Eligibility
12-16 years olds
Location
Goa
Duration
6 days
Dec 29th 2025 - Jan 3rd 2026
What is the Goa Retreat about?
“20 years from now, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than those you did. So, cast off, sail from safe harbors and explore.”.
- Mark Twain
Let your teen have that unforgettable sea adventure, in a safe, guided environment. Why does your kid need it? Today, teens never seem to settle. They're restless, can't sleep easily, snap at small things. Their brains are never really ‘free’, it’s always something about school, assignments and if not anything? Screens. Their nervous system is always running too long without learning how to rest. Their bodies are stuck in a state called "fight or flight": the mode meant for emergencies, now running all the time, which keeps their nervous system activated and their bodies believe there's always something to be ‘ready’ or ‘prepared’ for. And they have no way to shift out of it. In this retreat, we teach them how to regulate and calm down their nerves through fun and play. In addition, they'll also learn to surf, walk through forests, work with sand and water in ways that release what their body has been holding. And in simple sessions, we'll help them understand what's been happening inside: This is what "stress" feels like. This is what "calm" feels like and how you can move from one to the other. "The Calm & Curious" retreat helps them move from "I can't stop thinking" to "I can just be here." It's about giving your child the experience of calm, and simple tools to find it whenever life gets loud.
- Mark Twain
Let your teen have that unforgettable sea adventure, in a safe, guided environment. Why does your kid need it? Today, teens never seem to settle. They're restless, can't sleep easily, snap at small things. Their brains are never really ‘free’, it’s always something about school, assignments and if not anything? Screens. Their nervous system is always running too long without learning how to rest. Their bodies are stuck in a state called "fight or flight": the mode meant for emergencies, now running all the time, which keeps their nervous system activated and their bodies believe there's always something to be ‘ready’ or ‘prepared’ for. And they have no way to shift out of it. In this retreat, we teach them how to regulate and calm down their nerves through fun and play. In addition, they'll also learn to surf, walk through forests, work with sand and water in ways that release what their body has been holding. And in simple sessions, we'll help them understand what's been happening inside: This is what "stress" feels like. This is what "calm" feels like and how you can move from one to the other. "The Calm & Curious" retreat helps them move from "I can't stop thinking" to "I can just be here." It's about giving your child the experience of calm, and simple tools to find it whenever life gets loud.
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Travel to and from (from pickup in Pune, Mumbai)
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All meals, comfortable accommodation
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Adventures include: Surfing lessons with certified instructors, Forest bathing walks, Expression through arts sessions (music, movement, art)
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Along with mind calming activities like: Guided sensory play, Mind-Body awareness practices, group games, bonfire circles, and wonderful memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Young Soul Tales retreats cater to the age groups 6 years to 17 years. However, The Calm & Curious Retreat is ideal for ages 12-16.
Our Goa retreat isn’t built around thrill or competition. We use surfing, forest walks, and sensory work to teach calm through experience without pressure. Small groups, guided reflection, and no ranking ensure every teen is seen, not managed. Other camps keep teens busy. We help them slow down and understand what’s happening inside their body and mind. Surfing, nature, and group work are tools for confidence instead of pressure to perform. That’s the difference.
Safety is built into every part of the retreat. Surfing is led by certified instructors which also happen to be mothers of teenagers, and all activities are supervised by trained mentors. We have small groups and medical support on-call at all times.
It’s okay. No surfing experience is required. We focus on comfort before adventure, and we understand that every child learns at their own pace. The goal isn’t performance, but helping them feel steady and confident in their body.
Surfing lessons, forest walks, sensory work with sand and water, group circles, expressing through art to calm down the nervous system , and mind–body connection exercises. Each activity is chosen to help them experience calm.
Parents often notice that their teen returns more grounded, less reactive, more present, and better able to sit with discomfort without reaching for a screen. We also share a “Calm Kit” they can use after the retreat.
Our mentors are trained to hold emotional regulation and social discomfort gently and that’s our strength. Participants are supported, guided, and given space when needed. Opting out of activities is allowed without judgment.
No. There is no spirituality, no enforced sharing, and no therapy. We use experiential learning and nature-based activities to help teens understand themselves physically and emotionally in their own time.
Food is never an afterthought here. If your child has allergies or dietary needs, just let us know while registering. We’ll make sure they’re safe, comfortable, and well-fed so they can focus on exploring, and parents without worrying.
