In today’s turbulent times, the key to success is to understand the various situations, then adapt and change accordingly. To make this possible needs the support of a strong value system, which was the focus of Strike to Hike – the May 2022 Bala Vihar summer camp, organized by Chinmaya Mission Delhi from 16 May to 31 May 2022.
Amidst the myriad challenges posed by the current pandemic, a group of volunteers led by the stalwart Smt. Saraswati Rajagopal and guided by Swami Prakarshananda, saw to it that the Summer Camp came together with a whopping registration of nearly 100 children. For the first in-person camp after a lapse of two years, this was extremely heartening.
Students from Class II to Class VIII were divided into two groups – Satyam (Class II to IV) and Santosh (Class V to VIII).
Swami Prakarshananda and Swamini Gurupriyananda together inaugurated the camp, with the traditional lighting of the lamp. They invoked the Lord’s grace and Gurudev’s blessings for the success of the camp.
After some ice-breaking games, the camp sessions began in earnest. The camp content was based on the thought-provoking 10 values of Ahimsa, Satyam, Brahmacharya, Shaucham, Santosh, Swadhyaya, Swacchata, Asteya, Tapasya and Bhakti.
Swami Prakarshananda and all the volunteers made each of the daily sessions both engrossing and interesting. It was their endeavour to make sure that the children understand and imbibe the values being taught. The wide array of fun and creative activities were curated in a way that kept the kids engaged, absorbed and fully entertained.
Of special note were the two sessions, each by a nutritionist, that promoted awareness among the children of the joys of eating healthy. The Matru Puja, always an emotional event, was much appreciated by the mothers.
Witnessed by a packed auditorium, the camp ended with a Grand Finale on 31 May 2022. The children showcased the values they had imbibed through a skit and chanted the shlokas and bhajans that they had learned.
The volunteers were delighted by the all round positive feedback – from parents and children. It was especially heartening to learn that children are already looking forward to the winter camp. Au revoir, until we meet again for the winter session!
