Fresno’s ‘Camping in the Sierras’ Has ‘Awesome 56th’ Year at SLO

The Fresno Betsuin’s “Camping in the Sierras” had “an awesome 56th” year at the San Luis Obispo (SLO) Buddhist Church from July 26-30 and offered 10 student campers an unforgettable experience, the camp directors said.

“Our campers’ tag line this year was, ‘I don’t know what hungry feels like!’” said Gregg Sera, Janis Nakamoto Sera and Debbie Suda, the “Camping in the Sierras” directors. “After every meal, you would see more than half of our campers lining up for seconds.  We serve awesome meals to our campers and it’s the big reason why campers come to camp.”

This year’s theme was “Living in the Present,” and the student campers shared ways to help themselves stay in the present and see the importance of being present in their lives.  

The campers stayed active all day, and played and competed in several fun activities like volleyball, relays, pickleball and cornhole. And there was a new camp activity this year, “A Day in the Park.”

Evenings were spent competing in a variety of toban competitions.  

Toban Heads provided key roles as seasoned campers and camp leaders. Kylie Kubo and Blake Morikawa were the Toban Heads for Toban 1 and Wren Wilson and Logan Morikawa were the Toban Heads for Toban 2.  

Toban Heads led the campers for kitchen cleanup after meals and around the temple grounds to keep the temple tidy. A new camp record was reached this year in kitchen cleanup — 23 minutes. Toban Heads also led their groups in competitive activities. Congratulations to Toban 2 for being the winners this year.    

For 56 years, “Camping in the Sierras” has produced hundreds of delicious meals. It’s also provided plenty of fun activities with the help and participation of outstanding teen leaders 

The directors wanted to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to donors for their support.

“Your support has helped us provide meals, shape leaders of tomorrow and give our youth time to learn about their religion,” the directors said. “But the most important gift you have given is 56 years of fun, fun and more fun to our campers.”