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News Reports

Camp for
Secondary School Students
June 5- 8, 2003:-
translated from a report by Ooi Han Chun
(translation courtesy of Chu Maw Ping)

Holding true to the first conviction of Than Hsiang in providing an environment for - “The young to learn”, Than Hsiang Temple recently organized a Buddhist camp for secondary school students, which commenced on 5th and ended on 8th of June. A total of 160 young boys and girls throughout the northern region participated in this camp.

During the opening speech, the president of the camp, Tan Lai Qing, spoke about how it was much easier for youths today to be influenced by negative behaviours rather than adopt a more positive behaviour. The younger generation is more easily mislead by external factors that have negative influences such as obsession with movie stars, infatuation with the latest fashions, swearing, smoking, intoxication and others. They are easily distracted by all these negative behaviours, especially when their parents are too busy to care for them, thus resulting in a huge gap between parents and child. He also added that the younger generation of today seldom appreciates the contributions made by their family or their country. The president urged the young to learn how to be grateful and repay the contributions they received.

The camp was officiated by Ven Wei Wu with the lighting of the lotus candles. Ven. Wei Wu spoke about the benefits that can be gained from the programmes held during the camp. The programmes include dharma talks, motivational talks, dharma activities, beneficial games and a visit to the Wan Ching Yuen Centre, the old folks home by Than Hsiang.

During the camp, the participants were divided into groups. An Ai Xin Papa, Ai Xin Mama, Ai Xi Jie Jie and Ai Xin Ge Ge cared for each group. Under their care and compassion, an environment permeated with family values was thus created. Together, they practiced the act of loving kindness and gratefulness.

A strong ‘family’ was thus build during this four-day three-night camp, and they parted with tears in their eyes as they exchanged hugs. It is hoped that they will spread the warmth and feelings of gratitude to their family members and friends when they return home.