Shambhala Sun Summer Camp

Shambhala Sun Summer Camp, or Sun Camp is a camp for youth between the ages of 10 and 16. It is usually held in the months of June to August, and has three locations in North America and Europe. It is largely based on Shambhala Buddhist military teachings.

Camp Life

Campers live based on the practices of the Dorje Kasung, living according to a military-style discipline. The majority of the camp is conducted outdoors. The campers live in tents, work together to cook for the camp (between 50 and 200, depending on enrollment) and maintain the campground. Drill maneuvers and marching are practiced daily, as well as meditation.

Campers are guided by the more experienced campers and Cadet Command Corps (or Cadet Command Workshop, CCW) who are placed in leadership positions in order to help run the camp and promote mindfulness in the younger attendees. Many of the day to day activities are run by Cadets. The Cadet Command Workshop lasts for three days before the beginning of the actual Sun Camp, where Cadets practice their drill and leadership skills and prepare themselves to care for campers when they arrive. The Cadets will also set up the camp, conduct a CCW skirmish, and continue meditation instruction.

During the middle of the week there is a talent night, in which campers are encouraged to prepare a skit, an improv, artistic demonstration, or other 'talent based activity'. At the end of the week there is a large-scale skirmish (which may last from 1-3 hours, depending on weather conditions), in which campers use the discipline, maneuvers, and mindfulness they have learned throughout the week to work together and have fun in a game similar to capture the flag.

Locations

There are three locations around the world where Sun Camp is held. There are locations in France, Colorado, USA, And Nova Scotia, Canada.

Nova Scotia

Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada. Dorje Denma Ling

France

Mas Marvent, France. Dechen Chöling

Colorado

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Shambhala Mountain Center

External links

*http://www.shambhala.org/suncamp/ - Official SIte