The week of August 9, 2015 through August 15, 2015 brought the 37^th year of Vivekananda Family Camp to the beautiful foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in Tolland, Massachusetts.  Foregoing some the conveniences of modern life such as the internet, TV, and air conditioning, Hindu children and their families gathered for 7 days to learn about and live Sanatana Dharma.

The first Camp was organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad 37 years ago in Rhode Island.  Over the subsequent years, Camps have been organized all over the nation including New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington DC, and Indiana.  The Massachusetts Camp attracts attendees from all over the Northeast U.S. and beyond including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

Each year, there is a theme around which the education curriculum is organized.  Some of the past themes included Mahabharata, Ramayana, Hindu Festivals, Growing Up as Hindus in America, Swami Vivekananda, Panchatantra.  This year’s theme was “Protectors of our Dharma: Preserving our Heritage.”  The children learned about some of the key historical figures of India who were extremely instrumental in reviving and preserving our Hindu heritage, culture, and traditions during the numerous invasions and often brutal foreign domination of India.  Indeed, many laid down their lives in defense of our Hindu way of life.

Food and lodging was provided for the whole week.  Each meal of breakfast, lunch, and dinner was freshly prepared every day by the parent volunteers.  The entirely vegetarian cuisine and consisted of  traditional ndian dishes (such as sabzi, roti, rice, daal, idli, etc), and other favorites like Italian, Mexican, and sub sandwiches.

Camp was awakened at 6:30 am every morning, to the lilting sounds of Bhajans. The day began with yoga asanas and meditation, so that the mind and body was receptive to the rest of the day’s program.  This was followed by a hearty breakfast, after which the morning was filled with education classes, discussion periods, and project time, during which one was able to develop one’s artistic and craftsman skills.  By this time, all were ready to devour lunch so that all can rush afterwards to the waterfront to splish-splash and try a hand at kayaking and canoeing in the tranquil lake.  As if waterfront wasn’t exciting enough, the huge playfield was the venue for outdoor Hindustani games like kabbadi, agni-kund, sher-bakri, kho, and much more.  After a quick shower for everyone, aarti filled the Camp air with prayers.  Dinner was followed by a showcase of talent where everyone could dance, sing, play instruments, or perform a short play in the cultural program.  After a jam-packed and active day, everyone was ready for their beds in the cabins.

The children range from kindergarten (or younger) all the way to 12^th grade.  They are grouped according to grade so that they can participate in appropriate level of education classes and physical activities.  Some of the 11^th and 12^th grade children apply for a special Leadership Training Program in which they learn specific skills such as public speaking, debate, and discussion of current events that can be applied in the real world of school or job.  The Junior Volunteer Program is comprised of college students (most of whom are former Camp attendees).  Junior volunteers help run Camp by assisting in leading discussions, teaching in education classes, helping with arts and crafts, liaising with the children, and doing the background but essential duties of washing dishes, kitchen work, and cleanup.  Through their hard work, proactive actions and learning of Sanatana Dharma, junior volunteers learn responsibility and prepare to become future ambassadors of Hindu Dharma to Hindus and non-Hindus alike.

Vivekananda Family Camp is the culmination of the effort by a dedicated group of volunteers who plan year round for Camp.  During the week of Camp, volunteers prepare the meals, teach in the education classes, instruct in the arts and crafts periods, lead the discussions, and perform the various cleaning and setup duties.  The tremendous work of the volunteers helps keep Camp running smoothly for the whole week.

By the end of the week, long lasting bonds form between the children.  Friendships that carry on long after camp is over are established. The knowledge and skills children acquire help them in building their character and establish their identity as Hindu Americans. As Swami Vivekananda said, “All power is within you.  You can do anything and everything.  Believe in that.  Do not believe that you are weak….  Stand up and express the divinity within you.”  This is what the children learned:  about pride in our Hindu traditions and that only they can help ensure that the traditions are practiced, preserved, and have a place in our lives.

Vivekananda Family Camp is held every year during second week of August in Tolland, MA.  Information and registration is available in March/April.  For more information please visit the Camp website at http://vhpafamilycamp.com/.  You may also send email to vph.family.camp.ma@gmail.com.

|