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This summer, the familiar rallying call of “Buddha's Light Little Bodhisattvas” echoed throughout Hsi Lai Temple, signaling the start of the annual Buddha's Light Children's Summer Retreat. Organized by the Los Angeles Young Adult Division I (YAD I) of the Buddha's Light International Association Los Angeles Chapter (BLIA LA), this retreat has been held for over 20 years, witnessing the growth of young participants who transform from little campers into dedicated staff members.
The retreat took place from July 5 to 7 at Hsi Lai Temple, welcoming nearly 80 children aged 6 to 11. They were supported by a dedicated team of nearly 70 volunteers from the YAD I, making a total of 150 participants. Prior to the event, the staff underwent a three-day, two-night training camp and spent two weeks preparing for the retreat.
Following tradition, the retreat's curriculum was themed around a Disney animated film. This year, a 2021 American animated coming-of-age fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures “Luca,” focusing on themes of friendship and adventure. The children learned about making new friends, interacting with others, and bravely facing life's unknown challenges.
During the opening ceremony, Venerable Hui Dong, the abbot of Hsi Lai Temple encouraged the children to practice the Three Acts of Goodness—doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts—while enjoying their time at Hsi Lai Temple.
The retreat's activities included Buddhist etiquette, a workshop on “Forming Good Affinity with Others - How to Make Friends,” group games, small group discussions, and crafts like making picture frames and paper fish inspired by the movie's theme. The kids also got creative during “Hero Night,” designing costumes and props for their counselors to model in a lively show that was met with enthusiastic cheers.
Morning and evening sessions were led by venerables who guided the children in chanting the Heart Sutra. During the Light-Offering Dharma Service, the children knelt with lamps before the Buddhas at the Main Shrine, their faces filled with sincerity. Venerable Zhi San explained that the light symbolizes endless brightness in life, guiding the children home when they feel lost.
At the closing ceremony, the children showcased their learnings through a skit, demonstrating the values of friendship, communication, encouragement, and kindness, delighting their parents. After the ceremony, the retreat offered homemade burgers and fries, along with a carnival featuring games like basketball shooting, ring toss, and bean bag throws. Points earned from these games could be exchanged for prizes, and children also traded their “Three Acts of Goodness” reward stickers for small gifts.
Twenty years ago, Hsi Lai Buddha's Light Youth Association president Junzhu Chang helped organize the Children's Summer Retreat. Now, he and his wife, Tingwen Wang, are proud to send their two children to the retreat, continuing the legacy of their faith. Tingwen Wang, who was a student at University of the West and met Chang while volunteering at youth activities, fondly remembers their Buddhist wedding held at Hsi Lai Temple.
Wang expressed her heartfelt feelings upon watching the retrospective video and is reassured to see her children participating in temple activities. In addition to the summer retreat, their son Minhsi Chang has joined the Youth Short-term Monastic Retreat for two consecutive years. They hope their children will grow up with the guidance of Buddhism and the protection of the Triple Gem.
(Photos by Chihcheng Chang)
