Lock-ins with Swamiji – 2011
Jan. 2011
The much awaited lock-in events took place over three consecutive weekends of Jan. 2011. As the name suggests, the sole purpose of these events is to allow children to hang out with Swamiji. During the High school lock-in, approximately 45 children enjoyed bowling and Laser tag at Main Event. Each kid got a $10 card, bowling, pizza, arcade, and laser tag! We were there almost until 10:30 P.M. After they returned to Chinmaya Saaket, everyone watched a movie (Inception) and discussed its meaning and how it relates to the values taught in Balavihar. This discussion went on until about 3:00 A.M. Again break time for milk and cookies was served for the snoozy ones. Every one woke up after this announcement (cookies and milk). This was followed by open play time. Kids formed groups to bond across sessions and played charades and other games. The volunteers with some kids present as well had lots of conversations with Swamiji as he spent time just talking and chilling with every one!
The central theme of how ideas or thoughts shape us was one of the most valuable lessons children learned. Our sense of identity is strongly influenced by our environment. We form notions of our strengths and weaknesses based on people’s opinions judgments about us. Our strong convictions eventually hinders or fosters our potential growth when we develop such a mindset. How can we then make best use of this understanding? If you missed it during the discussions, try to find out your own time to meet either Swamiji or these high-schoolers who attended the event!
The Middle-school lock-in children in grades 6-8 held on Jan. 21 was a blast at Amazing Jakes in Plano where the kids were given their wrist bands. They got treated to an elaborate buffet with vegeterian options and they saw how to train a dragon while eating in a theater room! Then it was just 2 hours of endless play time! Total fun with 2 floors of activities – laser tag, video games, mini bowling, bumper cars, race car tracks, air hockey, rock climbing, putt putt golf. The volunteers and Swamiji spent time with all the kids doing various things.
The Elementary school lock-in was held at Chinmaya Chitrakoot on Jan. 28. The children were separated into 2 groups (2nd and 3rd graders in one group and 4th and 5th in the second group). After registration in Chitrakoot the kids had a initial opening with Swamiji as he divided the kids by grade level. This was followed by dinner (pizza of course!). Right after dinner, we had Daryl from Snake Encounters come in to do a show for the 4th and 5th graders, while Swamiji spent time playing games with the 2nd and 3rd graders. The kids played interactive games with Swamiji (balloon games, all time favorite Ram/Raja/Ravan etc.). I asked the car load of kids we shuttled if they would come back. Their response was ‘Duh’ Of course! Another parent at work shared that his daughter was bragging to her cousin who did not come about how much fun she had and she would do it again next year… This kid just recently started BV.
Meanwhile the 4th and 5th graders had an absolute blast as Daryl entertained them with magic and snakes! All about snakes, habitats, nature, and the best part magic! One time he blew up a long balloon (the kind with balloon animals) and popped it and it became a snake!!!
Right after we had a swap. The 4th and 5th graders spent time with Swamiji while Daryl entertained the kiddos by duplicating his show for the younger ones as well! This show over lapped with several parents who came back to pick their kids up. They also had a blast as they saw the last 30 minutes of the show! The volunteers at Chinmaya Chitrakoot were awesome.
Many many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the event and gave their precious Friday evenings. Last but not the least shatakoti pranaams to our acharya Br. Uddhavji who is the ‘Awesomest’!!!
