Author: Subha Varma

Cooking Camp Reflection

Ramya Reddy, 10th Grade

Last summer, I volunteered to teach at the Chinmaya Cooking Camp, and it was a great experience. Each cooking session started with a demonstration on how to make a couple of Indian dishes. After cooking the main meal, we then made a dessert to end the day on a sweet note. Even though the camp was only for a few days, I felt like our group had bonded over cooking together, and everyone had become friends. No matter the age or cooking experience, everyone who came to the camp had a fun and enriching time, and I encourage everyone to try cooking or baking for fun; it’s a great pastime! You can also join us at the next cooking camp this summer!

 

Reflections on Speech and Debate Camp

Vivek Kumar, 11th Grade

Speech and Debate Camp and Public Speaking Workshop

Through this 3 day course, middle school students were introduced to the art of public speaking. Instructed by Kapil Varma, Aabhi Anand, and Vivek Kumar, the team of three utilized their experiences to deconstruct the fear of public speaking. From holding microphones to power poses, the team touched all the skills necessary for preparing these students for their competitive high school speech and debate team as well as public presentations. Starting from 30 second speeches, the students worked their way up to 5 minute impromptu speeches. The 3 day camp helped transform the anxious students into confident presenters.

 

Reflections on Lego Robotics FLL Camp

Vivek Kumar, 11th Grade

Lego Robotics FLL Camp

FIRST Lego League is a fast growing robotics experience in Portland and around the world. Through the vast experience of Krishnan Kolady, Gokul Kolady, and Vivek Kumar, elementary and middle school children had hands-on opportunities to learn about the principles behind FLL. Whether it be building, programming, or project presentation, the team of instructors helped introduced the world of robotics to them. The students worked with the Lego EV3 to construct a fully functional robot. At the conclusion of the three day camp, students presented to their parents and walked away with a strong robotics foundation.

Reflections on Medical Screening and Educational Camp for Senior Citizens

Vivek Kumar, 11th Grade

Medical Screening and Educational Camp for Senior Citizens

As summer is the prime time for grandparents and relatives to visit home, Chinmaya opened their 2nd annual free medical screening. With the help of high school students and Dr. Kishore Pathial, Dr. Samu Kumar, Dr. Shobhana Rajagopal, and Dr. Vimal Aga, the team was able to a complete full check-up: blood pressure, O2 levels, height, weight, BMI, and a meeting with a professional doctor. Additionally, visiting family members had the opportunity to learn about preventive screening test for seniors. The medical screening helped keep grandparents informed about their health and steps they can take to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima:

A wonderful occasion to pay obeisance to our guru who showed us the path and always guides us through one’s spiritual journey. Each year we celebrate this day renewing our spiritual vows and re-dedicating ourselves at his lotus feet seeking blessings for the journey ahead of us.

Summer Camps

Summer simmers with activities once the hustle bustle of the school year settles in. Last summer our youth group amped up the ante with a series of Camps spanning a wide variety of service camps. These camps are testament to what our youth channeled with right focus and seeds of service sown can achieve.They carefully thought though and efficiently planned various camps harnessing the amazing talents within Chinmaya Family. Pictures speak louder than words!!!!

Public Speaking Camp:

Medical Camp:

 

First Lego League Camp:

Festivals!

Indian culture celebrates celebrate Life with a tapestry of festivals around the clock. We at Chinmaya mission embraces this with full fervor and unabated enthusiasm with CM family members of all walks of life and all ages joining hands to enjoy every moments of it. Here is a glimpse of our trip down the memory lane….through these pictures.

New Year’s Ganesh Pooja

Karwa Chauth

Deepavali

 

Maha Shivarathri

Acharya Visits

Chinmaya Mission is a vibrant World wide organization with many who dedicated their lives for the service of humanity carrying the light of inspiration and living the motto of  realizing ‘ Maximum Happiness to Maximum People for the Maximum Time’ as their lives goal. Each year we are fortunate to meet with a few of those blessed souls visiting and sharing the words of wisdom and fountain of Love. Here are some pictures of these cherished moments last year…

 

Mukhya Swamiji Swaroopanada Visit:

Swami Shivatmananda:

Acharya Vivek Gupta:

Swami Chidatmananda:

Swamini Akhilananda :