5th Annual Detroit ISKCON KRSNA Kidz Camp

Nitya Kishori Devi Dasi, Camp Director

"A child is a rare gift given by Krishna, but at the same time a great responsibility; every parent has the responsibility to see that his child grows up K.C. I know that you understand this, and will always make Krishna the center of your home" - Letter from Srila Prabhupada, August 15, 1967 With this message in mind, organizers, counselors, parents and even the kids are gearing up for another inspirational Detroit ISKCON Krsna Kidz Camp (www.krsnakidzcamp.com) that will take place over the Thanksgiving holiday (November 21 to 24th). For the last several years, kids ranging from age 2 to 15 have enjoyed their time off from school and taking part in the fun and educational Krsna Kidz Camp. The camp proves to children that Krishna Consciousness is fun and exciting and this keeps them coming back for more and more. From the humble beginnings of a few congregational kids getting together over the holiday for some fun and Krsna conscious learning, the Detroit Krsna Kidz Camp has grown to become a professionally run program with over 60 kids in 2011 participating in the four days of spiritual bliss. It appears that the Detroit ISKCON Krsna Kidz Camp has grown to become one of the largest camps in the country. This year, the organizers are raising awareness and adding several new features to help attract even more kids. Their goal is bring 100 kids closer to Krsna and make a lasting impression on them. Some of the new features include a cool new website with online registration, daily bus transportation from a densely populated suburb of Novi and more marketing to raise awareness. At the camp, kids will experience newly added yoga sessions, enhanced breakout sessions and more involvement from senior devotees. So what is it that keeps the kids so enthusiastic and excited about camp? Why do they literally run from the parking lot into the Temple? Why are parents already asking about the timings and plans for this year? The organizers adhere to a simple recipe of our Fouder Acharya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who emphasized the need to cultivate good qualities and strong character as aim of real education. The camp counselors spend an extraordinary amount of time planning fun, interactive sessions for the kids that keep them engaged and enthusiastic for learning about Krsna consciousness. The kids enjoy the variety of crafts, arts, music and activities, making new friendships with like-minded peers, performing their own arati and kirtan and much more. On the final day of the camp, all parents and congregation members are invited for an amazing performance by the children. Each age group presents various dramas, musical

performances and more. It is an amazing experience to see all what the kids learned during the camp come to life in front of our eyes through this stage performance. The parents appreciate all that they have learned, but are even more surprised at how much fun they have at the camp. Seeing all the smiles and enthusiasm of the children and parents keep the counselors and organizers driving for greater success.

To keep memories of camp fresh throughout the year, all kids receive a free t-shirt designed in line with the theme of the camp. This years camp theme is LinkedIn with Krsna join the Bhakti Yoga Network. Kids will explore the various ways in which they can connect with Lord Krsna, including service, japa, kirtan, and more. Practical activities will be taught so that children can become LinkedIn with Lord Krsna everyday. The organizers are inviting kids from all over the country to take a Thanksgiving break and join them at the 2012 Detroit ISKCON Krsna Kidz Camp. They have arranged lodging and prasadam for all out of town guests. Please call Nitya Kishori Devi Dasi at 248318-1502 for more information. Creating a strong spiritual foundation in early childhood is the best gift a parent can give their child! Come join us. For more details, please visit: www.krsnakidzcamp.com Testimonial from one parent: From a parent that drives over one hour everyday to attend the camp: I just wanted to send a note to congratulate you all on the wonderful camp you conducted. My children and I learned so much from the camp. I live in Ann Arbor which is a good hours drive from the temple. The prabhuji's and the mataji's were so warm and friendly and welcoming. My children and I made so many friends. Infact my children were sad to see the camp end on Saturday. I couldn't believe my eldest daughter was chosen to play the part of Lord Krishna in the small play that the older children performed for the other parents on Saturday. With all the positive encouragement and help of her teachers at the camp she did an amazing job! My husband and I were very surprised!

Without hesitation I am going to bring them to the camp next year again because we as a family gained so much from it mentally and spiritually. And most importantly my children now actually look forward to coming to the Mandir which they didn't before we did the camp. Congratulations on all your efforts and hard work. Looking forward to another great camp!