Home About
HHYC		 Adults Fulltime
Camp		 Adults Evening Camp Contacts Forms Pictures Information
 
     
     
     
 

Hindu Heritage Youth Camp

  
     
 

About HHYC

  
                     
  Introduction                  
                       
  The Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC) is an annual event specially organized for Asian-Indian children and teenagers who have been brought up in the Hindu tradition. Now in its tenth year, HHYC has grown into a much-anticipated Summer activity. Each year, it brings together young and adults alike from communities in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana to spend time together in fellowship.

Children
Camp activities are designed to build an appreciation for Hindu values like Dharma, respect and tolerance. At the same time, they inculcate a sense of pride in our cultural heritage. These objectives are implicitly emphasized at all times -- whether playing, discussing a topic, participating in a craft activity, or engaging in any of a variety of events. For example, while working in teams, it is emphasized that everyone's opinions should be considered and that participation is more important  than merely achieving  objectives. In short, children learn to implement the principles of Dharma in thought and action.

Adult volunteers who supervise the camp ensure that activities are conducted consistent with such values. They ensure that the means adopted are appropriate at all times.  

In general, camp activities are aimed at developing a sense of responsibility and discipline. As individuals and members of teams, children are taught to socialize and expand their friends' network. It is through such peer relationships that children develop their own unique  identities and self-confidence.

 

  


Preserving Traditions

  
       
 


Counselors

 Teenagers
 Teenagers  have an entirely different experience at HHYC where they serve as Advanced Group Leaders( AGLs). They are expected to serve as role models for younger children.

For this purpose, they invest considerable time prior to the camp when they are groomed by adult camp organizers. During these sessions, they are made aware of important principles and their application. It is an opportunity for them to develop important leadership and mentoring skills that will serve them well as they start their college years.

HHYC is
continuously
improving!

  
                       
                       
 

Our culture and traditions define who we are!

  
                       
  Camp Facilities              
       
  HHYC is always organized as a safe home away from home. Camp organizers working with counselors ensure that every child is well-looked after. Children are closely monitored at all times and special attention is directed to ensure harmony during play and at meal times. In general, children tend to get along well with each other and become very responsible in their peer group.

In keeping with Hindu principles, discipline is maintained through gentle suggestion and positive reinforcement. In like spirit, camp rules concerning sleeping times and behavior are strictly enforced.

Medical attention is continuously available in the form of First Aid and more professional attention.

 


Adult -- Youth Interaction

  
 

HHYC -- Hindu traditions in practice!

  
  2005  
     
 

Core groups  

This year's Hindu Camp introduces a new paradigm.  Instead of solely addressing youth, it is a Universal Camp intended for all age groups -- from youth to seniors.

In particular, we are formally introducing two new segments: Evening Adult Camp and a Fulltime Adult Camp. These camps will be organized around three types of activities: Physical, Intellectual, and Seva (service).  We expect about 15-20 adults to participate in each group.

This year's camp focuses on the core groups of

  1. Youth

  2. Adults who can attend during evening hours

  3. Adults who can participate as fulltime residents.

 

AGLs

We have replaced the traditional 'counselor' group with Advanced Group Leaders (AGLs). AGLs are youth participants who have expressed interest in learning more about Hindu values and are committed to transmitting them to younger members. They will learn these values prior to the camp and impart them during the camp. In addition, they will help plan and execute the camp. Their role blends leadership, seva, and learning.  AGLs are selected on the basis of their interest, commitment, and leadership potential.

Camp organizers will work with AGLs  for two purposes:

  1. Explore the application of Hindu practices in America 
  2. Plan and execute intellectual, social and physical activities during the camp.

Adults Fulltime Camp

This group will meet from 6:00 PM till 9:30 PM each day of the camp.  In addition to participating in ongoing activities during this period, they will also be engaged in 1 - 1 1/2 hours of a special activity.

Adults Evening Camp

This group will participate in.

  1. Activities of common interest e.g. walk, yoga, exercises, discussions,

  2. Camp Seva work which includes teaching/ speaking, serving, and helping maintain camp surroundings.

Camp Organization

The AGLs and participants in the Fulltime Adult Camp and Adult Evening Camp  provide the resources, leadership and the services needed for this camp. Jointly, they craft a vision, set direction, and design and implement the camp. Many of them will continue to provide core leadership for future camps in the Midwest and elsewhere in the USA.

To fulfill this important role, we strongly encourage both potential AGLs and adults to register and join in this year's camp. This will  take us a step closer to the objective of preserving and experiencing our own culture and values through this camp and others like it in the future.

More Information

Please do not hesitate to call any of us if you need more information or simply want to discuss an issue.

Also, visit the website for more information and registration forms. http://members.fortunecity.com/hhyc

 

  
 

Camp Facilities for 2005

  
     
  This year (2005), HHYC is being organized in fully air-conditioned premises. Living accommodations, dining areas, and activity centers are all housed within a large modern building. While this takes away from a purely  outdoors experience, there is also the advantage that camp goals are realized in more comfortable settings.

 

 

  
Main Hall		  
   
 


Recreation Area                      Accommodation                Kitchen                                Lounge                            Bunk Beds             

 
 

~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~