Second Day of the “Three Goods” Children’s Happy Camp
On 12th January Fo Guang Shan North Island held the second day of “Three Goods” Children’s happy camp.
55 children arrived at 9:30am and acting leader Andy led them straight into a game of steal the flag to start the day’s events. Then Uncle Bang taught the meaning of “Three goods and four giving” to the children though singing games, nursery rhymes, and tongue twisters. Before lunch, the children learn how to make DIY Pizza under the guidance of volunteer Amanda, thus learning the spirit of cherishment by getting involved hands on. Everyone couldn’t be happier after tasting their own hand made vegetarian pizzas. After lunch YAD leader of team 3 Sunjun led the group on a round of walking meditation. Following that were many interesting activities in the afternoon including lotus origami, colouring in, learning Maori songs, group games and decorating the Closing ceremony areas. Everyone present were full of joy and enthusiasm, thus getting ready to show off the spirit of “Children of 3 goods”.
At 3:00pm, the “Three Goods Children’s Happy Camp Closing Ceremony” commenced inside Guang Ming Hall. VIPs present included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juehao, Venerable Rulian, BLIA advisor Peter Yong, Principal Shye (Uncle Bang), central sub-chapter chairperson Peggy, board member Annie, committee member Angie, Ling Yan, parents and members of YAD, with a total of 130 people in participation. During the ceremony, the Abbess and Uncle Bang used quick fire quiz to test the children’s learning throughout, and rewarding right answers with gifts. All the children answered eagerly, showing this happy camp have given them joy, new friends, and a learning the meaning of “3 goods and 4 giving” through the abundant of activities through the event. After 2 days of competition, the final winner is team “Joyful”, with other teams awarded the “encouragement prize”. Team “Joyful” received their prizes on stage under a wave of joyful cheers and frolicking, and simultaneously clapped to thank all the caring and friendship received from YAD big brothers and sisters. After seeing the changes in their kids after these 2 days, all the parents are awed by Buddhism’s power to educate their kids with wisdom.
The Abbess praised the children’s diligent learning and team work, and YAD committee member’s thorough leadership. Thus encouraging the practice of “Three goods and four giving” during everyday life, and discovering hidden potentials from a multitude of activities.