Thanks to a great team of Tzu Chi volunteers, once again we are happy to put Master Cheng Yen's teachings into practice by hosting the 2014 Local Tzu Ching Camp; a great event that brings us together with love, respect, care, and most of all, what it really means to be a Tzu Ching volunteer.
- by Kgabo Semenya -
- edited by Joanne Lan -
 |
| Photo by: Mei Lee |
 |
| Photo by: Vincent Mokare |
This began on a lovely Saturday morning on the 18th July 2014; the local Tzu Ching volunteers and the Gogos arrived at the Tzu Chi office at Bedfordview, Gauteng South Africa. Upon arrival, they started with the camp welcoming and registration for all the learners and the Gogos. Thanks to the publication team, the name tags and all the registration documents were ready to help kick start the day.
After registration, all learners were allocated into five groups, each with five members. The group leaders were vital in ensuring that all the learners came to work together as a team during the camp.
The camp formally began with the customs of the opening ceremony, followed by the introduction by camp leader, Richard Malesa, assisted by student leader, Nomfundo Lukhele. They welcomed all the excited learners and explained to them what the camp was all about and what was expected from each individual during the seminar.
 |
| Photo by: Thapelo Semenya |
 |
| Photo by: Kgabo Semenya |
The curriculum team started with a few ice-breaker games to help everyone get warmed up and to become acquainted with one another. After the games, everyone was ready for the lessons and activities that had been prepared for them. Books and pens at the ready, the learners were introduced to Buddhist rituals and Tzu Chi mannerisms, group discussions, lessons regarding Tzu Chi's 4 missions within their community, values of love and care, how having a positive attitude can influence our surrounding environment, the keys to public speaking and "saying what you mean", the importance of protecting our environment through recycling and vegetarianism, and how to make use of today's technology and maps.
 |
| Photo by: Kabelo Mashele |
The camp could not have been a success if it was not for the logistics and catering team. They ensured our camp was wonderful and enjoyable by always providing delicious food for everybody. We are very proud of our local Tzu Ching volunteers because for the first time, we had a group of Tzu Chi youth take control of the catering team. They served us with nice, soft porridge and hot tea during the cold mornings for our breakfast; for our lunch and supper, they served us with delicious vegetable soup, rice and fruit.
The logistics team made sure our dormitories were ready and well prepared. They provided medication to those who felt sick and made warm blankets and jackets available to those in need of them during the night.
The camp came to a close with the 2014 Uniform Ceremony which takes place during the closing ceremony. We were proud to announce and hand over the Tzu Ching uniform to our new officers who have shown hard work and dedication to Tzu Chi by working in their community over the year.
This was a great camp where we all learned a lot of things and how to become better Tzu Ching volunteers.
Looking forward to more experiences next year...
 |
| Photo by: Mei Lee |
