Bal Vihar Day Camp Organized by CMLA Simi Valley and Northridge Centers April 21, 2013

Bal Vihar Day Camp was organized by Chinmaya Mission LA for the children attending Simi Valley and Northridge Centers. This event took place on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. This camp had the theme of Values in Ramayana since it was the day after Rama Navami, and that was the most appropriate topic. Twenty five children of all ages (ages 5 to 17) attended and enjoyed the day camp which was held at Indian Community Center of Southern California, Simi Valley. Camp was conducted by trained sevaks and sevikas of CMLA Simi Valley and Northridge centers. Camp comprised of stories from Ramayana, with emphasis on Lord Ramas virtues and ideals, and the message imparted through these stories. The children were divided into two groups led by two teachers. The curriculum was tailored and simplified to teach young kids as well as taught at appropriate level for high school kids. Morning time at camp was quiet learning time. Children had four hours of solid teaching, but the afternoon brought several fun filled activities. Children decorated a picture frame as arts/crafts project. This frame was used later for Lord Ramas picture that was used for Rama Puja. Children also had yoga and sports activities, and learned chanting and bhajans. During these activities, children worked as a team, bonded together and enjoyed the day thoroughly. As Pujya Gurudev has said, Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit. One had to be there on that day to see these childrens lit up eyes. At the end of the camp our Acharya, Swami Ishwaranandaji arrived to grace the concluding session and was received with Purna Kumbham. In this session children chanted, performed Rama puja, received their certificates from Swamiji, and the camp concluded with aarati. Immediately following the camp, Swami Ishwaranandaji addressed the audience on the topic of Karma and Dharma that was followed by question/answer session. Heartfelt thanks are due to all volunteers, teachers, parents and sponsors. Special thanks to the Indian Community Center of Southern California, Simi Valley, to Swamiji Ishwaranandaji, and to Madhu Sharma for conducting the camp.