— Mui Kwok Buddhist Temple Summer Camp W ith the morning sun shining brightly, Mui Kwok Temple welcomed a group of curious and energetic little ones. The one-day Buddhist summer camp began amid the children's laughter and anticipation, guiding them into a world of wisdom and inner peace. First Encounters: Colors Ignite a Sense of Belonging I n front of the registration table, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. Like joyful little birds, the children received their own "Color Codes"—name tags of different colors for group assignments. Under the guidance of teachers, the little designers enthusiastically decorated their name tags with colored pens and favorite stickers. As each unique and personalized name tag took shape, a sense of belonging blossomed, quietly planting the seeds of friendship. Drawing name cards together Enlightenment in the Hall: Wisdom Nourishes the Heart T he event began with Camp Coordinator Newson guiding the children into the Dharma hall, where he introduced the meaning of paying homage to the “Three Jewels” — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. H e then led the children in reading the  Heart Sutra . Their tender voices formed a gentle stream, as the ancient wisdom quietly nourished their young hearts. During the breathing exercise, under Newson’s guidance, the children learned to focus their attention on each breath, experiencing a sense of calm and inner peace. He then shared the life story of the Buddha, accompanied by the video The Life of Shakyamuni , which vividly portrayed the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha’s journey. Through these stories, the children were deeply touched by the light and teachings of the Enlightened One. Telling the Story of Buddha Q&A Q&A Q&A Movie Time Tasting Gratitude: Manners Cultivate Inner Character K itchen Coordinator Quoc Ly and a team of volunteers prepared healthy and nourishing vegetarian lunch for the campers. Lunchtime became another moment of learning. The children were introduced to the formal “Meal Offering Ritual”. With palms joined and hearts full of gratitude, even a simple meal was imbued with sacred meaning. The children ate quietly and mindfully, weaving thankfulness and appreciation into daily life. Volunteers Preparing Lunch for the Camp Enjoying Lunch Quietly Putting chairs back to place Volunteers Paying Attention Exploring Mui Kwok: Experiencing Faith in Action I n the afternoon, the temple tour began. Camp Counsellor Eric led the children through the halls and gardens, sharing the stories behind each brick, tile, and tree.  Temple Tour Temple Tour N ext, Camp Counsellor Zhengmei then demonstrated the incense offering ritual, from holding the incense to placing it with reverence. During the hands-on practice, the children deeply reflected on the meaning of each gesture, conveying sincerity and respect through every motion. Incense Offering Incense Offering Later, Camp Counsellor Gu Jinping explained the temple's Buddha statues, helping the children understand their symbolic meanings and experience the radiance of compassion and wisdom conveyed by the Dharma. Introduction of buddha Statues Handcrafted Lotus Lanterns: Bodhi Hearts Bloom at Fingertips A t last, the much-anticipated crafts session began. Under the guidance of Camp Counsellor Lin Lizhu, plain sheets of paper were transformed by the children’s nimble hands into blooming lotus flowers, vibrant with color and creativity. As each candle was gently lit, these heartfelt lotus lanterns were reverently offered before the Buddha. The soft light reflected the purity of the children's hearts, like quiet sparks of kindness and wisdom beginning to awaken from within. Gratitude and Support: Building a Circle of Goodwill T hroughout the event, our cameras captured countless radiant smiles, moments filled with meaning, now preserved as lasting memories.  Thoughtfully prepared sweet treats from Camp Counsellor David Wong brought the children unexpected joy, filling the air with laughter, contentment, and gratitude. The success of this summer camp was made possible by the generous support of kind-hearted contributors. We extend our sincere thanks to the monastics at Mui Kwok Temple for offering a pure and dignified space, along with their invaluable guidance and resources. Our deepest gratitude goes to all the camp staff and volunteers for their dedication throughout the day. A special thank you also to the generous parents, your donations of sunscreen offered the children protection under the sun, and your thoughtful snacks nourished both body and spirit. It was this collective goodwill and shared commitment that brought to life this journey of “Fostering a Field of Blessings”, planting the seeds of the Bodhi path in every young heart. Closing A s the golden sunset bathed Mui Kwok Temple in its warm glow, the children bid farewell — hearts full of joy, minds enriched. What they carried home was a first encounter with the Three Jewels, the stillness found in silent meditation, the inspiration from the Buddha’s life story, the gratitude experienced through offering and incense rituals, and the warmth of connection felt within a compassionate community. The wisdom they received at Mui Kwok Temple is like Bodhi seeds gently planted in the fertile soil of their young hearts. With hope and blessings, we look forward to the day when these seeds sprout and thrive, blossoming into lotuses of wisdom and compassion, lighting the path of their beautiful life journeys.