Spreading Kindness and Creativity: FGS North Carolina Wraps Up a Heartwarming Winter Camp for Kids

By Fu Yu-Fei, FGS North Carolina Buddhist Temple

Venerable Miao Jou, the superintendent of FGS North Carolina Buddhist Temple, offers words of encouragement to the children before the Winter Camp begins.

From December 29 to 31, 2024, 17 children aged 4 to 10 attended the "Three Acts of Goodness" Winter Camp hosted by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) North Carolina Buddhist Temple. Inspired by the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founding master of Fo Guang Shan, the camp emphasized the "Three Acts of Goodness" (Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts) and the "Four Givings" philosophy. Activities ranged from storytelling about the Buddha and performing with 24 Festive Drums to calligraphy, Chinese painting, arts and crafts, making gratitude cards, and sushi rolling. These fun and engaging activities were designed to cultivate compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in the children while keeping them entertained.

Chen Cheng-Kai, a member of FGS North Carolina Young Adult Division, led the 24 Festive Drums sessions. Despite their young ages and small statures, the children played with enthusiasm and energy. During the "Three Acts of Goodness" lessons, children’s class teachers Ding Rui and Fu Yu-Fei guided participants in applying good deeds to everyday life, using Buddha’s stories to inspire their practice.

Bai-Hua Xu, a committee member of the BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter, guides the students in learning calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, and arts and crafts. She also conducts a science experiment called "Floating Fish," sparking the children's curiosity and passion for both culture and science.

Bai-Hua Xu, a committee member of BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter, taught calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, and arts and crafts. She also introduced a science experiment called "The Floating Fish," sparking the children’s curiosity about both science and culture. With support from their group leaders, the children performed a skit titled The Buddha and Rahula, sharing the values of kindness and teamwork through storytelling.

Chen Cheng-Kai, a member of the FGS North Carolina Young Adult Division, leads the 24 Festive Drums sessions. Despite their young ages and small sizes, the children play with great enthusiasm and energy.

At the closing ceremony, the children proudly showcased their accomplishments to their parents. Highlights included a lively performance on the 24 Festive Drums, the "Three Acts of Goodness" skit, and singing and dancing to the camp’s theme song, The Three Acts of Goodness Song. They also displayed their calligraphy, paintings, and craft projects. Special guests included Venerable Miao Jou, the superintendent of FGS North Carolina Buddhist Temple; Mei-Feng Chen, President of BLIA North Carolina Chapter; Fan-Jie Xu, President of BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter; and many proud parents and friends.

The students practice Calligraph and Chinese painting.

The camp was supported by six teenage volunteers from BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter and FGS North Carolina Buddhist Temple, with Allen Cai serving as the camp leader. Venerable Miao Jou provided two days of intensive training for the volunteers, covering behavior guidelines and activity coordination to ensure a smooth and successful camp. Inspired by the volunteers’ dedication, many young participants expressed a desire to become camp leaders in the future.

The students also have the opportunity to make sushi by hand, with guidance from "Three Acts of Goodness" children’s class teachers Ding Rui and Su Wan-Yi.

Parents were delighted with the camp’s impact. The mother of 8-year-old Mandy Chen shared that it was her daughter’s first camp experience, and she absolutely loved it. Mandy returned home more proactive, eating faster, practicing drumming enthusiastically, and greeting family members with auspicious phrases. The father of Angelina Daniel and Adriana Daniel praised the camp’s well-rounded program and looked forward to his daughters participating in future spring and summer camps.

The students perform three prostrations at the Main Shrine as part of their practice.

Charlotte Tang and Justine Tang’s mother mentioned how excited her daughters were, even asking to join the temple’s overnight camp in the future. Likewise, Audrey Xiang and Will Wang’s mother shared that her children thoroughly enjoyed the activities and were eager to return as camp leaders to help younger participants. Jocelyn Vestal’s mother noted that once her daughter is old enough, she will strongly encourage her to join the Young Adult Division to continue growing through such enriching experiences.

Allen Cai, the camp leader, and the volunteers lead the children in fun and engaging games.

The students practice the "Three Acts of Goodness" through interactive activities.

The students' work in calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, and arts and crafts is proudly displayed.

A group photo with the students, Venerable Miao Jou (fourth from the right), Fan-Jie Xu, President of BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter (fourth from the left), Bai-Hua Xu, BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter committee member (third from the left), Allen Cai, camp leader (first from the right), and the volunteers. (Photo by Zhang Zhanwei)