We are into the 8th year of the children’s camp “Towards Self-confidence and Independence”. To expose our children more on appreciating the environment and animal life we took them a step closer to nature by taking them to Taiping Zoo. Held on the 30th and 31st May 2009, the camp turned out to be a successful event and an enriching experience for the children and grown-ups alike.

It had been raining the previous night. The rain on that morning of our field day did not dampen the spirits of our young campers. With hearts full of confidence, teachers and children paid respect to the Buddha for fine weather and a safe and joyous trip before we boarded two buses to take us to Taiping.

“The weather was fine, the ground was dry and the food was nice,” the little rhyme playing in my mind throughout the journey proved so right when we reached Taiping soil at 11:30 am. Our first destination was Taiping Lake Gardens .The campers had a marvelous time at the playground. Even the teachers joined the children sliding down the gigantic cemented slide.

We sat under the shady trees and enjoyed a delicious 3-course lunch. The children had a good appetite, probably enhanced by the surroundings and most of them even asked for a second helping.
After lunch, the teachers took the children for a stroll around the lush gardens, enjoying the beautiful scenery, fresh air and greenery. Everyone took photos for remembrance.

The mention of the next destination brought squeals of excitement from the children. We were off to the Taiping Zoo. Though disappointed at the increase of the entrance fare, a whopping 100% as compared to our last visit in 2006, we made every cent worth by combing the zoo first on foot, scrutinizing the animals from cage to cage. After the tour on foot we went onto the mini trains retracing our tracks to bid farewell to our animals. Seeing the animals in real life was certainly much better than simply looking at pictures.

Our next stop was the Taiping Buddhist Association (TBA). We were given a very warm welcome by the staff and children of Cheng Kung Kindergarten. The cool water there was such a welcome, to quench our thirst and also to wash our dirty faces.

The children from the two kindergartens shared some music and dance movements. Mr. Teoh, the composer and choir instructor elegantly delivered his latest piece to the delight of the teachers and children. He also taught us a new song in just a matter of minutes. We thanked each other profusely and after an exchange of gifts, it was time for our evening service.

After so much excitement, the evening service was indeed helpful in calming the children down. A simple yet meaningful chanting led by Miss Fu included prostrations to the Buddha, the chanting of The Heart Sutra, followed by Taking of The Three Refuges and the Transference of Merits.

Dinner was prepared and served at the canteen by the members of the TBA. The journey home took us another two and a half hours. At Than Hsiang Temple, supper comprising of warm Milo with bread spread with butter and sugar.

After a warm shower, we put the children to bed and they drifted off into peaceful slumber from night till dawn.

The next morning, the teachers led the children to Da Bei Dian for the morning service. We performed a simple act of dana where each child gave a small token into the donation box.

After breakfast, we proceeded to the multi purpose hall on the 5th floor for some activities where the morning exercises, making gifts for the parents, music and movement and relay games were slot in accordingly.

At 10:30am, Mr. Ooi, a member of the St. John Ambulance entered the hall in full uniform and gear. Mr. Ooi gave an invaluable lesson on how to give first aid to common injuries like nose bleeding, wounds and choking. The most challenging first aid demonstrated was how to resuscitate a fainted person. Teachers and children were called up to give demonstrations, drawing applause and laughter to the drama. The children had a chance to take a glimpse at a real ambulance, all made possible due to the dedication of Mr. Ooi.

Lunch was served at the canteen with the help of the Ai Xin Mama.

After shower, the campers put on their new T-shirts, and led by their Ai Xin Laoshi, proceeded to the 5th floor again to have the group photos taken and to wait for the parents for the happy hour session.

The children welcomed their parents with songs. The children were reminded to express gratitude to their parents by wiping their parents’ hands and face with a damp face towel to the tune of the meaningful song ”May Buddha’s Light shines on you and wishing you happiness and good health.”

Parents were excited when they were requested to identify their child by just looking at the child’s hand or foot. The child’s face and body was hidden behind a piece of cloth. Cries of excitement burst out when their child’s identity was revealed. Parents were awarded with the gift made by their loved ones complimented with additional hugs and kisses. Our camp ended on a happy note with the parents joining in songs and movement together with teachers and children. Every camper was given a goodie bag to take home.

The parents gave very positive feedback on the camp and thanked the Ai Xin Laoshi and Ai Xin Mama. With their words of encouragement, we promised to maintain if not better ourselves next year.

Acknowledgement:
We are grateful to the members of Taiping Buddhist Association who gave us a warm reception during our visit there. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who in one way or another helped to make the camp a success and a good job done.

Most importantly we would like to thank the parents for entrusting their children to us during the camp. To the children, we are proud of you. You helped us in realizing our successful achievement of striving toward our objectives and gave us the opportunity to grow with you during this two-day one-night camp.