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camps started with inauguration ceremonies attended and addressed by religious and political leaders including Acharya Sushil Kumarji, members of Parliament, civic leaders, academicians and the Consul-General of India, followed by a banquet and a cultural program.
Both the camps were subscribed to the capacity. In 1986 we had 90 full-time campers. Most campers were from Canada but a significant number came from all over the United States and in 1986 from England as well. In both years, over 500 people visited the camp. A typical day started at 7 a. m. with prayers with Archarya Sushil Kumarji followed by hour long classes in Arhum Yoga by Muni Amrendraji, Shanti Parekh and staff from Siddachalam, breakfast, Acharyaji's discourse at 10:30 a.m., indoor swimming and gym, and lunch. In the afternoons, the adults participated in lectures by Jain scholars and attended optional workshops on subjects such as reflexology, iridology, palmistry etc. The youth and children had an hour of mantra classes and indoor and outdoor activities. For instance, they played volleyball,soccer, Kabadi and learned Judo. All campers enjoyed the natural and beautiful surroundings of Niagara Falls, the Falls could be seen and heard from the Loretto Centre, the nature walks, and other attractions such as the Imax theatre, visit to the beach etc. The day ended with chanting and meditation with Acharyaji.
Both camps ended with a parents night on the last night of the camp. On both these nights, the campers demonstrated their mantra and yoga training and performed cultural skits and dances such as raas and dandia. Each youth camper was awarded a certificate by Acharyaji for his/her attendance at the camp.
IV
Promotion of Vegetarianism.
Free Vegetarian Lunch for Non-Jains, January 17, 1987, Toronto.
IMJMC organized a free vegetarian lunch for 200 non-jains in Toronto in co-operation with the Toronto Vegetarian Society. The aim of the lunch was to promote vegetarianism as a way of life, an easy way to good health and to stress that animals need not be killed to provide food. The meal prepared by IMJMC members consisted of green and fruit salads, pita bread, brown rice, mixed vegetables, curried potatoes and Mung Been Dahl.
Challenges and Priorities
Our challenges are to continue the past activities by maintaing continuing interest and momentum of our members, bring fresh blood in the form of youth and non-jains and to initiate new activities while maintaining the past ones.
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