SHARING THE EXPERIENCE Jain Center of South Florida

SHARING THE EXPERIENCE Jain Center of South Florida

SELECTED TOPICS Spiritual Summer Camp Community Programs : Interfaith Programs Participation County Library Religious Display Responsibility Unique & Building Confidence Methodology of Teaching

SPIRITUAL SUMMER CAMP Objective : Jain spiritual learning fun for our kids. Volunteer opportunities for High School kids Social Benefit – Long lasting friendship Ability to address time consuming & Repetitive topics then regular Pathshala allows Excellent opportunity to recruit more students-parents Camp Details : Week long camp at Jain center from 8 A-4 P. Snacks, Lunch included Participation : 6 years and older Participation of out of town families Discount for Volunteer Parents Samanijis, local leaders, Medical students for lectures Daily Email with activities updates, Menu, special instructions

SPIRITUAL SUMMER CAMP …

SPIRITUAL SUMMER CAMP … Activities Yoga, Meditation Learn Jain Rituals, reciting Prayers-Shloks-Mantra Spiritual Board games, spiritual quizzes Outdoor activities (Bowling) Participate in skit Spiritual DVDs Lunch & snacks Sample Flyer :

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS INTERFAITH PROGRAMS PARTICIPATION Objective : Disseminate Jainism knowledge to other faiths Stage opportunities for kids Knowledge about other faiths Social Benefit – Long lasting friendship with others Details : Present Jain principles Present Jainism principle related skits Present Jain festivals

INTERFAITH PROGRAM PARTICIPATION HINDU CELEBRATION MONTH – INTERFAITH EVENT Jain Kids Presented Six Principles of Jainism Kids performed skit on Aparigraha

INTERFAITH PROGRAM PARTICIPATION WORLD RELIGION DAY CELEBRATION

COUNTY LIBRARY EXHIBIT Pathshala kids did project to Prepare Jain symbols. Ten designs were selected to be part of the County Library Display was placed in very visible area for the month of January 2012.

RESPONSIBILITY & BUILDING CONFIDENCE The main goals are to encourage leadership, volunteerism, build confidence and independence Observe, help and facilitate discussion of topics for encouragement Acknowledge and make kids feel important Make kids realize that being Jain is “cool” Let kids be responsible to do research for activities and new projects Put 3 -R’s in action Actively encourage High school kids to lead younger groups to showcase leadership and responsibility

RESPONSIBILITY & BUILDING CONFIDENCE Results: Active Participation in temple activities Improvement in behavior given responsibility Developing bond and respect with elders Kids come up with their own dialogues, acting Prepare their own speeches for MC duties Are comfortable being vegetarian at schools

UNIQUE METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING Explain the concept of Jainism with Scientific explanation appropriate to kids age Give positive reinforcement Instead of tradition teaching make it interactive Technology used as a educational tool