In the warm embrace of the Australian summer sun, with the spiritual Mount Warning standing tall looking over the Sathya Sai College in Dungay, NSW, a group of children from across the country embarked on an experiential journey at the Sai Spiritual Retreat. This retreat was not just a getaway; it was a sacred space where young hearts found solace, joy, and spiritual nourishment from the 25th – 27th January.
Attended by over 80 participants, the event was filled with fun activities, inspiring stories, and opportunities for creative expression, all centered around the teachings of our beloved Swami.
Crafted with love and care to provide a joyful and spiritually uplifting experience, children participated in fun games, Vibuthi Cup (sports), creative art and music workshops, outdoor adventures at the nearby beach, meditation and prayer. Parents and adults had the opportunity to participate in the Sai School Working Bee, attend parenting workshops and volunteer for the retreat.
Devotional singing filled the air every morning and evening, as the children raised their voices in heartfelt praise and gratitude to our beloved Sai. In these moments of collective prayer, they felt the presence of Swami’s divine grace, guiding them towards inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, the children and teachers gathered around a crackling bonfire, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. Here, they sang devotional songs together, forging bonds of friendship that transcended boundaries of age and background. In the flickering light of the flames, they felt a sense of belonging, a recognition of the divine spark that unites us all.
But the retreat was not just about quiet contemplation; it was also a place for joyful play and exploration. On the sandy shores of a nearby beach, the children engaged in educational games and their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves. They raced along the beach, their spirits soaring as they reveled in the joy of movement and freedom., being one with nature.
As they bid farewell to each other, the children carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. They had experienced the transformative power of Sai’s love, and they knew that wherever life’s journey may take them, they would always carry His light in their hearts.
In the end, the success of the Sai Spiritual Camp lay not in the activities or the amenities, but in the hearts and minds of the children who attended. Through the various activities, they discovered the true essence of spirituality – a journey of love, joy, and oneness with the divine, our dear Swami.
Here are some comments from participants:
“Thank you for organising such a beautiful retreat. It was perfectly organised, and we all had such a lovely time. We are looking forward to the next one. “
“We really enjoyed the retreat and always happy to serve for Swami in any capacity with His grace. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the service team in the SSE retreat. Looking forward to the next one.”