Important Things to Know about Family Camp Before You Register:
Where: Camp Agape, Fuquay Varina
When: Aug 24 - 26
Fri, 4:00 - 5:00 pm to Sun, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
"A good parenting plan comes from having a healthy, positive motivation for bringing up your children...based on
a good heart rather than on attachment."
~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Joyful Parents, Successful Children
For the first time, we'll be running a child-parent/caregiver workshop for families with children newborn - 5.
This inclusive interactive and heuristic workshop focuses on relationship-based multisensory exploration, play activities and mindfulness.
Specially conceptualized and developed for the Kadampa Family Dharma Camp, the program is based on child development and brain science, 16 Guidelines and dharma practice.
Workshop details will be provided nearer the date. To decide if this is for you and your child, please contact Celina Jones here.
Please Register by Aug 5, registration is based on first come first serve basis until we reach capacity.
- This year’s theme is Patience -- one of the Six Perfections. Children and adults will explore how we can develop patience in our every day lives and include it in our practice. We will learn together how to give space to our compassionate good heart and control our desires so that we can strengthen our relationships and be of benefit to ourselves and many others.
- This year, the Kadampa Center is pleased to offer financial aid in the form of partial scholarships. Those who sincerely need financial assistance are encouraged to complete this application.
- Family Camp is a special kind of experience, bringing parents and children together to learn about the teachings of the Buddha, sharing in the rituals of the Tibetan tradition, getting to know other Buddhist families and Sangha, and having a place to talk freely about putting the dharma into practice in family life. Whether you are a long time practitioner or new to the Dharma, Family Camp can be an a rich way to experience Buddhist philosophy and values together and energize each of our individual efforts to foster these practices in our daily lives.
- Camp programming will be designed for children ages newborn-12 with some concurrent meditation/discussion sessions for parents, teen counselors (age 13-18) and college counselors. There will be opportunities for the whole group to be together and times for solitude, as well. Children will be divided into approximately three age ranges and will be invited to explore Camp theme through structured and semi-structured activities such as, meditations, art, drama, and nature sessions.
- Camp will be held at a nearby retreat/camp facility called Camp Agape in Fuquay-Varina. Camp Agape is a Christian organization and also welcomes other groups to their facility. If you look at their website, please be aware that we will not utilize some of the amenities there, due to cost constraints.
- Teen counselors will be required to have a parent in attendance. We welcome teens to serve as jr. counselors and mentors for younger campers. Teens must attend a training in the weeks just before Camp. Special Teen Exclusive sessions will punctuate the weekend in exchange for their service.
- There are no paid staff for Camp – it is entirely organized and led by volunteers. There are many ways to help – including teaching children, leading meditation, leading arts sessions or nature walks, helping with the altar, or Sangha care. We will follow up with all registered Camp families with more details about how to help.
- Registration costs are for food, accommodations, and use of the facility and there is no charge for the spiritual programming of Camp. We rely on the generosity of our members and participants to cover costs, such as counselor stipends, art and dharma supplies, and Sangha offerings.
- We greatly appreciate your early commitment, which enables us to meet our minimum facility requirements and focus on planning camp activities! In the event that you must cancel your reservation, we will attempt to fill your space, but refunds are not guaranteed.
- When registering, be sure to use the age of the child at the time of camp. Also, if you’d like to pay with check/cash, please email here, so we can let the office know what to expect.
- Lodging accommodations will be in semi-private rooms (think dorm style) for each family. Common space and sometimes bathrooms are shared. Camping accommodations are for tent only with hot water showers and bath houses available.
- All meals and snacks will be provided and everything served will be vegetarian. Agape will try to accommodate everybody’s special dietary needs; however, it may be necessary to bring your own food for those with severe allergies. Please indicate this on your registration form. Families will be asked nearer to date to contribute specifically toward snacks.
- Please make every effort to arrive between 4-5:00 on Friday, August 24th. This will give you enough time to unload, park your car, and get situated in the dorm. Dinner will be served at 5:30 on Friday evening before the camp orientation. The camp schedule will be posted throughout the camp. Our activities will run late on both Friday and Saturday evenings (approx. 9:30 pm) and our mornings will begin early with breakfast beginning at 7:30 am. There is a Dorje Khadro practice, animal liberation, bonfire and talent show scheduled for the weekend. Activities will conclude with a short after lunch session on Sunday Aug 26th, with departures between 1-2:30.
*Ready to start packing? Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Washcloth, towels, pillows and linens (There will be hotel-like beds/mattresses, just no linens) OR
Tent and Sleeping Bag if you’re camping!
Your Family Camp Prayer Book (if you came in previous years)
Basic toiletries (There will be an extensive list of other things to bring as we near the date.)
Ear plugs – always a good idea for sleeping in a group setting!
A kata and/or optional offering/gift.
Thank you for your kind attention in completing this registration.
We look forward to an exciting and meaningful camp experience with you!
With Folded Hands,
Christy Batts
Family Dharma Camp Director
Any questions? email here
Registration fee is non-refundable and covers meals and use of the facility. Registration closes Aug 6.
REGISTRATION
Registration costs are for food, accommodations, and use of the facility and there is no charge for the spiritual programming of Camp. We rely on the generosity of our members and participants to cover costs, such as counselor stipends, art and dharma supplies, and Sangha offerings. In order to cover total costs, a donation of $10 per camper would be greatly appreciated!
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