Around 150 children and 50 youth volunteers from Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham gathered at the beautiful Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire on Saturday 28 June 2025, for an unforgettable day filled with sports, team-building, and cherished memories.
Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Beaumanor Hall provided a scenic and serene setting for the one-day camp. The event, aptly named ‘Samp Camp’, focused on nurturing unity, friendship, and joy among the children, while also inspiring them to strengthen their values and bonds.
The day began with blessings and motivational messages from swamis of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester. Drawing upon the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, they encouraged the children to make the most of the day by supporting each other, building friendships, and embodying the spirit of samp (unity).
A variety of engaging activities kept the young participants energised throughout the day. From football and cricket to pedal go-karts and carnival games, every child found something to enjoy. The inflatable attractions – a classic bouncy castle and a thrilling one-on-one obstacle course – proved especially popular, bringing smiles and laughter to all.
Reflecting on the experience, Ohm Patel, aged 11, from Leicester, shared, “The different sports along with the inflatables and the ice cream van made the day so much fun!”
Similarly, Shreeya Parikh, aged 13, from Birmingham, said, “It was amazing to play so many activities and meet friends from other centres. The highlight was staying overnight with my friends!”
The day’s focus on teamwork helped cultivate new friendships and create a sense of family among the children. The dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers ensured that each activity ran smoothly and safely. Jayesh Patel, one of the youth volunteers, expressed, “It was so fulfilling to see the children enjoy themselves. I’m already looking forward to helping again next year.”
As the sun shone brightly on a warm summer’s day, the excitement culminated with a friendly water fight that brought refreshing joy to everyone. For the older children, the adventure continued with an overnight stay that included additional games, team-building challenges, and a light-hearted competition the following morning.
Samp Camp 2025 concluded as a resounding success – a day that inspired unity, fostered lifelong friendships, and left each participant with cherished memories to carry forward.