Summer Camp 2019 - Day 1 - Camp Report

We started from Bangalore in 3 buses and reached the Chokkahalli ashram by 11.00 am. The ashram is set in a beautiful and pristine location. It is such a change for us, from the chaos of Bangalore. We were welcomed into the ashram by the wonderful sight of cows grazing peacefully and little calves frisking around.

After deboarding the bus, the children were guided to their respective rooms. They freshened up and came to the dining area, called the ‘Annapoorneshwari’ hall where they were given a glass of very refreshing lemon juice and biscuits. Everyone assembled in the temple for inauguration by 12.00 noon. Our camp acharya, Swami Aparajitanandaji was welcomed by chanting of Guru Stotram. An invocation was also rendered by Priya, in her melodious voice.

Aishwarya gave the welcome address and introduced Swamiji to all the children. She proceeded to give out the instructions to be followed by the children, while staying here for the next week, stressing on the discipline and etiquette expected from them, while in an ashram.

Shalini introduced the volunteers to the children and then gave out the daily itinerary of the camp. Children have been divided into 8 groups and leaders assigned. The group names indicate the values depicted by Hanuman in the shloka Budhir balam … Activities in the camp would be done groupwise and the best group will get a prize at the end.

Swamiji gave a brief but powerful introductory talk today stressing on the aspects of punctuality and discipline, after which everyone dispersed for lunch. After a sumptuous lunch (which children enjoyed thoroughly, needless to mention) they assembled in the temple by 3.30, for collecting the camp kits.

The main session of the camp, was at 4.00pm, where Swamiji explained the difference between the monkey mind and a human mind. It was truly an electrifying talk, as is evident by the response of the children. He told everyone that we all need to train our monkey mind to make it God like. Hanuman was only a monkey, but he is revered as God and that has happened only because of his being able to manage his mind. That potential is present in everyone one of us, so it just needs to be guided in the correct direction for the innate potential to blossom.

Milk and snacks were served at 5.00 pm. The bhajan session was at 6.00pm, followed by namajapa. The children were energized with the exuberant “Arise with Hanuman” camp song.

We had an interesting icebreaking session activity for the children where they introduced themselves composing a song. This brought out a lot of their creativity.

There was pooja in the temple, as it was Sankashta Chaturthi and everyone went for the puja and arathi, by 8.00 pm and then went for dinner by 8.15 pm.

The first day of the camp ended with cooling rains and everyone settled comfortably in their respective rooms.

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