Meet a Summer Zen Camp Counselor

Victoria So Yeon Kim served as a camp counselor at the Bulkwang Zen Center summer camp. The population of Korean Buddhists in the United States is dwindling making this camp an important opportunity for students and children with like-heritage and tradition to connect with one another across state boundaries to develop a stronger network and potentially a long-term support system for one another. This trip was full of new friendships, great memories, and a meditative experience.

The kids, from Atlanta, Georgia, NJ, and NY, took a trip to NYC were. They explored the city’s financial district, Times Square, Central Park, Soho, and a few took a nap on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

Her service included assisting the two head monks who run the 6 nights and 7 day program which is full of relaxation, yoga, meditation, and exciting field trips. She prepared food and packed water for field trips, took pictures of the children at all hours throughout the camp for their parents, and made herself available for the children if they needed anything at all.

Victoria said of her time with the children that wasn’t the typical volunteer work she’s done as she felt like a part of a big family here, mentoring children and assisting two Buddhist monks whit whom she grew up; “I was exhausted during this camp and it required a lot of patience. However, I was not the only assistant volunteer, I worked with two other college students and the 2 head monks which made the process a lot smoother for all of us. I think I improved the skill to work with children better after this camp because I really got to know the children very well and their needs. I also learned to understand them and put them before myself, because after all this summer camp was created for these children to have a wonderful experience…I was only present at the camp for one week, to the children I was a mentor, a person to look forward to, and a part of these children’s memories. I will always remember that and be the best person I can be for them in future summer camps I will be working with.”