I have attended several summer camps, but the Bodhi Star summer camp is nothing like the others. What made Bodhi Star so special are the assistant teachers (ATs), volunteers, and Shifus who were all friendly and made the activities fun. I especially liked the Mandarin class because I learned new words. I would like to thank all Shifus, ATs and volunteers for spending their time with us and for teaching me valuable life lessons.

I have been a Bodhi star for 3 years now. Over these past three years, I have learned many things. I learned meditation, half bow and full bow. I also learned the Three Jewels are: Buddha- The enlightened one; Dharma- The teachings of Buddha; and Sangha- The community of Buddhist nuns and monks.

I also learned about Manjushri Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva has perfect wisdom and perfect kindness. Manjushri is holding a sword in his right hand, and a lotus flower in his left hand; while riding on a lion. I learned from Manjushri not to take things that is not mine if I don’t want others to take my things. I learned martial arts, also learned songs like the Mandarin song. That is what I have learned during the Summer Camp. Thank you.

I learned to be harmonious, not always get angry, and not to be too sensitive. Learning Martial Arts helps me to protect myself from danger and has good benefits.

After learning the virtue of harmony, I won’t tease my classmates anymore, so that we won’t have any arguments.

After learning the virtue of compassion, I helped a garbage collector and gave him food. Starting today, I can help my mom with household chores.

Thank you Shifu for teaching us the teachings of Buddha. From the Bodhi Star Summer Camp, I learned to be compassionate toward all sentient beings. For example, I told my father not to kill cockroaches, but to just ‘shoo’ them away. These insects also have their family. Now, I feed ants with sugar. I also tell the stories of Manjushri Bodhisattva to my little sister, Reine.

I would like to learn more Martial Arts because it would give me strength and to maintain harmony and peace in the world. Lastly, thank you Ocean Sky for organizing this summer camp for us! We learned a lot.