On the 22 nd August 2004, the third annual Than Hsiang Kindergarten Camp ended on a happy and satisfactory note.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ven. Zhen Xin and Ven. Zhen Ru for their participation. I would also like to express my appreciation to each and every person involved whose coordinated efforts made the camp a success. The smooth running of the camp was due to the team spirit, commitment and co-operation of the Ai Xin Laoshi, Ai Xin Mama, Ai Xin Papa, Ai Xin Gege and Ai Xin Jiejie. We are also grateful to the children and their parents for their participation and support. This resulted in the camp being an enriching experience for all involved.

All the effort of our tedious preparation and organization of the camp were worth it when we saw the cheerful smiles on the faces of the children. The most satisfying reward we could achieve was granted when we heard the laughter of the little ones who gathered around us. Even the Ai Xin Laoshi, Ai Xin Mama, Ai Xin Gege and Ai Xin Jiejie found themselves having a whale of a time joining in the games, songs and movements. Before long, everyone eagerly immersed themselves in the true spirit of the camp.

We found that this time the usually passive and reserved children shook off their shyness and freely took part in all the activities with their peers. On the other hand we were pleasantly surprised to see the more active children display a joyful willingness to follow instructions attentively and obediently. Perhaps it was due to the harmonious environment or the absence of homework for two whole days that allowed their young minds to relax. In any case, there was a strong sense of joviality among all the children as they enjoyed themselves tremendously.

For the past two years the activity that has most deeply touched me was “For the Love of the Elderly”. This time was certainly no different. We could only spend barely an hour of sharing, shaking hands, hugging and kissing the grandpas and grandmas. Although the time was short, the tears of affection and delight that we saw from the elderly folks will be a memory to keep in our hearts.

The theme of our story this year was “Compassion”. Though the story was simple and short, the meaning was profound and very moving. It reminds us that love has the power to induce compassion that can change the hearts of many. The story focused on a loving family of a goat and her three kids that, as we know are timid and defenseless animals. The selfless love of the family of goats touched the heart of the cruel and hungry wolf that developed compassion and eventually set them free.

As the day was packed with well-organized and fun-filled activities, the young campers were too tired to miss their parents at nightfall. The Ai Xin Laoshi and Ai Xin Mama tucked them in warmly after a bedtime story and goodnight hugs. They had a sweet slumber throughout the night without any hindrances.

Apart from songs, games and creative story and drama, living skills were also one of the main components of the camp. The children were shown how to observe table manners before, during and after mealtimes. A strong sense of sharing and taking turns among one another was inculcated in the children for the whole duration of the camp. I hope the children will continue to put into practice the manners they had learnt during the camp when they go about their daily lives.

Times flies so quickly and one activity after another brings us closer to the end of the year. With the successful ending of the third annual camp, we look forward to next year in anticipation of an even more interesting and challenging experience.

Lastly, I hope the sweet memories of the two days and one night camp will always remain in the hearts and minds of all who were there.

May all be well and happy.