Introduction
Paramahansa Yogananda said, “Learn the art of right living. If you have joy you have everything.”
Displaying this ideal of right living, a boys camp was conducted at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Noida, from June 5 to June 10, 2023. This five-day camp was based on Paramahansa Yogananda’s “how-to-live” teachings. The goal was to provide the young participants with a comprehensive learning environment to foster their well-rounded growth in physical, mental and spiritual spheres. Forty-five boys in the age group of 12 to 14 years hailing from different parts of India participated in the camp.
Registrations and the Inaugural Function
On the 5th of June, from noon onwards, participants arrived at the Ashram premises accompanied by their parents. The Inauguration and Orientation programme for the boys was held in the evening. Swami Vasudevananda lit a symbolic lamp to mark the inauguration of the camp. He then delivered an inspiring message to the young participants. Swami Alokananda conducted an orientation session. He explained the flow of the programme and necessary do’s and don’ts to help participants leverage maximum benefit from the camp.
Workshops and Sports Activities
The camp’s schedule included a series of workshops as well as sports to facilitate the physical and mental growth of the young participants. The workshops were held on a range of topics such as crafts, vedic mathematics, email etiquette, time management, basics of music, Public Speaking, and environmental awareness. Classes were also held on first aid and emergency handling.
The sports hour elicited an enthusiastic response from the young boys. They played numerous games such as football, handball, the dog and the bone, and kabaddi.
A series of ‘how-to-live’ classes were conducted to facilitate personal growth on topics such as ‘The Law of Success’ and ‘Health and Hygiene.’
Activities for Spiritual Growth
At the core of the camp activities were those that facilitated spiritual progress among the boys. As dawn dispelled the darkness of night, the boys rose at 5.30 a.m. and practised Yoga Asanas followed by group practice of Energization Exercise and meditation, which were conducted by both the monastics and the volunteers. The meditation sessions included prayer, chanting, and silent communion with God and Gurus.
Every day Swami Swarupananda conducted Guru Katha – retelling of stories of our Gurudeva from the book Mejda and Autobiography of a Yogi. In the evening, Swami Alokananda led Sunderkand for the boys. He sang couplets from Tulsidasji’s Ram Charitra Manas and simultaneously recounted inspiring stories from the Ramayana. The session was well appreciated and eagerly anticipated.
Swami Lalitananda and Swami Adyannada conducted special classes to boost spiritual ardour and help the boys follow the teachings of our Guru.
Closing Programme
The closing programme was interwoven with a cultural show along with some games. There was a unique display of the harmony and spiritual fellowship that the camp had inculcated among the boys.
In the cultural programme, the participants shared their unique experiences during the camp. Swami Adyananda addressed the gathering and Swami Alokananda delivered the vote of thanks. Parents got an opportunity to view glimpses of the camp activities through a slideshow presentation. The children left the ashram with the eternal gift of the Guru’s love and blessings.
