Written by Erica Lai (Class of 2024) and Katherine Wang (Class of 2024)
Photos by Erica Lai (Class of 2024), Amy Liu (Class of 2023), and Kara Tan (Class of 2016)
Video by Hillary Tran (Class of 2023)

“Pass the ball!” Happy shouts and laughter rang throughout the trees as the summer campers raced around, each trying to kick the ball. This year, the two week long summer camp took place in person with a theme of fairness. To explore what fairness meant to them, the campers participated in daily activities such as mindfulness, music, art, dance, theater, and nature exploration. The notion of fairness included not only human beings, but also animals. 

The kindergarten and first graders participated in many art activities, including calligraphy art, bracelet and necklace making, and fashion designing using upcycled materials. The second through fourth graders were involved in fun projects like nature scavenger hunting, cooking, acting, and leaf rubbing.

The older campers had the opportunity to contribute to the Ukiah community by participating in the repainting of the “Sound Garden” at the Ukiah Rail Trail. They also went camping in the back mountain of CTTB, where they set up their own tents for the night and sat around the campfire, roasting vegan marshmallows. IGDVS high school students served as counselors, alumnae returned as organizers and teachers, and four summer camp families lived on campus, joyfully participating in Buddhist practices, workshops, and service opportunities.

The camp went by quickly, ending with a gallery show in which campers performed for their parents and displayed their artwork. The K-1 group put on an amazing fashion show with their unique, self-designed garments. Next, the 2nd to 4th grade campers performed three engaging skits about fairness and sang Amitabha’s Praise, and the 5th to 8th grade group concluded the show with a kung fu sequence and dance to “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical.

Mr. John Ma, a summer camp parent, is grateful for his children’s and wife’s experiences at the CTTB summer camp 2022. In support of IGDVS, he and his team prepared this video as a gift to IGDVS!

Special thanks to Jin Jr Shr, Jin Zhi Shr, Ms. Ashley, Ms. Bemis, Ms. Kit, and all the wonderful alumnae and counselors! The summer camp could not have been possible without your effort and dedication.