Summer Camp 2024

2024  Bala Vihar Summer Camp Registration Now Open !

Limited Availability this Year

This year’s camp is like none other, as we have Swamini Supriyananda from Chinmaya Mission Hong Kong as our Lead Teacher. A psychologist by profession turned Sanyasini (Hindu Monk), storyteller, author, and teacher, Swamini Supriyananda is a compelling teacher. Of Indian origin, born in South Africa, raised in Australia, she now resides in Hong Kong. With right food for thought, Swamini will nurture the minds of children of all ages. Her chosen medium may be words, but her warmth and gentle nature will leave them in awe and wanting more.

True to the mission’s motto, she aims to reach people of all walks of life. Embracing modern technology, she has a bite size podcast called “Thinking about it” and an Instagram account full of quotes.  You can listen to her podcast.

This year our theme is:  Lord Krishna Magic July 15-19, 2024

This year’s camp will be led by Swamini Supriyananda who will be supported by a team of dedicated volunteers (sevaks) and special guests, covering the activities below:

Objectives & Camp activities:

Physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of our children, imparting to them our ancient eternal wisdom, values and culture, at the same time creating awareness of excellence in studies and allowing them to discover the excitement of the summertime through fun, play and creativity. We will cover the teachings and symbolism behind the meaning and stories of Lord Krishna. The program will encompass a comprehensive enrichment studies package for your child.

The morning session will consist of reading, writing, yoga, japa, chantings, bhajans, story time, etc. In the afternoon session, there will be indoor games, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, science for fun, folk dance, drama, aarti, etc. We may incorporate field trips and/or special event afternoons. We will end with a gala open house showcase for parents on Friday afternoon.

Camp Eligibility:

Children going into Grades 1 through 8 as of September 1, 2024. Children should be at least 6 years of age before June 30, 2024.

Camp Dates:

Monday July 15th, 2024, to Friday July 19th, 2024 (1 week, Monday to Friday)

Camp Location:

Chinmaya Bharati, 1088 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 7P8, (613) 749-3399

Camp Timings:

Camp timings are 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Drop-in time is 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Pick up time is 4:30 – 5:00 PM.  Children should be picked up promptly.

Camp Fees:

Registration rate per Child: $ 300.00 for the week
Please e-transfer to cmottawa.mail@gmail.com noting Balavihar Camp 2024 in the Subject

Registration:

Please apply early as we will admit children on a first come-first served basis. We regret that we cannot accommodate all applicants for the Camp once our capacity is met (35 students). Preference will be given to Bala Vihar students. The camp is, however, open to all children outside the Bala Vihar student community. So, please encourage your friends to register. Admission decisions will be finalized and communicated via email by the end of June 2024 or within three weeks of application, whichever is earlier.

To register please complete the online form, or complete the hard copy form and submit it to the BV Camp Registration Coordinator. All cheques should be post-dated no later than June 15, 2024.

Withdrawing from a camp after registration will be considered only until June 15, 2024. After that time, the week’s fees will need to be forfeited. Once the camp has commenced, there will be no refund for unused camp weeks except for exceptional circumstances of illness (with doctor’s certificate).

Dress Code:

A comfortable and modest dress is recommended suitable for outdoor and sports activities. Short skirts, halter or spaghetti strap tops and shirts that expose bare midriffs are not permitted.  If shorts are used, they should be longer and come up to the knees. All children are asked to wear comfortable closed-toed shoes suitable for outdoor sports activities. If sandals are worn, children will need to bring with them shoes for sports activities, or they will not be able to participate due to safety reasons.

Food:

Each child will bring his/her own nut-free vegetarian lunch pack, not requiring any heating. Snacks, milk and drinks will be provided at the Camp at appropriate times. Children will be asked to pray before having lunch. Parents are advised to follow the same practice at home before each meal.

Hygiene:

CMO has established procedures for proper handwashing by all the attendees at the Summer Camp and these procedures will be fully implemented during the Summer Camp.

Parent Volunteers:

The camp is entirely run by volunteers.

We require the support of parent volunteers to maintain our target student to adult volunteer ratio (6 children to one adult volunteer). This target volunteer participation is required to conduct all planned activities and field trips during the Camp. When registering their child/children for the Camp, parents are strongly encouraged to sign up as a volunteer for at least one full day.

Youth Volunteers:

Youth entering grades 9-12 in the Fall 2024 school year can apply to be Youth Volunteers at the summer camp. Certificate will be provided for volunteer service that can be used for high school volunteer credits. The deadline for this application is June 2nd, 2024. Applicants will be requested to complete a questionnaire and undertake an assessment/interview with our Youth Volunteer coordinator. We have limited number of volunteers, so please contact us at the earliest to secure a spot. Preference will be given to Bala Vihar youth and those volunteering for the full week.

Communication:

Communications between the camp sevaks and the participants are done via e-mail, and it is imperative that we have your current e-mail address to keep you informed of current and forthcoming activities. Please ensure that you use only this email for Mission purposes as this is tied up with your registration.

Please send all registration correspondence to: