Families connect with the Dhamma at Family Camp in Johor

Families connect with the Dhamma at Family Camp in Johor

Participants and volunteers in deep gratitude to Ven. Jutipañño for giving us Dhamma teachings and the opportunity to learn and practice at Dhamma Light Meditation Centre.

Over the weekend from 21 to 23 December, over 50 participants and volunteers came together at Dhamma Light Meditation Center in Pontian, Johor for the ‘Dhamma-Living Camp for Families’. Themed “感恩随我行 Gratitude is My Attitude”, the camp provided parents and children with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their family bonds while deepening their understanding of the Dhamma.

Throughout the three-day camp, participants engaged in Dhamma learning sessions and activities thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both parents and children. The learning experiences fostered a deeper understanding of each family member’s role, cultivating a greater sense of appreciation for one another. The heartfelt “Gratitude Night” brought tears of joy when parents and children opened their hearts to express their thanks and love for one another.

Sis. Lisa Yap, the Camp Master, welcoming participants and volunteers to three days of Dhamma Living together.

Teenagers from Serdang Dhamma School also took part in the camp and offered their support to the organisers.

Participants forming ‘Happy Families’ with their new friends.

We convey our deepest appreciation to Venerable Jutipañño for his compassionate teaching in the camp, as well as for his generous support in providing a conducive learning venue. Our gratitude also extends to the organising committee, facilitators, volunteers, donors, and all participants for making this camp a meaningful and fruitful one. May this enriching experience inspire families to continue to grow with the Dhamma, nurturing harmony and well-being within their homes and the wider community. Sadhu!

An ice-breaking activity to bring families and friends closer, while experiencing the weight our parents carry in supporting the children as they grow up.

Sis. See Hui Shien, the Director of Nalanda Dhamma School, explaining about Dhamma Living as families and as a big community.

Ven. Jutipañño taught that to progress in the path of Dhamma learning and practice, one must develop these three qualities – humility & respect, bearing gratitude, and selfless giving.

Sis. Lau Wei Nee guiding the children in their learning with peers.

Younger students had the opportunity to learn from the teenagers on how they can face their daily problems with the Dhamma.

Camp participants collecting the ‘stars of gratitude’ in which they write down things or people they are grateful for and keep them in the Gratitude jar.

Participants drew and shared their fondest memories with their families.

Happy faces after a group activity.

Besides learning activities, participants also offered service to clean and maintain the monastery.

We thank the kitchen volunteer team for their hard work in preparing nutritious food for the campers throughout the camp.

Staying in the monastery also gave us the precious opportunities to support the Sangha members.

Venerables were joyful to see students started to learn the Dhamma at young age.

The daily programme was anchored in the devotional practice of chanting and meditation.

The children also experienced mindful walking to develop their awareness and mindfulness.

Children unleashing their creativity in preparing gifts for their parents and volunteers. Though it seemed difficult at first, the children embraced the challenge and arranged the flowers beautifully.

Children expressing their respect and gratitude for their parents during the Gratitude Night.

Parents and children enjoying the Dhamma through Drama session, while presenting the message of the Dhamma to the audience.

May we continue to walk the Dhamma path together as kalyana mitta!

Acknowledgement of great qualities and improvement with the award of prizes.

The organising team and volunteers had frequent update to ensure smooth flow of the learning programmes.

We thank the team of volunteers for their dedication and heartwork in making the camp a meaningful and fruitful experience for all.

We thank the young volunteers too in providing their kind services to this family camp.

A big group photo of camp organising team, volunteers and participants.