The seventh annual BCA Youth Retreat (BYR) was held at the Jodo Shinshu Center on June 23-29 with 10 participants from the Fresno, Oregon, Stockton, Midwest, San Diego, Seattle and New York Buddhist Temple.
It was so wonderful to have representatives from across the BCA.
This one-week retreat is open to all high school age students. The week is filled with classes about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and also teaches the basics of Onaijin ettiquette.
It is such a special event because it is held at the Jodo Shinshu Center, which is the heart of Buddhist education and training for so many students here and around the world. Being in this space and having the opportunity to learn from the different ministers that are a part of the program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although students may have an idea of what they think a Buddhist summer camp might be like, I have heard time and time again from past participants that the BYR Summer Retreat was much more fun and life-changing than they ever expected.
The bonds of friendship formed in this short, one-week time frame will last for many years, and maybe even a lifetime. The things they learned were interesting and opened up their minds to learn more.
We even have past graduates of the program return to become staff members to run workshops for the participants. I look forward to this BYR Summer Retreat every year. It is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling parts of my job, and I sincerely ask all of you to please spread the word and encourage your high school students to attend this incredible event.
Thank you for your continued support, and I hope to meet all of your YBA kids in the future.
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