(Clearwisdom.net) Aiming to give children a fulfilling summer break, Sijhih Minghui School held a unique summer camp. During the five-day camp, there was no TV-watching, no electronic games and no computers. I signed up for Andy and Lily upon hearing about the camp. It was the first time for Andy to go to a camp. I encouraged him, "Congratulations! You have grown up! You will go to a summer camp!"
 Children study the Fa |
 Group exercise in the early morning |
Even though I said that, I still couldn't stop worrying. I wished I could go with them. However, all of the beds had been reserved. I thought that it was an opportunity for me to let go of my attachment of worrying about my kids. On the next day, I got a call asking me if I would like to work as a volunteer mother on the third day of the camp. I agreed because I thought it was my responsibility to contribute to the effort.
As soon as I arrived at the camp on the morning of the third day, I heard the children reading the book loud and clear. It was a solemn and pure atmosphere of cultivation. I tiptoed into the classroom and was touched to see how concentrated the children were! But they were very active at class breaks!
It was noon when I learned that I would take care of the children that night because a teacher had to leave. There were 24 kids at the camp. Half of them were girls and half were boys. I was assigned to take care of the girls. I had never taken care of so many kids. I wasn't sure if I would be able to take good care of them.
 Children pay close attention to their teacher during class |
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Children concentrate on their arts and crafts
Fortunately, after the first two days at camp, the older kids had learned how to help take care of the younger ones. Things unexpected still happened. A little boy cried for his parents when it turned dark. He was finally put to sleep by a volunteer mother, but he woke up again and started crying when other kids were ready to sleep.
Thinking back, I realized that his crying was a test for all members of the camp. Everyone must be tested for their determination in joining the camp upon hearing his crying. When it was pretty late and he still couldn't stop crying, we finally called his parents to pick him up.
In the meantime, a brother and sister fought for a sleeping bag. I moderated for them. A few girls told me they couldn't sleep, so I chatted with them. By the time they went to sleep, it was 11:30 p.m.
It was such a busy night! I felt that it was such a strict test to be a parent and a teacher! Children are like blank sheets of paper. They absorb whatever they are given. They are like our mirrors, reflecting the adults' behavior. If I have another opportunity, I will have more courage to shoulder the job of leading and educating children.
There are many people I would like to thank! Without the teachers who were selflessly devoted to the camp, the children and parents wouldn't have such a meaningful camp. It was hard work for all of the volunteer parents, teachers, grandparents and aunties who taught the classes and prepared the meals. My kids learned sincerity and devotion through their actions, and I want to thank everyone involved.
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