“True friendship is the purest form of God's love, manifested through human hearts.”
— Sri Daya Mata
The annual Boys’ Summer Camp was held at YSS Noida Ashram from June 9 to June 14, 2024. Aimed at providing children training in the How-to-Live teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, this camp welcomed boys from the 7th and 8th grades. With a focus on holistic development, the camp provided a rich blend of spiritual, physical, and educational activities.
Arrival and Orientation
The camp participants, accompanied by their parents, arrived on the evening of June 8. 43 boys from multiple states across India had enlisted in the camp. The group leaders, affectionately known as “Sweet Mothers,” received the boys at the reception hall, leading them into four groups (Gyan, Sankhya, Vedanta, and Yog), and guiding them to their respective dormitories. Later, the groups convened at the Children Satsanga Hall for an introductory orientation session led by Swami Alokananda, and they received welcome kits.
Daily Schedule
The morning routine of the boys began with a wake-up call at a little after 5 a.m., followed by a schedule packed with diverse activities designed to nurture both body and mind. Yoga and meditation sessions helped set a peaceful and focused tone for the day.
Swami Swarupananda and Swami Alokananda led a range of skill-based workshops and spiritual activities that were integral in reinforcing the spiritual teachings of Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda alongside promoting confidence and personal growth for the boys.
The daily schedule included Guru Katha, project classes, and How-to-Live sessions, along with interactive sessions led by the monastics. These activities aimed to impart spiritual wisdom and practical life skills. The boys also engaged in work projects, Sunder Kand recitations, games, and evening meditation sessions. At the close of each day, children filled out introspection charts, prayed, and meditated together before bedtime.
Ending With a Day of Fun Activities and the Closing Programme
The last day of the camp, June 14, was marked as a “Fun Day.” It started with the morning Energization Exercises followed by meditation and breakfast. A group photo of the participants was taken with the monastics and volunteer team. The boys then participated in various fun activities, including skill events and a tug-of-war competition, which concluded with summer drinks as refreshments.
In the afternoon, the boys showcased their talents in a cultural performance. This event was an eye-opener for the parents, demonstrating what their children had learned and accomplished in the short period of just four days. The cultural programme, along with a slideshow of camp highlights, was much appreciated by all the attendees.
Departure
The camp concluded with a tea and snacks session. The young participants, filled with sweet memories of the camp and hearts brimming with Guruji's love and blessings, prepared to leave the Ashram. The children departed with their parents, carrying the lessons and experiences of the camp back to their daily lives.
The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback shared by both children and parents underscore the impact of this How-to-Live camp for the children, and its role in nurturing the next generation of devotees aspiring for a balanced life.
