Author: Puja Chugh
Publication: Indo American News
Date: August 23, 2012
URL: http://www.indoamerican-news.com/?p=8552

I slowly removed my sandals and gazed at the white tables smothered in what looked like hundreds of shoes. As I approached the “sign in” table, I managed to put on an uneasy smile as I anxiously looked around for my friends. It was my first year at Hindu Camp and I had no idea what to expect.

I was worried about not knowing enough about Hinduism to be included in discussions, or worse, what if everyone made fun of me? “What if I was supposed to know everything about the Ramayan and Bhajans and Aarti? And educations? What are those? Does that mean people can call on me for answers? I can’t have that. I cannot believe I just strolled into a Hindu camp knowing just what I was taught in grade school; some of these kids have been coming since 2nd grade!” These thoughts swarmed around in my head as I sought out a familiar face for comfort.

Luckily, I found that comfort sooner than I thought. As I approached the crowd of high school campers, little did I know that in this group I would find brothers, sisters, and life-long friends. Not only had camp rewarded me with new friends and memories, but it also revived my eagerness to learn more about my religion and customs. I had been given the opportunity to ask questions, seek meaning, and develop an understanding through deep conversations.

Camp impacted me personally because it had offered me the ingredients to learn more than I could elsewhere. Whether I sought a mentor, a peer, or a Guru, I had everyone and every opportunity to delve into the Indian culture and understand my religion. This was an opportunity that I was, and still am, so grateful for. That one-week of camp had exceeded all my expectations and left me excited for years to come.

I attended camp for two years as a camper, and this year I concluded my third year as a counselor. I have made a point to stay involved with this camp because I appreciate the impact it has on my life every year, and I strive to provide the same opportunity for campers each year.

Somewhere in between the late night dodge ball tournament and camp’s famous pau bhaji rests the heart and soul of Hindu Heritage Camp. After 28 years, the camp continues to nurture and stimulate the minds of young Hindus nationally. As a returning counselor and alumni camper, I can honestly say that this camp is the highlight of my every summer. Knowledge, compassion, and friendship compose the foundations of this camp and are weaved into every moment of this 5-day adventure.

This year, the adventure began on July 24 as excited campers and counselors rallied into the main hall to participate in “ice breakers”. During this time, campers immersed themselves into their new camp family for the week and participated in various games that made them learn about everyone. After 160 campers had checked in, camp’s schedule kicked into gear and campers engaged in early morning Shakha, in-depth educations on Hindu topics, recreation, Bhajans, Aarti, Garba, Holi and late night activities for the rest of the week. This year, special guest Jefferey Armstrong from Vancouver, Canada spent three days at camp to educate campers on Hindu values and how to answer questions associated with Hinduism. Campers and volunteers appreciated his involvement in camp for the 3 days, especially when he danced at Garba! His presence at camp was truly rewarding.

This Hindu camp serves well to address different aspects of Hinduism. Through recreation and yoga, campers are encouraged to care for their body and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  In order to stimulate the campers’ minds, each counselor prepares and perfects their educations to present to campers each day. Educations are important to campers and counselors alike. During education time, the counselors present a topic of interest in Hinduism and campers are given the opportunity to share their knowledge, ask questions, and feed into deep discussions.

Personally, I feel that as both a camper and counselor, educations are significantly rewarding.  Whether I am teaching the lesson or expected to learn, there is always a flow of information that allows me to understand Hinduism in a clearer way.  Spirituality is embraced throughout camp in the form of Bhajans and Aarti. From years of being a counselor it is true that every activity, education, and experience is carefully planned so campers can benefit from everything camp has to offer.

The impact of camp not only affects campers for days, weeks, and months to come, but like me, this camp has left a lifelong impression on many who take on this week of adventure. As another successful year of camp has passed, I am thankful for being able to help create this wonderful adventure.  This year’s success must be accredited to the counselors, parents, and volunteers that worked at camp. A big and special thank you to Hindu Heritage Youth Camp Director Kavita Pallod. She did an outstanding job coordinating everything and pulling off yet another successful year at camp. Kavita and thirty counselors put in a lot of effort for camp to run smoothly every year. For many people who have attended camp, it has been so worthwhile that they have made the transition from camper to counselor to camp director and even camp doctor. It is safe to say that this year, three generations of campers filled the main hall. It is truly a rewarding and team building experience to be involved in camp, and I would encourage many people to partake in being a volunteer counselor every summer.

Cheers to another successful year at Vishwa Hindu Parishad  of America Hindu Heritage Youth Camp.

- For more More information about the 28th Annual Hindu Heritage Camp, visit www.hinducamp.com