After a 5-year hiatus for in-person YESS Camps, Young Enthusiastic Shinshu Seekers (YESS) Camp 40 will be held in person the weekend of May 25-27, 2024 at the Buddhist Study Center near UH Manoa in Honolulu! YESS Camp builds bonds among youth from around the state as they interact and learn about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Registration for youth aged 13-23 is open through May 1 at this link: https://forms.gle/FfMe4jVBWKEC8P9x6 (or use the QR code).
The theme for this year’s camp is “Daruma & Me: YESS we’re back!” Resilience will be a common thread throughout the weekend, with mixers, games, Dharma discussion emphasizing practical applications of Buddhism to life and social issues, and activities related to perseverance and getting back up.
To register, campers aged 13-23 may fill out the registration form accessed via the registration link. You may access the form with the QR code above or in the event flyer. Register by May 1 (or by April 15 for a discount).
Prospective counselors aged 18-29, who are interested in leading the youth and providing a safe-space opportunity for young Buddhists in Hawaii, should contact Emi Hashi, the Children and Youth Activities Specialist for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii at ehashi@honpahi.org.
Here are some ways that anyone can support YESS Camp 40:
- Share: If you know any youth who are in the 13-23 year old age range, please encourage and support them in attending YESS Camp and share this information and flyer.
- Eat: Participate in the upcoming Panda Express fundraiser on Friday, May 3. To support YESS Camp, please order online from Panda Express on May 3 and enter the code 922500 in the fundraiser code box at checkout. Mahalo!
- Advertise: Consider purchasing an ad for your business or organization in the YESS Camp booklet which will be distributed to all campers and counselors (ads will be printed in black and white). Proceeds will support airfare for campers from neighbor islands, or future iterations of YESS! Get your ad no later than May 3. Here is the form to purchase an ad (includes online payment link).
Mahalo for your support of Buddhism and youth!