“It isn't academic education alone that makes people happy. It is ‘how-to-live’ education — how to develop a harmonious, moral life, stronger will power, and spiritual understanding — that will bring happiness.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda
Every year, through its annual children’s camp, Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram — Dwarahat offers students of Yogoda Balkrishnalaya, an on-campus charitable primary school, an opportunity to experience a balanced life of meditation and right activity. The weeklong programme comprises of daily morning, afternoon, and evening group meditations, a range of activities to facilitate physical and mental growth, inspirational classes with YSS sannyasis, and sports.
The camp was conducted from March 15 to 22, 2024, and drew participation from 64 students. Upon their arrival at the ashram, they attended an orientation session and then received their kits which included T-shirts, track pants, a notebook, a pen, and a stationery pouch.
The vibrant group of children then embarked on their journey of learning and rejuvenation with classes on arts and crafts, rangoli, basket making, hygiene, table manners and food etiquette, basics of photography, and environment cleaning. Children were also taught the Energization Exercises. In the evening, children joined a range of sports activities for recreation. Children played kho kho, football, and cricket. They also participated in some fun races.
Children heard stories about the Gurus of YSS lineage during “Guru Kathamritam” by Swami Ameyananda, and inspirational anecdotes from the Ramayana during the “Sundar Kand” led by Swami Dhairyananda.
The camp also offered informative sessions on the themes of “the power of positive thinking,” “hygiene,” and “disaster management” conducted by volunteers. On one of the days, Swami Amarananda led children in the joy of devotional chanting.
Several YSS devotees travelled to Dwarahat ashram from across the country to offer their seva in supporting the children’s camp programme.
One day was reserved for a picnic near the Dwarahat ashram where the entire group of participants, teachers, and volunteers, led by YSS monastics, participated in a day of fun activities.
On the last day of the camp, children presented a delightful array of performances in a cultural programme for an audience comprising of the parents, devotees, and their school teachers.
