In order to uphold BLIA’s goal to expand its organization and strengthen its’ young adult division, the Nan Hua YAD once again organized a Happy Camp between December 11 and December 15 2002, at the Nan Hua Temple. 120 children between the ages of 6 and 12 from all over the country took part in the camp. It was another great success for Nan Hua, as one could tell by the children’s bashful cheeks on day one, in contrast to their weepy face on the day they left for home again. Kenny Chiu, camp principal, mentioned that four record were broken with this event: 1) being true to “Oneness (Community) Living and Non-discrimination”, participants were from all race groups, as well as varied backgrounds of the community; 2) with almost 70 volunteers, led by Nan Hua YAD Chairperson Alice Chen, between the ages of 15 to 22 volunteering for the camp; 3) programs were not designed by adults, but were masterminded and laid out by a group of young people; and 4) for the first time English and Chinese were used simultaneously as the media of instruction.

Implementing the motto of “Localising Buddhism”, leaders patiently guided children not only in Buddhist etiquette, but also in the daily morning service and Happy Zen. In the “Interest Group”, classes in martial art, basketball, broadcasting, Chinese chess, dancing, drawing, and magic, were some of the most popular options to choose from. The movie Ice Age taught children how to live with compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, and harmony. Ben-yong, a third year novice from the African Buddhist Seminary, shared some of the most inspiring Buddhist stories with the children. William Qiu, from Bloemfontein, taught everyone how to draw, and then to transform them into creative writing. The children were also taught how to make jelly pudding, although many could not wait for the jelly to be set and drank it when it was only half way done.

Water World, Ground of Games, Clay & Water, and Stoke-a-Lantern, were some of the activities which brought everyone back to nature and awakened their wits, inspired team spirit and kindled problem-solving skills.

At 10h00 on 15 December parents with their cameras ready joined the welfare gathering in the gallery, and had took many photos of their beloved children’s performance. With the children’s comical, but genuine, acting, adorable dancing, and melodious singing, the parents all agreed that having their children participating in the camp is likely one of their best presents for the festive season.

In the closing ceremony Ven. Manya, the abbess of Nan Hua Temple, offered her blessing and reminded everybody to apply what they now had learned in their daily lives, through the sharing of our blessings and friendship. On behalf of the Nan Hua YAD, Alice expressed her most profound appreciation to all volunteers and leaders for their persevering efforts in 
making this camp possible, and promised that the YAD will continue its role in uplifting the morality by planning and designing more exciting events suitable for our younger generations. 

The phenomenal success for this camp is definitely due to a combination of laughter, involvement, sensation, friendship and certainly learning. We offer our deepest appreciation and respect to the Buddha for bringing all of us together, and we hope to see each other all soon again.