Recalling Mui Kwok Temple's Children's Summer Camp

—— Sowing the seeds of compassion and wisdom.

Late summer, early autumn. A gentle breeze blows, and before school started, the children attended the children's summer camp carefully prepared by Mui Kwok Temple. Here, they left behind their joyful laughter and wonderful memories, and quietly sowed the seeds of compassion and wisdom in their hearts. Let's look back on this journey filled with growth and harvest.

Campers Check-in: Starting the Journey, Forging Good Connections

Children arrived at the temple with bright smiles, picked up their name tags, and were divided into groups. They quickly bonded with their new friends, writing a prelude to this camp journey.

Mindful Cultivation: Finding Inner Peace

Under the guidance of their teachers, the children learned to join their palms in Buddhist salutation and chanted the Heart Sutra in unison. During a brief period of silent meditation, they learned to focus on each breath. The teachers taught them that when they feel tense or troubled in their daily lives, they can use silent meditation to find inner peace.

Sincere Offerings: Pure and Untainted, Nurturing the Mind

The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without contention.

The pure water before the Buddha reminds us to keep our minds clean and extinguish our troubles. During the offering session, the children learned how to make offerings of pure water, incense, and mind lamps with a sincere and respectful heart.

With the sound of Buddhist hymns, volunteer sister Luo Tianzi led everyone to hold hands and sing 'Wake Up,' a song full of Zen spirit. The heavenly singing filled the entire temple with peace and warmth.

Movie Time

Before the noon meal, the children sat down to watch the animated children's movie, "Legend of the Buddha." The film depicted the important events in the life of Prince Siddhartha, from his birth to his enlightenment. The children were influenced and inspired by the film, gaining an understanding of wisdom and compassion.

Cherishing Blessings and Giving Thanks: Beginning with a Meal

At lunchtime, everyone enjoyed a pure vegetarian meal together. "Every grain of rice and every spoonful of porridge comes from a difficult journey." Before the meal, the Venerable led everyone in joining their palms in gratitude for the support of the Triple Gem and the community. During the meal, they were reminded to "eat without speaking," focusing on savouring their food.

After the meal, the children actively cleaned up their bowls and chopsticks and tidied up the area. Through this meal, they not only nourished their bodies but also learned the precious lessons of gratitude and cherishing blessings.

Boundless Creativity: A Big World in Small Hands

During the craft session, student volunteers led the children in activities like folding origami lotus flowers and paper cranes, stringing beads, and drawing... The children's creativity blossomed. The tables were filled with the colourful works they had completed with their own hands, brimming with a sense of accomplishment.

Games and Talents: Uninterrupted Laughter and Joy

Under the organization of teacher Wang Wenzhen, the "telephone" game allowed the children to learn the wisdom of "do not speak lightly until you see the truth; do not spread [a message] lightly until you know the facts," all while laughing. Teacher Gu Jinping led everyone in a game of passing the flower with drumbeats, and the laughter was nonstop. The talent show was even more spectacular, with Wang Yihao's nimble diabolo performance, the children's powerful drumming, and Sissi and Wang Yihao's clear singing... every performance earned a round of applause from the audience.

On the day with good weather, everyone went to the park for outdoor activities and to get closer to nature. The teachers were considerate and meticulous in taking care of every child, ensuring their safety and playing and interacting directly with them.

A Fulfilling Harvest: Grateful for Everyone's Collective Support

The two-day summer camp was able to conclude successfully, thanks to the collective effort and selfless dedication of everyone involved.

Venerables: Planning ahead, providing guidance and support.

The volunteer teachers: Patiently planning and carefully guiding.

The Kitchen Crew Volunteers: Silently preparing delicious meals and a tidy environment.

The Student Volunteers: Full of bright energy and actively participating.

Every act of giving came together to form a warm and powerful force, allowing the children to grow in compassion and wisdom. May these positive connections continue, and may all supporters find peace in body and mind, with their blessings and wisdom increasing.

Warm Echoes: The Sown Seeds, Quietly Sprouting

Listen to the children's gains and feelings after these two days:

"I learned how to fold an origami lotus flower."

"I liked drawing with the big sister volunteer."

"If you don't hear something clearly, you shouldn't just spread it around randomly."

"Amitabha Buddha."

     

The brief two-day summer camp passed in the blink of an eye, and every experience was a precious nourishment for the children on their path to growth. May these positive connections be long-lasting, accompanying them toward a life full of light and hope!