2025 Georgia Buddhist Camp Recap: Level Up—The Quest for Connections
From April 10–13, campers of all ages came together at the beautiful Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington for the 12th Annual Georgia Buddhist Camp. This year’s theme, Level Up: The Quest for Connections, encouraged us to slow down, reflect, and forge deeper bonds with ourselves, each other, and the world around us through timeless Buddhist teachings.
After 11 years at Hard Labor Creek, our new location was very well received—offering wide-open spaces and a natural setting that felt spacious, peaceful, and relaxing, welcoming even more campers of all ages. Whether meditating by the lake, playing hours of basketball, participating in walking meditation as a group, or simply enjoying a quiet walk between sessions, the environment itself became part of the practice. One of the most meaningful elements was the genuine connection formed between campers and monastics, enriching the experience through shared presence, wisdom, and heartfelt conversations.
Day 1: Storytelling & Stars
We kicked things off with joyful energy and a strong sense of community to break the ice. Campers dove right into meeting one another through a lively storytelling contest that showcased creativity, humor, and courage. Team #2 earned top honors—judged by none other than Emmy-winning actor David Harbour, best known for Stranger Things and this summer’s anticipated Marvel blockbuster, Thunderbolts.
He was especially impressed by the team’s decision not to rely on “ringers” (a few friendly monastics!) and their convincingly choreographed police chase scene. We’re incredibly grateful to David for spending two days at camp—including his birthday (which he humbly didn’t even mention!). His kindness and willingness to truly engage made a lasting impact on everyone.
Day 2: Wisdom, Free Time, and Trivia Night
Friday offered a rich mix of Dharma talks, open time, and meaningful conversations. Venerable Dong Hue moved the teens with stories from her Plum Village training, where even the smallest beings—like insects—are treated with compassion and respect.
Venerable Jin Wei Chi brought his perspective from Berkeley, CA, speaking candidly about how Silicon Valley’s tools often create an illusion of connection, encouraging us instead to turn inward for true clarity. He reminded us that Buddhism isn't about external validation, but a return home.
Venerable Thai Phong led a thoughtful session with the teens, speaking openly about growing up in the U.S., majoring in IT, and choosing the monastic path after college. His honesty about navigating both modern life and spiritual commitments offered teens a powerful example of what an integrated path can look like.
Sister Khema inspired young campers through art-making and nurturing stories. She also taught teens about Avalokiteshvara, covering topics like: Who is Avalokiteshvara?, The story of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Miraculous powers of Avalokiteshvara, The mantra of Avalokiteshvara, and Three important dates of celebration. (View the presentation here.)
Elementary-age kids were seen laughing, peacefully making art, and learning with older teens, who shared advice on school, college prep, and applying Buddhist lessons to daily life—showing just how strong intergenerational bonds can be.
To cap off the day, everyone gathered for Trivia Night—a joyful and engaging way to test our knowledge of Buddhism and share a few laughs together.
Day 3: Teachings, Fire Puja, and Kid-led Talent show
Saturday flowed with depth and insight. Campers of all ages took part in customized classes, peaceful meditation walks, and open discussions with monastics. The serene setting continued to nourish the spirit, as campers found their favorite spots to play, talk, or simply be in silence.
One of the unique highlights this year was the presence of Tibetan monastics from the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, who joined us just before their graduation to support the camp. Their joyful presence and insightful contributions added a rich new layer of tradition to our learning environment. They assisted with children’s classes, guided meditations, and shared reflections rooted in Tibetan monastic training. Campers especially appreciated how they engaged kids with thoughtful questions—turning even casual conversations into meaningful moments. Their deep, resonant chanting during meal blessings filled the space with peace and reverence.
The abundance of knowledge and wisdom at camp created countless opportunities for personal connection with monastic teachers. Campers of all ages were able to engage in one-on-one conversations, ask questions, and receive guidance in an open and welcoming atmosphere.
In the afternoon, Gala Rinpoche taught Engaging the 51 Mental Factors Practical Applications of Buddhist Psychology for Digital-Age Teens (View the presentation here) —sharing Tibetan insights to help teens navigate social media anxiety, academic stress, and emotional overwhelm. Teens were encouraged to observe their minds with curiosity and cultivate mindfulness, non-attachment, and balance.
