About Us
Quaker Center is a retreat u0026#038; conference center under the care of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The original 50 acres of Quaker Center’s land were given in 1949 by Lucille Manley to be “perpetually dedicated and used for the enjoyment, betterment, education and welfare of mankind (sic).” After more than 50 years of deliberate, careful development, Quaker Center now offers a place of retreat and contemplation, of renewal and growth, for individuals, families, Friends meetings and other organizations or groups who unite with the Quaker principles of simplicity, justice, peace and respect for “that of God” in every person. Quaker Center was operated by the American Friends Service Committee from 1949 to 1982. Since then the Ben Lomond Quaker Center Association —an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt religious corporation— has carried forward the Manley bequest. Members of the Board of Directors of the Association are approved by the College Park Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in northern California. Visit the following links to learn more: Employment Opportunities Opportunities for Service and Support Staff Ben Lomond Quaker Center Association About the Reigious Society of Friends (Quakers)
About Quaker Center
Mission and Board
Ben Lomond Quaker Center Association QUAKER CENTER’S MISSION STATEMENT (Approved 3/30/96) The power of Spirit-led change has inspired the Religious Society of Friends for over 350 years. Here at Quaker Center we continue to be so inspired, and strive to put into practice the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, honesty, equality, peace, and right stewardship among these majestic redwoods. Like a greenhouse, the Center provides a seedbed for deepening spiritual practices and strengthening our community. It is our hope that both individuals and groups use the Center in ways that lead all of us to listen to the Spirit, share our truths, and find courage to carry forward our visions. The staff and board of the Ben Lomond Quaker Center Association seek to answer to that of God in every person. In so doing, we commit ourselves to: Maintain simple, affordable facilities and encourage a cooperative style of living. Produce programs which nourish and challenge the Religious Society of Friends, welcoming others who seek alongside us. Nurture the peacemakers among us and support the exploration of a life lived in love and joy. Manage a non-profit business in a manner consistent with Quaker values. STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION REPORT…
Staff
Full-Time Staff Kathy and Bob Runyan, Co-Directors Kathy was born in downtown Los Angeles and has lived in California most of her life. After graduating from college and teaching for two years, Kathy met Bob in 1986. A year later they were married and moved to Northern California where Kathy continued teaching, first in public schools and then as a homeschooling parent of three sons. During this same period of time Kathy served on the First Day School committee and on the Quarterly Meeting Children’s Program Committee. In May of 2003, Kathy was hired as the Admissions Director for the new Woolman Semester program at Sierra Friends Center and continued in that role and then as Advancement Director until coming to Quaker Center. Kathy enjoys spending her free time walking, drawing, but more than anything enjoying a nice chat over a cup of tea. Bob spent most of his childhood summers in the Santa Cruz mountains camping, hiking, and skim-boarding at the beach. Bob traveled to Mexico and Europe, played soccer throughout his college years, and continued on to earn his teaching credential. After teaching at the high school level for a few years, Bob joined the Peace…
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About The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
History
Employment Opportunities
BLQCA Board Members
Programs and Worship
Programs Almost every month, Quaker Center offers a workshop on topics of interest to Quakers and others. These programs are open to the general public. Scholarships are available for those in need. Upcoming programs through the end of the year are listed on our schedule, with links to flyers for current programs. To be added to our mailing list or to receive electronic notice of flyers for our programs, please send us your name, address, and/or email address. Quaker Center does not sell or trade names on our mailing list to anyone for any reason. See what people have said about our programs!
Upcoming Programs
Meeting for Worship and Worship Sharing
What are Quaker Center Programs?
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Summer Camp
Summer Camp at Ben Lomond Quaker Center
Camp Activities
Personal Retreats and Group Rentals
Personal Retreats A Personal Retreat at Quaker Center in the Sojourners’ Cottage or the Haven (formerly the Art Center) is a wonderful way for individuals, families, or small groups to enjoy quiet time in the serenity of the redwood forest, along the network of hiking trails and beside the running creeks. Personal retreats might include time for writing, meditation, study, reading, a visit to our labyrinth or the meditation cottage, or simply time away from the normal routine. Sojourners (those using our facilities for a personal retreat) are completely responsible for their own time and remain apart from any activities of other groups using Quaker Center. Each facility has a kitchen where sojourners can prepare their own food, as well as heat and running water. Quaker Center has its own water supply which meets all County standards. Restrictions are minimal. We ask that sojourners refrain from unreasonable noise after 10 pm and respect the privacy of other Quaker Center guests. We do not allow smoking, incense, or candles inside any building, and we ask that guests not use strongly scented toiletires. Pets are not permitted; if you need to bring a certified assistance animal please discuss that with the… Group Rentals Quaker Center has two group facilities which may be rented separately or together for spiritual retreats, conferences, workshops, reunions and weddings. While most groups stay overnight, the facilities and the grounds are wonderful for day only events, particularly during the week. Some important things to know about renting Quaker Center facilities: Groups provide their own bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Groups provide their own meals, using our kitchen, either by cooking for themselves or hiring a cook. We can refer you to local cooks upon request. Groups are responsible for cleaning the facilities prior to departure and leaving them in as good or better condition than it was offered. We see this as a pay-it-forward model that fosters the perpetuation of a virtuous circle. Wireless internet service is available in our library and in most of our buildings. Cell phone service may not be reliable, depending on your provider. Before contacting us, you may want to review our policies for group rentals. We accept group reservations up to 12 months in advance. Support for Low Income Community Groups The original parcel of land which became Quaker Center was donated to Friends in 1949 by Clyde and Lucile…
Personal and Family Retreats
Group Retreats
Weddings
Weddings
Facilities
Orchard Lodge
Redwood Lodge
The Haven
Sojourner’s Cottage
Casa De Luz
Contact and Directions
Call us at: (831) 336-8333 E-mail us at: mail (at) quakercenter.org Or write us at: Quaker Center PO Box 686 Ben Lomond, CA 95005 Our street address is 1000 Hubbard Gulch Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Use our street address for Fedex or UPS shipping only. Please note that the US Post Office does not deliver to our street address. Get Directions to Quaker Center
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Getting Here
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO QUAKER CENTER Physical address: 1000 Hubbard Gulch Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 GPS coordinates: North 37.09337 degrees, West 122.11293 degrees Important Note: If you use a computer mapping program or a GPS device it may give you a route that takes you over small mountain roads such as Bear Creek Road, Bonny Doon Road, and Highway 35; they are scenic but slow moving and confusing, especially at night. We recommend the directions below. From San Jose or the Bay Area: Take Highway 101, I-280 and Highway 85, or I-880 south to Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz. Go over the summit and down the mountain to the second Scotts Valley exit (Mt. Hermon Rd., Felton, Big Basin). Go right at end of ramp onto Mount Hermon Road.* From Points South: Take Highway 101 North to Salinas, then Highway 183 to Highway 1 North to Highway 17 at Santa Cruz. Take Highway 17 North to the first Scotts Valley exit (Mt. Hermon Rd., Felton, Big Basin). Follow exit which crosses over Highway 17 and becomes Mt. Hermon Rd.* *From Scotts Valley, CA (Mt. Hermon Rd.): Take Mt. Hermon Rd. west through Scotts Valley, and continue about 4 miles…
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Upcoming Programs
Disaster Preparedness for Friends Meetings
March 14th, 2026
Rising to the Call
March 20-22, 2026
Spring Quarterly 2026
April 24-26, 2026
Organizing for Climate Resilience
Tuesdays (May 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026)
The Quaker MBA?
May 15-17
Geography of Change
May 29-31, 2026
