JVB Orlando Gyanshala Summer Camp
July 19, 2025
The Gyanshala Summer Camp at Jain Vishwa Bharati, Orlando, was a resounding success this year as we introduced a new concept: Getting to Know Our Neighbors!
Attendance doubled as our Gyanshala kids were joined by children from the Jacksonville Gyanshala. In total, we had 16 children ranging in age from 4 to 14 years. The day began with prayers, yoga, and meditation led by Samani Chaitanya Pragyaji and Samani Him Pragyaji.
This was followed by engaging lessons in Jainism. The older kids learned about the Five Anuvratas, Six Dravyas, Six Leshyas, and the Ten Virtues, taught by the Samanijis, Dr. Devendra Mehta, Smita, and Arhan Sethi. These sessions helped them understand how their actions affect their aura and how everything in the universe is interconnected. The younger children explored Jain symbols and the alphabet through interactive stories and games.
After a delicious and wholesome lunch prepared by Menkaben, the afternoon was filled with fun activities, including a Scavenger Hunt organized by one of our Gyanshala teachers, Raj Mehta. Age-appropriate clues were created for each group. Despite the Florida heat, the children enthusiastically searched for clues and connected them to Jain values and principles.
Next came an exciting arts and crafts project, an idea by another Gyanshala teacher, Ami Jasani. The children were divided into six groups, each tasked with creating a scene representing one of the Six Kaayas. The Samanijis used this opportunity to teach the children about the importance of one-sensed living beings. The final creations were beautiful and worthy of display, and the children were proud of their accomplishments.
The camp concluded on a high note as the children eagerly assembled gift bags containing drinks, snacks, and pamphlets on meditation. It was like a mini assembly line as each child helped place items into the bags. Once completed, the JVB card was stapled to the front of each bag.
Each child, accompanied by an adult, visited homes in the neighborhood to deliver the gift bags as a gesture of seva and appreciation for being good neighbors. It was a unique initiative with heartwarming results. Many neighbors were unaware of what the JVB Center offers and expressed genuine interest in learning more from the Samanijis.
Most importantly, the children learned the invaluable lesson of giving and that although everyone is different, our Atma (soul) is one and the same. When we look deep into the Atma, we see that everyone is searching for the same goal — peace and joy.
This camp would not have been so successful without the inspiring vision of the Samanijis and the dedication of the coordinators. Special recognition goes to Arhan, a former Gyanshala student now heading to college, who generously gave his time to teach, organize games, and assist with the craft activities.