Self-Realization Fellowship’s Summer Youth Programs offer young people ages 10–16 an opportunity to learn and practice Paramahansa Yogananda’s “How-to-Live” spiritual principles amid the pine trees of southern California’s San Bernardino mountains. In this camp-like setting, young people have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God while developing friendships with spiritually minded peers.

The weeklong programs (held separately for boys and for girls) provide an opportunity for youth to nurture their spirituality free from the many distractions of daily life. Monastics provide spiritual counseling and instruction in the SRF techniques of energization and meditation. In addition, classes are given on applying the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda to create a balanced, harmonious life. 

Participants come together for morning and evening group meditations, which include devotional chanting and practice of the SRF Worldwide Prayer Circle technique of sending healing energy and peace to others and to the world at large.

The programs include plenty of time for fun and healthful recreational activities. In keeping with the spiritual focus of the camp, these are designed to help the boys and girls learn creativity, balance, concentration, teamwork, and regard for others. Arts and crafts, hiking, games, swimming, canoeing, singing, Hatha Yoga instruction, and enjoying fellowship are also part of the overall camp experience, which provides an ideal setting for making new friendships and deepening old ones.

Ample individual attention and supervision of activities is provided by an experienced staff of SRF monastics and adult lay members. Through their caring guidance, children gain an understanding and appreciation of spiritual principles that will benefit them throughout life. Three delicious vegetarian meals are served each day in the camp dining hall. 

“I love coming back every year. Camp really gives me spiritual strength and inspiration. I love how every year it’s a new and different learning experience, and opens a new depth of understanding.” 

The Self-Realization Fellowship “How-to-Live” Youth Programs are open to all children who are familiar with the SRF teachings and who have some understanding of meditation and the SRF Energization Exercises. For more information about the SRF “How-to-Live” Summer Youth Programs, you may call our Youth Services Department at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles at (818) 549-5160, or email us at youthservices@yogananda-srf.org. 

“Camp is like a yearly purification and renewal retreat. It is the time of year I look forward to most.”

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