Our Mission
Here at Bharatiya Hindu Temple Camp, we provide a safe and fun environment where every child can feel like he or she belongs. We integrate Hindu culture and traditions as a vital part of each day at Camp. However, we also focus on teaching leadership, service and respect for all. Our work and our philosophy changes the way children view their Hindu identity and form strong long lasting bonds within the community. Discover the variety of activities we offer and our innovative approach to facilitate intellectual and spiritual growth.
OUR STORY
1985 - Humble Beginnings
It all began with 8 dedicated devotees in 1985 who wanted to create a spiritual center for Hindu Americans in central Ohio. In 1994, the Bharatiya Hindu Temple was inaugurated at its current location. In just 5 years with strong community support, the Temple was debt-free!
1997 - First Week
The first overnight Camp was held in the Bharatiya Hindu Temple in 1998 with the guidance of Devi Parvati from Hindu Heritage Summer Camp in Rochester, NY. At our first camp, we had only 8 counselors and 60 campers who stayed in tents outside the Temple. Those original campers had an amazing time and not only were delighted to return the next year but also still attend camp as some of our current counselors today! As the Temple continued to grow, there was need for a larger space where our youth could thrive. Completed in 2010, our state of the art Community Center with 4,000 square feet of space is the main location not only for the Gurukul classes during the school year but also for our annual Summer Camp. Furthermore, we have acquired a nearby house in order to expand our learning space.
2010 - Restart
Growing up as a Hindu American can be complicated in many ways but also offers a unique opportunity for our youth to enjoy the best of both worlds. By spending a week with other Hindu American children, we work not only to increase a child's comfort level about enjoying his or her religion, but also to create lifelong friendships with other children in the Hindu American community.
2011 - Revamp
Each day at Camp begins with puja and includes Sanskrit, bhajans, and Hindu philosophy classes. At the same time, we also focus on cultural traditions in the form of enjoying singing, dancing, games, and festivals from India. By recognizing each other as brother and sister, campers are taught to respect and care for each other as if they were family. Finally, no day of Camp would be complete without fun activities such as sports, arts and crafts, games, and campfires! Watching our Talent Show at the end of Camp, you'll be amazed to see how much each camper grows in just one week!
2020 - Virtual Camp
Our loving mother Earth went on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. The Earth as we knew once has changed. But the change does not stop our dedicated counselors and campers. It’s the counselors who stepped up and said let’s do camp because that’s something our campers always look forward to and the highlight of the summer. Our counselors used their creativity and imagination to plan a one-day virtual camp and used the materials available in the house to plan activities and arts & crafts.
2022 - 3 Days Camp
Due to the continuous spread of coronavirus Covid-19 and the safety of our counselors, campers, and temple members. We invite you to our 3-day in persona camp without an overnight stay. We are excited to finally meet you face to face after two years of being virtual. Even though it’s not an overnight and weeklong camp, we have amazing activities and fun classes planned for you to enjoy and to make these 3 days memorable.
FUTURE
We invite you all to come to visit us at the Temple and find out more about Camp. You'll be amazed to see how the camp can benefit you. Also, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to help! See you soon at the Temple!