The children and teens of YSS devotees and friends gathered for a week of joyous fellowship at the annual girls’ and boys’ summer Youth Camps, held in the months of April, May, and June. Yogoda Satsanga ashrams in Ranchi, Noida, and Chennai welcomed children and teens aged 7-17 for a week-long immersion in meditation, fun activities, and inspiration that nurtured body, mind, and soul.
Based on Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda’s How-to-Live teachings, these camps promote his ideal of spiritual education for young people — empowering children to live a balanced life of meditation and right activity. The camp programme in each Ashram was thoughtfully tailored to suit the needs of different age groups of children and teens, which included Energization Exercises, group meditations, monastic-led satsangas, storytelling, nutritious meals, and outdoor games.
Ranchi Ashram:
Children aged 7-12 and teens aged 13-17 attended a seven-day Youth Camp on the hallowed YSS Ranchi ashram grounds. The daily spiritual routine, which included Energization Exercises and meditation, was interspersed with devotional activities such as bhajans, group chanting, and Krishna Katha — retelling childhood stories of Bhagavan Krishna. Meditations were also held in a specially set-up tent called “Babaji’s cave” which helped to mentally transport oneself to the peaceful vibrations of the actual cave in the Himalayas.
As part of the How-to-Live training, children were exposed to a wide array of creative and self-development activities, including social etiquette, garland making, gardening, and crafts. To encourage thoughtful and responsible conduct, children were also allotted a daily “Self-Directed Activity” hour, which they could spend in journaling, introspection, and guided tours of the Ashram.
The memorable week concluded with a celebratory “palki” procession where children and teens devotionally carried the photos of Gurus on palanquins that they had lovingly designed through the week, while singing bhajans. They also participated in a spiritual quiz, treasure hunt, a special documentary screening on Guruji’s early life, and a camp slideshow that made them reminisce about the week gone by.
Noida Ashram:
YSS Noida ashram hosted two separate week-long camps for girls and boys across May and June. The participants were divided into four groups and placed under the loving guidance of trained group leaders.
Morning Japa-walks in the ashram were one of the highlights of the camp’s spiritual routine, helping children set the right tone for the day. Guru Katha and daily Sunderkand sessions also brought out their devotional expression. In addition to How-to-Live classes based on Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, the camp included sessions on developing life skills such as digital safety and emergency first aid. The little ones also had an opportunity to interact with monastics and quench their spiritual curiosity.
Chennai Ashram
The newly inaugurated YSS ashram in Chennai hosted two separate summer camps for boys and girls through the last week of April and the first week of May. Each camp began with a heartwarming meet-and-greet event for parents and children, hosted by the monastics. The camp schedule was thoughtfully curated around the theme “Soul Qualities for Young Ones,” with each day dedicated to specific spiritual qualities such as compassion, humility, joy, courage, wisdom, and devotion.
Activities such as crafts, screenings of animation films, and games were intentionally designed to complement the day’s theme and deepen children’s understanding of spiritual qualities. Special sessions on cooking and relaxation also helped the children develop a holistic idea about health and wellness.
The summer camps held across Yogoda Satsanga Ashrams were not only educational and spiritual retreats, but also a time for young minds to discover their inner potential through the universal and timeless teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. As children and teens returned home carrying memories, inspiration, and practical wisdom, many left with a deeper sense of connection with Guruji and tools to nurture their inner life.
Testimonials:
Parents and children shared their experiences of the camp:
Children:
“I enjoyed the meditation and pot painting classes… I have made good friends here”
“This (Chennai) camp was a lot of fun! I definitely want to come back next year and even bring my friends along… I want them to experience the same happiness that I felt after meditation…”
Parents:
“...The camp was a perfect balance of fun and learning, allowing the children to embrace Guruji’s teachings while enjoying every moment…”
“...programs like this one will help children follow the path of a balanced life shown by Guruji”
“The spiritual routine in the company of monks and other children in the beautiful Ashram environment has benefitted my child immensely…”
“Letters to Guruji” by Summer Camp Children
During Ranchi Youth Camp, 2025, young devotees learned to express their devotion to Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda in the form of personal letters written to him. Following are a few excerpts:
My dear Guruji,
… How are you? I hope you are well. My wish is that I do better in meditation, help others, do better in studies and bring glory to my parents. I always want to think good, I know that you are always with me. Jai Guru!
Your disciple.
– S
Dear Guruji,
I am happy here. How are you? I gave you Dairy Milk chocolate a few days ago. Hope you liked it. I have opted for the Science stream…I have high hopes. By the way, your eyes are very beautiful. I don’t meditate everyday but I will try.
Affectionately,
– MK
Divine Gurudev,
How have you been? I am good here. I have something really important to discuss.
When will you come to me? When will you give me your Darshan? Last time, when I saw you, I remember that joy.… I know once you come to me and give me your darshan life’s challenges will vanish. Also, I need your blessings to make my will power strong. Guruji do you know I love you? You know it. Right? Just help me so that I can “love Thee until Thou dost become my only love.”
Your beloved daughter,
– D
Guruji, how are you? I am fine. Thank you for bringing me into this Ashram’s camp. It was a lot of fun here. I was waiting to come here since last year. I am so happy. Thank you. Guruji, I love you.
– K
Dear Guruji,
I hope you are free to listen to my wish. I am writing to say that I want you to converse with me and guide me in my life. And I have one more wish. I want some litchis from your litchi tree.
Lovingly,
– AV
