Jain Center Los Angeles CA 1998 07 10th Anniversary of Jain Bhavan

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 77

JCYC Camp Report
by Bansari Shah
Almost every year there is a JCYC camp. 1995 camp was a great way to end the year. There were classes, talent shows, snowball fights, and much more during the four-day camp to keep the children busy. Adults from Jain Center volunteered to teach the classes and chaperon the children.
There were eight sessions of religious classes during the first three days. The Pathshala classes from Jain Center were divided into two groups. Group I was made of Pathshala I and II. Group Il included Pathshala Ill and some students from Pathshala II. Group I studied about samayika, equanimity, pratikraman, destiny, 24 Tirthankaras, Navkar Mantra, Paryushana, knowledge and conduct. Group II studied about destiny, samayika, discernment, equanimity, theory of karma, rational perception, pratikramana, knowledge and conduct. A lot of hard work and dedication was put into these subjects by both students and teachers.
pratikramayika, disceshana, ki
Every night the participants entertained others by performing skits, plays, dances, games, etc. Each individual was able to keep busy. Despite the number of activities, the snowball fights were the most popular at the camp.
On the third day, all participated in a three hour hike. This was a simultaneous activity with visitors day, where parents could come and see how their child is doing. Many of the parents participated in the hike. The hike seemed to help the bond between adults and children. With plenty of snow around, the hikes turned into snow ball fights. Even the adults got into the snow fights. It was one of the most exciting, yet relaxing events held at camp.
Everyone received three meals a day. The kids were happy since it was all nonIndian food, from pizza, spaghetti and lasagna to tostadas and burritos. Snacks were provided when one was hungry during a break. Sounds delicious, eh?
There was a test on the last day of camp. Most found the test not too hard, yet not too easy. A ceremony was held to honor those who did well on the test, and did some good deeds during the camp. Overall, the camp participants did a great job. The adults provided all kinds of help with lots of love and concern. Everyone had fun, learned quite a bit of religion and participated in other activities held by the volunteers. What a great way to end 1995 and a fantastic way to begin 1996.
We Jains are self reliant. We have vows rather than commandments. Nobody forces us to
follow the spiritual path. - Anjuman Shah (8)
Jain Education Intemational