Junior youth gather in a spirit of joy and togetherness

Jul 18

Jul 18 Junior youth gather in a spirit of joy and togetherness

From 27–29 June, the grounds of Te Whare Akoranga Bahá’í, in Henderson Valley, Auckland came alive with laughter, music, learning, dance and the spirit of unity as junior youth from many different areas gathered for a three-day camp full of vibrant activities and meaningful conversations.

The camp brought together young people aged 11–14 years for a programme designed to strengthen friendships, nurture spiritual qualities, and inspire service to the community. Guided by a small group of dedicated animators and volunteers, the junior youth explored themes such as cooperation, perseverance, and the power of pure and loving hearts to bring positive change to the world.

Participants were organised into three groups according to age, with each group studying one of three texts: Habits of an Orderly Mind, Observation and Insight, and Rays of Light.

Habits of an Orderly Mind invited youth to reflect on how social media intentionally affects our attention and how cultivating an orderly mind can help us make wise choices. As part of this group’s activities, participants engaged in a creative air-dry clay project that helped them process and express the ideas they were learning.
Observation and Insight encouraged youth to observe the world around them with curiosity and thoughtfulness. They explored how observation can help dispel prejudice and contribute to the well-being and wealth of the community. Their activities included observing how light reflects on different materials, collecting leaves and flowers for closer examination, and creating an art piece incorporating these natural elements.
Rays of Light focused on learning about the life and qualities of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and deepening their faith. Youth in this group expressed their learning through composing and performing songs inspired by the themes they studied.

All three groups also participated in shared camp activities that included service in the kitchen, recreation, lively games, learning songs, and an engaging art workshop with clay and wood etching, allowing them to bond across groups and develop new friendships.

A special highlight came at the end of the camp, when the junior youth groups had the chance to showcase their learnings. They shared what they had explored over the three days in creative ways—through skits, songs, artwork, and presentations—offering parents and families an insight into the learning and connections nurtured during their time together. The atmosphere was filled with joy as families witnessed how much the junior youth had learned.

“The highlights for me were the uplifting energy at the camp and spending time with new friends. We all really bonded, and I had a great time. It felt really great to complete another JY text.”

The spirit of joy and togetherness was evident throughout the camp, leaving participants inspired to carry forward the lessons they learned into their daily lives and communities. The organisers expressed gratitude to all the volunteers and families whose support made the gathering possible.

As the junior youth said farewell on Sunday afternoon, many were already looking forward to future gatherings, eager to continue their journey of learning, friendship, and service.