A three-day children’s camp themed “Cultivating Bhakti through Puranic Stories” was recently concluded. The camp followed a structured curriculum designed to plant the seeds of Bhakti (Devotion), Sanskriti (Culture), and Vidya (Knowledge) in its young learners, blending spiritual teaching with creative and playful activities.
Each day opened with prayer, beginning with the Shri Sankata Nashana Ganapati Stotram and the Krishnashtakam. Through interactive storytelling and character studies, the children explored the leadership of Lord Rama and the divine play of Lord Krishna. The concept of Navavidha Bhakti was brought to life through the inspiring stories of Hanuman, Sudama, and the Alwar and Nayanar saints, transforming abstract ideas into relatable life lessons.
A highlight of the camp was the Sanskrit module (Shibiram), which introduced the children to Deva Bhasha through activity-based learning rather than rote memorization. The children especially delighted in a Sanskrit adaptation of “Johny Johny Yes Papa” (Mruttika Bhuktha…?) and learned the soulful Sanskrit Birthday Song composed by Swami Tejomayananda ji.
Physical and creative expression formed an important part of the experience. In yoga sessions, children connected with nature through “Animal Pose” practice—mimicking the strength of the elephant and the agility of the frog, kangaroo, and crab. The arts were celebrated through Ganesha clay modeling, bead-knotting, and paper cone-flower making, while music and movement came alive through the Saptaswara song and a Pancha Bhoota presentation that highlighted the rhythmic connection between music and the five elements.
The camp also wove in life skills and sustainability. In Fireless Cooking sessions, the children became “Little Chefs,” preparing nutritious treats such as Poha, Amrit Payasam, organic lentil Energy Bomb Ladoos, and a tricolour salad. Earth Day modules introduced the idea of “Dharmic Environmentalism,” teaching the children to recognize the sanctity of nature and the importance of self-reliance and reducing food wastage.
A brief introduction to Nakshatra Vidya connected the children to early Bharatiya Vigyanam, covering the navagrahas and the relationship between astronomy (Bhu-gola Shastram) and the wisdom guided by the Rishis. The story of Samudra Mathanam—and the origin of the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu when Vishnu took the Mohini avatar—was highlighted, along with a brief mention of the Panchangam as a traditional way of recording important milestones used in religious rituals.
The camp culminated in a spectacular skit and presentation, where the children showcased their mastery of Sanskrit action words, rhymes, and greetings, along with all they had learned over the three days. Certificates were distributed to the children, and Pujya Swamiji’s books were presented to the dedicated volunteers with the blessings of Jayakumar Guruji.
Throughout the planning and execution, the team was ably guided by Guruji and the experienced volunteers of Arsha Seva Kendram, making the entire experience deeply enriching and gratifying. It was heartening to see that the children left not merely with crafts, but with a deeper sense of identity and a community of friends—a reflection of the idea that Abhyasa (Practice) and Bhakti (Devotion) are the two wings with which a child soars toward a noble character.
Deepest gratitude is extended to the parents for their participation, to the volunteers for their selfless seva, and above all to the children, whose energy and curiosity made Summer Camp 2026 a truly divine experience.
