Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2003 05 Expansion Charity Gala

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

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JCYC - continued from previous page
The Pathshala teachers are dedicated volunteers. They are devoted individuals determined to teach the Jain religion and heritage to the children. They dedicate many hours of hard work to prepare and research the curriculum. Most importantly, they provide a cordial and friendly atmosphere for children. The success of JCYC is the culmination of their heroic endeavors. The following testimonial from a parent sums up the sentiment of all the parents whose children come to the Jain Center: "We are very happy that our children have a place to learn about Jainism and Indian culture and where they can meet children with similar backgrounds and philosophy."
If we want our youth to succeed, pleasure should mingle with instruction. They should experience activities that are challenging, inspiring and fun. JCYC children have various activities during the year besides religious studies. An executive committee of children is selected to serve a one-year term. The committee has the responsibility of planning and conducting activities for the children throughout the year under the guidance of a coordinator.
JCYC activities during a typical year include a picnic in the park, an outing to the beach, roller-skating, ice-skating, and a trip to a local amusement park. Also, children prepare stage performances during two of our religious holidays, creating art projects, and participating in a "Fun and Games" day. Children volunteer to help out at various events at the Jain Center including a annual Medical Camp.
JCYC also organizes a annual four-day winter camp retreat to the mountains. This is a unique experience for many children, because some of them part with their parents the first time. In addition to learning religion, they learn to take care of themselves and help others. They make new friends while having fun with the old ones. At the 2002 JCYC Winter Camp, held in the San Bernardino Mountains, there were 130 children, 15 youth volunteers and 15 adult volunteers.
An annual forum is also held for the teenagers of JCYC. A panel of about ten young adults who grew up in America with Indian values and heritage discuss the trials and tribulations about growing up with two extremely different cultures. The panel provides valuable counseling to the children to deal with their parents as well as their American peers. The same panel also has a forum with the parents of teenage children as well. They provide them with insight on teenage behavior, and give them suggestions on how to deal with the concerns they may have raising their children in America.
JCYC has contributed magnificently to the success of our Jain Center. The children look forward to coming to the Jain Center and take a genuine interest participation in the activities of the center. They are encouraged to socially interact with their peers. As a result they have strong social bonds and they realize they are the beneficiaries of a rich and glorious culture. In JCYC we nurture our future because these children are the future of the community.