Rooted in the guiding theme of ‘Satsangnā Pāyā’, the Bal-Balika Sevak Training (BST) Summer Camp for 2025 was held from Thursday 14 August to Wednesday 20 August at Warwick Conference Park and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
More than 110 balaks and balikas, supported by 40 dedicated karyakars, gathered for seven days of learning, bonding, and spiritual enrichment.
The camp centred on the four mahavakyas of Shastriji Maharaj, with each day delving into the core takeaways explained by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Through interactive sessions, activities, and group discussions, the children learned how to develop unflinching faith in Akshar-Purushottam upasana and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Each day blended structured learning with fun and creativity. A lively treasure hunt, sports session, and a video project on Shastriji Maharaj’s mandirs encouraged teamwork while consolidating a deeper understanding of his legacy.
Delegates also had the rare opportunity of engaging in interactive Q&A sessions with Atmatruptdas Swami and Dharmasetudas Swami, who shared personal guidance that inspired the bal-balika sevaks.
The outings brought the camp’s lessons to life. The balaks journeyed to Ashridge Estate, where they completed a scavenger hunt in which they followed Shastriji Maharaj in a journey to propagate Akshar-Purushottam upasana. Joined by Atmatruptdas Swami, they reflected on Shastriji Maharaj’s courage and conviction. Meanwhile, the balikas explored Central London through a scavenger hunt of their own, visiting historical places that have been sanctified by our gurus. They completed fun yet meaningful challenges that encouraged teamwork, strengthened friendships, and deepened their appreciation for samp, suhradbhav, and ekta.
The evenings were filled with preparatory sessions for the much-anticipated “BST’s Got Talent” showcase. The children exhibited their abilities, from music and dance to skits and storytelling.
The camp concluded at London Mandir with a finale programme that recapped the year, highlighted the most memorable moments of the camp, and shared final blessings and insights from the senior swamis. It was a fitting close to a week of inspiration, fun, and growth.
Through seven transformative days, the children left with a stronger identity, firm conviction in Akshar-Purushottam upasana, and a deeper jodaan (spiritual connection) with their guru, Mahant Swami Maharaj.