A teen journalist’s journey through SKVNC Summer Camp

Being a youth volunteer at SKVNC is an experience in itself. This summer, I
decided to help out at the camp by interviewing parents, teachers, and even
the kids themselves! I was nervous at first because I hadn’t volunteered for
a camp before, and I didn’t know what it would be like. However, I quickly
began to enjoy it and realized just how much I had missed being at the temple
and around all the lively kids. I made so many memories and learned new things
from everyone I met. Within all the memories I made, there was one moment
that stood out to me and brought me happiness and appreciation for the
teachers who create such an inviting environment.
It was a Wednesday, and by the time I had finished my fourth outdoor
interview, I was already sweating. ‘Wow, I was so focused I didn’t even
realize how hot it was outside.’ I thought.
I decided to go back inside the temple to cool off. Maybe sit down and use
my phone for a few minutes since I’ve finished all my tasks. Instead, something
else caught my attention.
‘The environment is different today,’ I thought. ‘Normally, the kids are so
chaotic and distracted I can hardly focus on anything else! They seem so
engaged and quiet today though!’

I observed a teacher teaching the kids a song. I put my
phone down and listened for a little bit.
There were a few parents sitting nearby, smiling as kids
enthusiastically answered the teacher’s questions and asked
their own about the avatars of Vishnu, showing how their
curiosity filled the room with light and life.
I observed two kids as the teacher asked: “Who does god help?”
One kid answered: ”Good people! God doesn’t help bad people!”
Another kid exclaimed, ”God doesn’t help bad people like
Ravana!” Just connecting a simple answer to the Ramayana
shows how much the kids can take in, understand, and
connect to what they’re learning.
Seeing the teacher patiently answer questions and encourage
the kids reminded me of my own childhood, sitting with my mom
as she chopped vegetables and told me stories like the Ramayana
and the Mahabharata. I asked so many questions: “Amma, why is
Duryodhana such a bad person? Why does he want to hurt the
Pandavas? Why did Yudhishthira agree to gamble with Duryodhana?”
As my mom answered all my questions and gave me slow explanations,
the stories came alive in my mind, making me even more invested in
Hindu mythology and sparking my interest in our culture.

Th;eir curiosity- whatever I say,
they raise their hands up, and
they ask questions. . . sometimes
even I won’t know the answers.
,It’s very nice, because through,
their questions, we can also learn.

As the teacher explained and told the story, I could
see the same happiness and curiosity in each child’s
eyes. I then realized how much teachers can impact
not only what kids know, but also how they feel about
learning new things. The warmth in the room wasn’t
just because of the kids’ curiosity, but because of the
teacher’s patience, dedication, and connection with
every child.