Following its tradition, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust commenced the new year with a much-needed break for the children by hosting a five-day Kids and Youth summer camp (from January 9 to January 13) in Auckland.
The camp has been taking place for around two decades and has undoubtedly gained immense popularity among the Indian community. After two lean years primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the camp was back in swing with more than 80 participants (aged between 7 to 14 years) enjoying several indoor and outdoor activities, including dance, music, art, and sports.
The camp allowed the participants to immerse themselves in activities and workshops that took them one step closer to their Indian culture and heritage. The children also learned various life and soft skills from professionals and volunteers at the camp.
Each day of the camp started with a round of fitness sessions by Ella Kumar, followed by prayers and a delicious breakfast. These workouts helped participants learn techniques and breathing exercises to keep themselves physically and mentally fit.
Said Ella, “Enjoyed delivering fitness for the Bharatiya Samaj holiday camp. Well done to Jeet Suchdev, Roopa Suchdev and the team for delivering a local school holiday camp.”
A visit to the Auckland Museum, along with workshops by New Zealand Police and Art of Living, were some of the key highlights of the camp. While the NZ Police representatives, including Sergeant Raj Cotter, made the participants aware of their safety, the Art of Living workshop focussed on supporting the well-being of young people.
The participants also got a better understanding of waste management through a workshop carried out by Shalini of Aotearoa Sustainability Group.
Among other activities, children enjoyed music workshops by Vidya Teke and Hindi literature classes by Dr Sunita Sharma and Rohit Kumar 'Happy'.
Bhartiya Samaj's Summer Camp Coordinator Simran Chadha, who holds the dance workshops, said, “As a child, Bhartiya Samaj's summer camp was something I have looked forward to. Born and bred in New Zealand, my parents were always looking for avenues where I could learn Indian culture, art and languages. My participation in several summer camps by Bhartiya Samaj helped me build an interest in Indian classical dance. I am proud to now impart the great art form and knowledge to the younger generation."
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust's co-founder Roopa Suchdev said the objective of starting the summer camp was to help children build their interests in Indian culture, dance, music and art and learn about their identity. "Over two decades, the summer camps have become an outlet to learn various activities and find value, integrity, and community. These five days always prove to be a chance to build respect, trust, and a deeply rooted connection with Indian culture, art and language. Packed with music, art, and sports workshops, the Summer Camp allowed children and young people to pursue their interests and improve their knowledge. Thank you, all the volunteers, participants and their parents, for making the most out of it." says Suchdev.
Camp mentor Godrej Engineer said the summer camp was an excellent service to the community.
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