By the grace of Acharya, JET Chennai conducted its 2nd annual Prajna Summer Camp from May 12-16 2014. The theme of the camp, as ordained by HH Sri Swamiji, was ‘The Grace of Gurus’. About 40 children between ages 5-12 participated in this spiritually enriching experience, guided by volunteers from JET Chennai and the greater community of Chennai. Particularly impressive was the participation from youth volunteers (ages 16-21) who helped with material preparation prior to the camp and also supported the teachers during the camp.

The camp was structured so that the children could learn in depth about one Acharya every day, starting from Namma:zhwa:r, A:nda:l, Emberuma:na:r and Swa:mi Manava:la Ma:munigal. The learning was in the form of storytelling, interesting and engaging activity sheets, projects, pa:surams and slokas, music, dance and drama. A typical day started with yoga, continued with the activities above, and ended in euphoria with spiritual board games and card games. Children were grouped according to age in 6 groups- named Bhakti, Jna:nam, Anushta:nam, Va:thsalyam, Ka:runyam and Soulabhyam. These are only 6 of the innumerable kalya:na gunas of an a:cha:rya especially our beloved Sri Swamiji.

The camp was held at Balananda Vidyalaya, T. Nagar, Chennai.  The school authorities kindly consented for JET Chennai to avail their premises for free. As such PRAJNA is being conducted in this school for the past 2 years as their moral science curriculum. The camp was held for a nominal fee of Rs. 500 per child. Near half the children were from economically backward sections of the society and many were sponsored by benevolent donors. In addition to camp material, JET Chennai also provided lunch and snacks (mid-morning fruits and mid-afternoon milk/biscuits) to the children.

By the mangala:sasanams of HH Sri Swamiji, the camp was an overwhelming success with the children, teachers and volunteers left wanting for more. The children enjoyed learning about the great Acharyas and especially loved the fun way in which the contents were presented. This was a nice change from the routine mundane camps that are all prevalent in Chennai these days.

The Valedictory function was held on the last day and every single child from the camp performed on stage, entertaining the parents with a medley of performances.

v  Melodious Andal’s Thiruppavai pa:suram “Ungal Puzhaikkadai” set to a:nanda bhairavi ra:gam

v  Stellar performance of “Vanga Kadal” in kalakshetra style Bharatanatyam by the wee ones (hard to believe it was a first for all of them!)

v  Action song on surrendering to Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya- Moukthikani

v  Interesting drama by a group of boys enacting an incident from the life history of Bhagavad Ra:ma:nuja:cha:rya exposing His Sousi:lyam (in Tamil Ni:rmai).

v  Emulating the great a:cha:rya Swa:mi Emba:r, boys from the camp chanted “Illai Enakkedhir” pa:suram with pride.

v  Grand finale by a chorus by all children and mentors together.

Interesting notes:

1. Day 1: Children who knew the Guru Parampara = 4

Day 3: Children who knew the Guru Parampara, thirunakshatrams and avatara sthalams = Almost all

Day 4: Children who knew the Guru Parampara, thirunakshatrams and avatara sthalams = All

2. Thematic glass paintings and pot paintings were a super hit among the kids.

3. Kids wanted to stay longer in the camp despite parents waiting to pick them up, so they can continue to play the spiritual games.

4. Children asked for more camps throughout the year, one for each holiday.

5. The feedback from the parents has been overwhelmingly and uniformly positive. Many have asked for longer duration of the camp, in the future.

6. Many younger siblings of the campers were introduced as future campers while the current campers promised to be back year after year.

Photos are here –
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