By Acharya S.P. Dwivedi
SURREY – Mostly religious and ethnic groups have been organizing the youth camps to provide the exposure of their own traditions or heritage but an unique attempt was made recently in Surrey by some of the interfaith activist to teach kids how they can develop respect and understanding of other religions.
Northwood United Church of Surrey, supported by the members of Neighboring Faith Program and Multifaith Action Society, hosted this camp from August 29 to September 2,2011. There were thirty two students who were enrolled for the camp.
The program was engineered in a such way that each day the activities were centered around on one of the five faiths: First Nations Spirituality, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam.
More than twenty mostly committed visitors from the above religious communities, throughout the camp period, dropped by to teach songs, stories, activities and crafts to the children. Most importantly, there was a support- team of dedicated youths who adequately managed the things well. The credit of the success of this camp goes to incredible leadership of the Northwood Church which displayed an exceptional enthusiasm and devotion. David Dally and Sukhvinder Vinning both put a lot of time and energy in planning the Kids Camp.
Hopefully, all the kids have taken with them many positive experiences that will help them grow more knowledgeable and compassionate citizens in our diverse community.
A closing ceremony of the camp was organized by the Northwood United Church on 4th September in which all the kids their parents, volunteers and religious representatives were invited. Rev. Will Sparks offered the prayer and played songs on guitar, five kids brought the gifts-symbols of faiths, gathering sang peace prayer that was led by Kerry Child, Minister of Christian Development. At the end the ritual of Communion Bread was carried and Prasad (Hindu and Sikh tradition) distribution was done by Sukhvinder Vinning, Kanti Dwivedi And Acharya Dwivedi.
