As described in the Hindu Shasta’s, Dradh Priti is the characteristic of true, profound love. Dradh priti resides atma, individual’s core, binding him or her to Bhagwan through the Power of Prayer. Anoopam mission UK aims to cultivate this connection in youths through a week long summer camp.

This year’s summer camp was held at Anoopam Mission Denham UK, Aug 18 through Aug 24 2018 organised by Dhaneshwari Sakaria, Minal Shah and guided by Pujya Himat Swami. With more than 45 delegates (7 to 15 year) and 9 delegates (16 to 21 year), around 30 to 35 volunteers and Sadhak bhais from the UK and India, the camp focused on how Power of the Prayer works in individual’s life. We were fortunate enough to have the divine presence of Sadguru Sant Pujya Pujya Shantidada throughout the camp.

The summer camp agenda had a leisurely component, but much of the schedule is designed to appeal to youths who are interested in exploring the roots of the Akshar Purushottam Upasana and individual personal development in Satsang.

The seven-day camp was broken up with three travel days and four days of the delegates participating in different sessions at the mission including outdoor activities.

Sadguru Sant Pujya Pujya Shantidada had separated the attendees under 4 teams named Ghanshyam, Sarjoo, Nilkanth and Sahajanand which was leaded by the young leaders Ishan Kotecha, Shyam Kotecha, Jeson Dhokia, Riaan Rajghor, Rushil Kotecha,Shivani Kotecha, Aashka Adhvaryu, Denisha Dhokia,Gauranga Purohit and the guest appearance (Shivani Patel USA). Rashmiben Khatri had organised one day camp for future youth camp delegates, aged 3 to 6 years which consists of Dhun, Bhajan, Pooja and nityaniyams as well as few games including art activities.

Camp started with the Deep Pragatya by Pujya Kiranbhai and Pujya Rajubhai with few young leaders (Shivani, Aashka, Ishan, Jeson) followed by the Pujan of Shree Thakorji by Minal Shah and Dhaneshwari Sakaria. All the delegates had given a brief introduction of themselves in the very first session of the camp.

Morning discourses- Pooja (by Bhavishaben and Meghnaben) and Yoga (by Walia Saheb) explored valuable life lessons which helped children understand the importance of serving God and others.

Sadguru Sant Pujya Pujya Shantidada, Pujya Himat Swami and Several Santos advanced the participants’ knowledge of Hinduism and the traditions of the Swaminarayan faith. This was supported with an enlightening series of presentations covering a focused topic “Power of Prayer”

Santo – (Pujya Jayendrabhai, Pujya Kiranbhai, Pujya Bhupabhai, Pujya Rajubhai Dey), senior volunteers (WaliaSaheb, Shri Vijaybhai Thakkar, Hiteshbhai Bharakhada), and young volunteers (Shaina Popat, Dipak Kotecha, Amit Sodha, Abhipsa Nakarja) delivered classes on communication skills which increased confidence in individual. The sessions also served to sharpen useful skills across a variety of fields and reinforced essential satsang values, including unity, self-discipline and anger management and how power of prayers works. Children offered their personal devotion to the sacred murti of Shree Thakorji Maharaj by performing Aarti, thal and devotional singing.

Contemporary issues were addressed through interactive presentations. Challenging group activities, such as Aarti dish making, card making etc from basic materials found in the home, tested intelligence, dexterity and creativity run by Sunita Solanki, Viraj Mehta and Manisha Patni.

A special outings were organised at Thorpe Park, Iscon Temple and Ruislip Golf Club which fostered new friendships. There were series of sports and recreational activities run by Nimisha Nakarja, Shobhan Nakarja, Harshit Nakarja, Jimmi Patel, Hemal Unalkat, Ashit Sakaria, Nimmi Patel, Jayant Kotecha, Abhay Kotecha, Hiten Dhokia, Bhavin Adhvaryu and over all head Dhaneshwari Sakaria and Minal Shah.

Delicious Prasad was been Served by Pujya Pankajbhai Nakarja (Sant Bhai head of the Kitchen), Pujya Girishbhai Patel (Sant Bhai) and team which includes Rekha Patel, Dipak Patel, Nimisha Kotecha, Darshana Thakkar, Hemal Unalkat, Binola Bhatt, Harshit-Shobhan Nakaraja, Bhavin Adhvaryu, Nirali Patel, Priti Padia and Ashit Sakaria throughout the camp.

Young delegates also took part in the Bhajan Sandhya and Swamini Vaato competition and won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. The seven days built a sound, holistic foundation in an enjoyable environment and ensured that the children utilised their vacation time productively.

The last day of the camp was the special day where all the children received the special blessings from Sadguru Sant Pujya Shantibhai and Pujya Himat Swami followed by the Evening Aarti and Maha Prasad together with the parents of the attendees.