BLIA Washington D.C. Hosts “Three Acts of Goodness” Summer Camp: Learning Through Fun, Growing with Joy

Reported by Elizabeth Hsu, Washington D.C, USA

The Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Washington D.C. Chapter held its 2025 Three Acts of Goodness Children’s Summer Camp from June 23 to 26, welcoming 15 children ages 6 to 12. Campers were split into junior and senior groups by age and guided by youth counselors from BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) of Washington D.C.

On the first day, Venerable Miao Jou—superintendent of Fo Guang Shan North Carolina and advising venerable to the D.C. Chapter—offered words of encouragement, reminding campers to have fun and learn well. From there, the camp launched into a fun and enriching lineup of activities and classes.

The camp’s curriculum was age-specific, with most lessons separated by group, except for martial arts, which was held together. The program balanced creativity, cultural learning, and physical movement to offer a well-rounded experience.

Senior campers explored Buddhist teachings, hands-on science, and a DIY ice cream-making class using basic science principles. Each team also collaborated to write, direct, and perform an original skit on the theme of friendship, designing their own props along the way. Other workshops included Chinese calligraphy, mindful doodling, and Chinese knotting—encouraging cultural awareness and artistic expression. Dance and martial arts classes gave children an outlet to express energy and build confidence.

Junior campers focused on Three Acts of Goodness education. Through games like animal camouflage, they learned to observe nature and explore scientific concepts. Lessons about the difference between “wants” and “needs” helped shape positive values. Other classes introduced food knowledge, arts and crafts, calligraphy, and Chinese painting. Energetic activities like folk dancing, singing camp songs, martial arts, and diabolo spinning brought learning to life. Life skills education also emphasized not being picky eaters, reducing food waste, and tidying up after themselves.

Despite the summer heat, campers stayed enthusiastic. Outdoor sessions were moved indoors as needed, and the excitement never dimmed. Teams were named after the four great bodhisattvas—Guanyin(Avalokitesvara), Manjusri, Samantabhadra, and Ksitigarbha. Each group created its own team cheer, sparking energy, creativity, and team spirit throughout the camp.

On the final day, teams showcased their friendship-themed skits to an audience of parents. Their performances highlighted teamwork and mutual support, earning enthusiastic applause. Many parents commented on how much their children enjoyed learning and playing and expressed hopes for a longer camp next year. One camper’s mother, Olivia’s mom, shared, “My child loved every moment. We’re hoping for a week-long—or even two-week—camp next year.”

The camp also revealed meaningful growth and transformation in the children. Volunteer Jin Qiaoping noted that many campers made noticeable progress. “On the first day, some kids left food on their plates.

By the last day, everyone was finishing their meals,” she said. One camper, Dina, had been shy last year but this year joined in with confidence. Seven-year-old Aiden, once a mischievous little one, was now actively raising his hand to participate and even recited the Buddha’s Light Verse by heart to the Venerable—an impressive milestone.

Xu Baihua, director of BLIA D.C.'s educational programs, shared that this year marked the fourth annual summer camp. “In the beginning, we had to invite YAD members from New York to help run things,” she said. “Now, with our own Washington D.C. YAD up and running, they’re fully capable of organizing and leading the camp themselves. Watching them grow step by step has been truly rewarding.”