The session offered practical tools for inner growth, empowering youth to respond to life with wisdom and compassion rather than reactivity or pressure. This is an ongoing practice—each moment of awareness helps build a more mindful, grounded way of navigating both ancient wisdom and modern-day challenges. Demonstrating how technology can be used with mindfulness and intention, Gala Rinpoche even offered to AirDrop the presentation to the teens so they could revisit the material on their own time.
The evening concluded with a powerful smoke purification puja led by Gala Rinpoche and the Tibetan scholars. This traditional ritual includes offerings of incense, tea, and sacred substances to the spirits of the land and surrounding elements—inviting blessings of release, renewal, and harmony. Beneath the stars and a glowing full moon, with a fire at our center, we closed the day with s’mores and a joyful kid-led talent show, where young campers lit up the night with creativity, laughter, and heart.
Sister Khema was the subject and judge of the drawing competition.
Final Day: Roses, Thorns & Buds
Sunday morning wrapped things up with reflection and gratitude. In our closing circle, campers shared their “roses” (favorite moments), “thorns” (challenges), and “buds” (new insights or things they’re looking forward to). Children presented gifts and certificates to their teachers, creating a heartfelt sendoff.
One father of two summed it up beautifully:
“I’ve start reading the Dalai Lama’s books, but this camp felt like experiencing Buddhist teachings in real life and seeing compassion in action.”
Looking Ahead
As campers returned home, many left with new friendships, deeper clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether through monastic guidance, shared moments around a campfire, or a quiet walk in nature, the 2025 camp truly helped us level up our connections.
This is just the beginning. We hope everyone goes home refreshed and committed to putting into practice what they’ve learned—carrying forward the energy of connection, mindfulness, and compassion into everyday life.
Thank you to every participant, teacher, monastic, and volunteer who helped make this experience unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to next year—and invite all who feel inspired to join us in helping shape the journey ahead. If you'd like to volunteer and be part of creating something meaningful, sign up here.
Thank you to everyone who attended!
We hope you enjoyed the experience and left feeling more connected and inspired.
Check back about next year’s camp!
Final Touches Underway, Thanks to Our Incredible Volunteers
March 2025
As Georgia Buddhist Camp 2025 approaches, our volunteers are hard at work making sure everything is in place for a meaningful, connected experience. This year’s theme—Level Up: The Quest for Connections—is coming to life through every detail.
Youth leaders recently met at Tea Drip in Duluth to help refine the camp schedule, ensuring it's both engaging and supportive. Their thoughtful suggestions are helping shape a program to ensure that campers will be engaged and have a good time.
Geshe Phende continues to guide us with wisdom, helping fine-tune the prayer booklet and craft activities so they reflect the theme of connection through lens of Dharma.
Fred is putting the final polish on the prayer book layout, with help from Tenzin, Paa, and other dedicated volunteers. And yes—t-shirts are officially ordered!
Thanks to everyone’s time, effort, and merit, we’re creating a space where campers can reset and leave more refreshed, compassionate, and connected.
We’re almost there—see you soon!
Special Guest:
David Harbour is Joining Us
at Camp!
We’re thrilled to announce that David Harbour—yes, the Emmy-nominated actor from Stranger Things—will be joining us at this year’s Georgia Buddhist Camp!
David’s connection to Buddhism runs deeper than most might expect. A recent encounter at Grant Park Meditation at Quang Minh Temple brought him into conversation with one of our committee members. After learning about his long-standing interest in the Dharma, our committee member invited him to join us at camp—and he said yes!
David’s journey with Buddhism began years ago. His close college friend—now known as Thầy Pháp Lưu, is a senior monastic in the Plum Village tradition. You can learn more about Thầy Pháp Lưu and his teachings here.
That’s exactly why he’s excited to join us—to step away from digital distractions, reconnect with what matters, and help us all deepen our connections to each other and ourselves.
We’re beyond grateful for his support and can’t wait to welcome him—and all of you—to a transformative weekend of mindfulness, connection, and community this April.
“The Dharma is truly a warm bath of peace and joy when seen against this modern tech.”
- David Harbour
