Kids Spring Yoga Camp 2019
Yoga Bharati Spring Kids camp in San Jose, CA was a huge success again with the help of yoga teacher training students Sloka, Aditya, Ashwathy, and Suman, through their active involvement.
Even though we had a small camp, activities went smoothly, and the kids learned a lot and shared their learning experiences with us.
A Small report:
Our camp started every day at 9.30 am with 1.30 hours of yoga sessions that included:
Breath cleansing practices
Surya namaskars
Asanas
Deepa Relaxation
Pranayama
Om Meditation techniques
The next activity was Sloka chanting. We separated the groups based on their levels.
Our young chanters like Swayam, Amruta, and Eesha taught chanting on a 1-1 basis.
We shared the meaning of the mantras, their benefits, and how they are applicable. Chanting has wonderful health benefits, including focus, concentration, and improved memory.
Within minutes chanting brings about a meditative experience.
Mantras learned and chanted:
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu - the importance of a Guru, a spiritual teacher, and his/her significance in one’s life is given in this mantra
Starting Mantra - Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanau Bhnaktu - chant or vow between the teacher and student has been elaborated here.
Ending Mantra - Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha - a chant that focuses on the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the Universe.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - The Mantra restores health and happiness, brings calmness, and conquers fears of life. The resonance of the words in the mantra leads to inner peace.
Bhagawat Gita chantings - Some of our groups learned Chapter 15th from the Bhagawat Gita. Chapter 15th is about the Secret of one’s life success: One who knows the secret and understands life will attain eternal peace and happiness.
For kids more than the meaning, the chanting is important.
Kids made Shri Yantra in the camp
Our groups showcased their learning in front of the bigger group every day.
The next activity was the healthy organic snacks. Organic hummus, organic carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, oranges, apples, Pita chips, popcorn made of avocado oil, rice crackers, and veggie sticks were served.
Right after the snacks, we did our Yoga-based art project: Shri Yantra.
The Sri Yantra diagram consists of nine triangles that radiate from the central point (bindu). These nine triangles are of various sizes and intersect with one another. In the middle is the power point called the Bindu, This powerful symbol can help you solve all your problems and clear all negativity in your life. It’s a tool for meditation.
We completed the art on Friday, and the kids got to take it home.
Our last activity was Yogic games followed by circle meditation.
Yoga games focus on strategy, teamwork, and collective thinking.
We did circle meditation where the soft emotions through words such as kind, love, sharing, peace, chanting, etc.
Children thoroughly enjoyed and did not want to go home after the camp!
We hope the children come to the Summer Yoga camp and next semester kid’s classes at Yoga Bharati and continue their yogic journey!