From January 6th to 10th, the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust in Auckland hosted its 22nd Annual Summer Camp, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for 102 children aged 6 to 15. Running daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, the camp brought together 20 dedicated volunteers and teachers who crafted a week of learning, creativity, and fun.
Each day began with a reflective prayer led by Trust Chairperson Jeet Suchdev, setting a calm and positive tone. This was followed by an energetic exercise session led by Ella Kumar, Chair of the Auckland Council Puketāpapa Local Board. Once energised, the children enjoyed a nutritious breakfast, ready to dive into a range of engaging activities.
The mornings were filled with workshops designed to inspire and educate. Personal development sessions, led by Mr. Godrej Engineer, offered valuable life skills, while art and craft activities conducted by Kulwant and her team sparked creativity. Dance lessons with Simran Chadha added energy and rhythm, while specialist workshops by the NZ Police and Waste Management focused on safety and sustainability.
Photo: Supplied
A midweek picnic to Howick Historical Village stood out as a highlight. Children explored history through hands-on activities, making the past come alive. The picnic was further brightened by a delicious lunch featuring pizzas, samosas, dhokla, and barfi, generously provided by Shivani Indian Restaurant.
Afternoons were dedicated to sports and recreation. Led by Kelly Sports, these sessions encouraged teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. As the day wound down, children enjoyed light-hearted quizzes and riddles, ending with laughter and smiles.
The camp concluded with a special closing ceremony on Friday. Certificates of participation were awarded to all children, celebrating their engagement and achievements during the week.
The success of the 22nd Annual Summer Camp reflected the combined efforts of its organisers, facilitators, and sponsors. Education Chairperson Roopa Suchdev, alongside the organising team led by Roshni Chadha with support from Simran and Ansh, played a pivotal role in ensuring every detail was flawlessly executed.
Generous contributions from Pak n Save Ormiston, Gurmukh Singh (City Produce Ltd.), Balbir Pabla, Shivani (Shivani Indian Restaurant), Anurag Gupta (Khana Indian Restaurant), and BAPS Charities, Avondale, made the event even more special. The Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust’s unwavering commitment to fostering education, creativity, and community spirit continues to leave a lasting impact on young minds, turning each summer camp into a treasured memory.