Chinmaya Mission LA Weekend Camp

Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles Moorpark and Northridge centers held their first Weekend
Camp for children on February12-13, 2011. Over 50 children ages 4-18 participated in fun filled
learning activities, nurtured their spirit, while bonding with friends and learned values from the
Hindu scriptures. The theme of the camp was the Glory of Lord Shiva. The camp was conducted
by Smt. Sudha Bhatt of CM Bakersfield and Madhu Sharma from CMLA, other trained sevikas
of CMLA (Northridge + Moorpark Centers). The camp was held at the Valley Hindu Temple in
Northridge.

Topics covered during the camp were the symbolism of Shivalinga as well as of Lord Shiva in
Meditation, stories of Bhasmasura, Ganga’s Descent, Kubera’s Feast, Churning of the Ocean and
Markandeya. Significance of Shivaratri was also explained.

On Saturday, the day began at 8:30 a.m. with opening prayers followed by two classroom
sessions, with a juice break in between. After an appealing lunch of subway sandwiches, cookies
and fruits, children gathered in the Shrine to learn bhajans and chanting of the Shiva
Panchakshara Stotram. In the afternoon children made their own shivalingas from clay and
painted them. Children also enjoyed the hopping game during sports time. On Saturday, the day
ended at 4:30 p.m. with concluding prayers and aarati.

On Sunday, camp started at 8:30 am. Children attended sessions I, juice break and part of session
II. At 11:00 am all children gathered in the assembly hall. Pooja was performed by the senior
students on all the Shivalingas that children had made the previous day. The significance of the
pooja was explained, and how to perform the 16 step pooja for Lord Shiva was taught. The camp
activities culminated with a cultural show and graduation ceremony. Children bedazzled their
parents with their understanding and presentation of the material learned over the two days of the
camp. Skits and plays were presented by children in witty ways. Even the PreK-KG children
presented and item titled “Kubera’s Feast”. Dr. Pillai, the President of CMLA, graced the
function as the Chief Guest and spoke on Chinmaya Mission. MR;. Sharad from the Valley
Hindu Temple Board also spoke and expressed his sincere thanks to Chinmaya Mission for
hosting such a wonderful event for children at the temple.

The weekend camp’s activities were facilitated by many dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers
who coordinated the registrations, food, snacks, supervision, cleaning etc. They did a wonderful
job to keep things running smoothly. Thewhole camp was guided supervise & blessed by Swami
Ishwarananadaji Achraya CMLA,Our heartly thanks to him for his encouragements & support.

For more information about Chinmaya Mission LA Moorpark and Northridge centers’ regular
activities, call Madhu Sharma 805-553-1936 or visit their website:
www.chinmayabalvihar.weebly.com