3G4G Children’s Happy Camp Held at the Temple

The “2017 3G4G Children’s Happy Camp” was held at the temple from 6th - 7th January. On 6th January close to one hundred children from many different nationalities including India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and New Zealand arrived at the temple. They were aged between 4-10 years old. 25 members from YAD led the kids to play ice breaking games in the Courtyard to start the day.

Then the YAD caregivers led the children into the Main Shrine to receive teachings from Venerable Rulian on Buddhist etiquettes, including: Joining palms, half bow, paying homage to the Buddha, walking, standing, sitting, lying and having formal meal. Then through quizzes, the Venerable taught the kids how to behave in Shrines, such as not talking loudly, not eating, not running around and dressing neatly. She also explained the meal time 5 contemplation through the feelings of humility, gratitude and great vowing aspirations, therefore allowing them to have deeper understanding toward these Buddhist ways.

This was followed by instructions from BLIA North Island Vice-president Linda Daniell on the subject of “3G4G Q&A – interactive learning and applications to life” Then a temple tour was given by Sub-chapter volunteer Bruce and Former YAD Chairperson Nick. This tour allowed the kids to familiarise themselves with the Ch’an Garden, Pagoda and Shrines. Then the YAD guides organised various games for the kids to encourage team work work. This brought about much happy laughter.

Young Simon and Naa-un Kim (who is Korean) are first time Happy Camp Caregivers, they expressed that while they have already joined YAD for 3 years, and this is the first time they held the role of caregivers. They are appreciative toward the temple for giving them this responsibility filled role, for not only will it give them challenging experiences to multiple tasks, it also will remind everyone the importance of team work.