic Education Programs
Work is your primary commitment at Omega, however during non-work hours during your employ, you may participate in select campus events, programs and classes, all supporting the process of self-discovery. Most of these classes are open to all, though some may need special permission for admission. Some are drop in style, whereas others require a longer commitment.
Types of Programs
Daily Open Classes – are offered for yoga, tai chi and meditation and are designed to help you relax and unwind. Whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner, Omega's daily open classes offer a variety of practice styles.
Holistic Studies Classes (HSCs) are self-contained teachings that do not require enrollment or long-term commitment. HSCs run from one to three hours. Teachers provide a selection of offerings on eclectic topics, including yoga, tai chi, meditation, and creative expression.
Samplers are short 90-minute evening workshops held on some Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are offered by some of Omega’s world renowned faculty. These evening learning opportunities are a rich addition to the seasonal educational experience.
One Complimentary Campus Workshop
Residential Seasonal Staff and Service Corps members who serve full-season are offered attendance in one on-campus workshop. Core Staff members are also encouraged to take one two-day workshop, tuition-free. NOTE: not all workshops depicted in the online catalog are available, enrollment for each is limited, and manager approval is required.
Meals
Dining Hall
The Omega Dining Hall offers a generous buffet of hearty, mostly plant-based meals three times per day. The start of Dining Hall meals (breakfast,lunch and dinner) are announced with the time-honored tradition of blowing the conch shells.
Dining Hall Hours: Will be provided upon arrival to Campus
Staff Dining Hall
The Staff Dining Hall is open 24 hours per day (except for a short period of time each day for cleaning). The Staff Dining Hall also has important information bulletin boards to keep you up to date about upcoming community events, classes, and more.
Café
The Café offers a selection of snacks for purchase.
Campus Amenities
Explore Omega’s beautiful 250-acre campus and experience a wide spectrum of activities. Here are some must-see places and ways to get the most of the Omega experience.
Ram Dass Library
Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now, has been a trusted guide to Omega and thousands of spiritual seekers worldwide for more than four decades. In honor of his transformative work, the Ram Dass Library's eight petal lotus blossom design symbolizes the unfolding of divine energy. Step inside and browse more than 7,000 books on holistic living. Read quietly in a window seat, listen to an audiobook, or study the work of a favorite teacher. With so many titles to choose from, the library provides inspiration and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.
Sanctuary & Yearning Pond
Hours*
Daily
7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (check kiosks for availability)
Group Meditation Hours*
Daily
7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (except Friday and Sunday)
Perched on a hill and surrounded by trees, the Sanctuary is the spiritual heart of Omega's Rhinebeck campus. A space of beauty and tranquility, it is open for meditation, reflection, prayer, or quiet contemplation.
You can access the Sanctuary by stepping through the archway next to the Juniper classroom and taking the stone stairway. Along the way, you’ll pass the Yearning Pond, curving stone walls, ever-changing cairns, and more. For a longer but less steep route to the Sanctuary, take the walking path past the Omega Wellness Center, and turn left onto the trail to the Sanctuary.
*We ask that you please observe silence in and around the Sanctuary, and remove your shoes before entering. Workshops are sometimes scheduled in the Sanctuary, which may result in limited open hours; please check the information kiosks for the current schedule.
Gardens
Omega’s gardens offer an appealing dash of color all season long and are serene spots to sit, contemplate, and listen to the sounds of nature.
Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, & Main Field
Join a basketball game outside the Dining Hall, enjoy regular volleyball games (usually twice per week), and bring a racquet to play a game of tennis.
Laundry
Omega has two laundry rooms extended as a courtesy for your use, free of charge. Omega provides eco-friendly laundry detergent that supports the environment and the smooth operation of the Omega Center for Sustainable Living on campus. For large or specialized wash loads, it’s recommended to use local Laundromats located in the towns of Rhinebeck or Tivoli.
Labyrinth
Fixed on top of a grassy hill overlooking Main Field, the Labyrinth was created as a meditative space to walk and explore. Spend time reflecting and following the winding path to find your center.
Trails
Spend time in nature on our 250-acre campus, stretch your legs, and leave your worries behind. See our trail guide below.
Discounts
The following discounts are available to Seasonal Staff and Service Corps members:
⦁ Omega Café – 20% off
⦁ Omega Store – 20% off
⦁ Omega Wellness Center – 20% off (10% off for your immediate family members)
* Due to COVID 19 there may be adjustments to hours