Kids Camp sharing by Emily

I knew that my first time helping at kids camp would be a really fun experience, but I had no idea I would learn so much. It was really fun being able working with so many people as a team. My most memorable moment in kids camp was when the first kids began to show up. Because some kids were early, we began to place "duck-duck-goose" and as more kids arrived the circle got bigger and bigger. I enjoyed this moment because I saw
how much fun these kids were having with such a simple game. Kids camp gave me the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and at the same time, be able to provide these kids with an experience that they will never forget. GO MaNNY!!! wOot!

-emily

Summary of Summer Time

Kids Camp 2006

The theme for this year's Buddha's Light Children's Summer Camp is -- ICE AGE!!!

Picture
Top left:This years Kids Camp Banner -- very icy
Top Right: Group "Sid" sitting in a straight line quietly. I couldn't believe they could be that quiet!
Bottom Left: One of kids' favorite activity, car wash. They are really trying their best to wash the cars!
Bottom Right: Buddhist Etiquette Lecture, Ven. Chueh Huang teaches the kids to sit up straight. She is pulling the "invisible string" on top of the girl's head to help her sit up straight.

Summary of Summer time

IBLYAC 2006

This year, the So-Cal power was united together and showed the spirits of Californians in the IBLYAC - International Buddha Light Young Adult Conference - in Taiwan.

The team consisting of eighteen people, under the lead of Ven. Yi Chao, flew back to Taiwan for the 10th annual youth conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “Self Awareness and the Buddha’s Way.” During the three-day-two-night conference, our youths learned about Buddhism not only in classes, but experienced the Buddha’s Way in eating, walking, sleeping, and from interacting with hundreds of other youths from around the world.

When asked about their experience at the conference, Calvin expressed, “Conference was pretty cool! I thought the way we ate lunch(過堂) was going to be boring but I thought it was pretty fun and I liked it. The Pilgrimage (朝山) was hard but I also liked that a lot too.” Ann Rose also expressed that many of the presentations, posters, and performances presented by other YAD subdivisions were quite impressive. It was a good eye and mind opening experience.

As for the issues discussed and “homework” assigned, our YAD South Bay member Theresa Tsao shared her experience at an NGO (Non-Government Organizations) conference held last year at the United Nations. She especially felt that we can contribute more on one of the goals – Ensure environmental sustainability. Ven. Hui Chuan agreed and immediately decided to give this task - to promote the use of environmental-friendly chopsticks to all the Los Angeles youths. Both YAD South Bay and YAD LA proudly accepted this mission.

Farewell Leo
One of our most senior members in YAD LA is departing from this group and heading to Mississippi to pursue his new career path. On September 16, 2006, we held a surprise party for him after the YAD LA's monthly meeting at the Conference Room. It was a heartfelt and warm gathering. When Leo was carried into the room by four other guys, Penny and Angel were singing a beautiful song. The lights were turned off and the curtains were drawn shut so the candle light spelling, “Good Luck,” can easily be seen.
Although the candle lights are small, the wishes they carry are big. When we circled around Leo and told him from our hearts, how we felt about him, what we knew about him, and our deepest wishes and good thoughts for him, it truly was a touching moment. Although tears are flowing out and sadness of saying goodbye start to gloom the room, the laughter, trust, and friendship are like the candle light, which may seem small, but its warmth reaches far and deep, and is surely the most unforgettable.
To Leo: although we cannot physically be with you in Mississippi but remember
our friendship and wishes will be with you no matter where you go.