Report by Chan Yu.

Teenage participants at the camp enjoying the meal they cooked together.

The joy of camaraderie lingered in the hearts of 80 young participants after the 3-day Nalanda learning camp held from 2 to 4 December at Pure Karma Buddhist Centre, Johor.  Participating in the ‘friendship’-themed camp allowed the teenagers aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to learn and practise Dhamma joyfully alongside their kalyāna-mitta.

Walking meditation in the morning to train mindful attention.

Making offerings of light and water to the Three Jewels.

The youths participate in chanting twice daily – mornings and evenings.

Throughout the camp, participants discovered the meaning of true friendship.  From learning about the qualities of good and bad friends, the teens had a clearer understanding about the importance of associating with the right people.  Camp-master Sis. Ann Yap kept emphasizing that wise friendship is essential for spiritual progress.

Director of Nalanda Dhamma School Sis. Sunanda giving a talk on good friendship.

Dhamma School facilitator Sis. Sukhini talking about respect for parents, teachers and elders.

Besides Dhamma talks, meditation and station games, one memorable highlight of the camp was the cooking competition, where participants had the chance to experience cooking with charcoal – no mean feat for today’s teens!

Starting a fire with charcoal to cook their dinner!

Smiles coloured the faces of happy participants throughout the wonderful three days, which passed too quickly.  The camp concluded joyfully with participants paying respect to their parents with hearts full of reverence and gratitude.  It was truly a remarkable start to their school holidays.  Many thanks to the organizing committee for such a fruitful camp!  Sadhu anumodana.

With hearts full of gratitude and love, participants concluded the camp by paying respect to their parents.

Photograph of organisers, volunteers, and participants of the wonderful teenagers’ learning camp.

Nalanda Dhamma School is organising two more learning camps in Sri Serdang this December holiday.  The teenagers’ camp with 70 participants begins on 16 December, and the children’s camp with 80 participants begins 19 December.