Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Children's Summer Camp Nurtures Compassion Through the Three Acts of Goodness

June 29, 2026

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed more than 40 children to its Buddha's Light Children's Summer Camp from June 29 to July 1. Under the theme "Little Bodhisattvas Light Up the World," the three-day camp helped children cultivate kindness, self-awareness, teamwork, and compassion through the practice of the Three Acts of Goodness.

The program featured a variety of engaging activities, including Buddhist etiquette, mindfulness in motion, emotional awareness, body mapping, hands-on science experiments, creative learning, and story time. Each activity was designed to help children better understand themselves, care for others, and build positive relationships in everyday life.

At the opening ceremony, Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, invited the children to reflect on the question, "How can we light up the world?" Their responses included "helping others," "being kind," "making good friends," and "practicing the Three Acts of Goodness." Venerable Chueh Fan explained that every act of kindness, compassion, and generosity becomes a light that brightens the world.

Using a candle as a simple illustration, she encouraged the children to see that just as a single flame can brighten a dark room, each person has the ability to bring warmth, hope, and happiness to others. She also reminded them to cherish the love and support of their parents and volunteers with hearts of gratitude.

Representing the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, Lay Dharma Lecturer Sue Hutchison welcomed the campers and described the program as a meaningful opportunity for children to cultivate compassion, respect, teamwork, and gratitude. She shared that her two grandchildren were also participating, experiencing the values of the Three Acts of Goodness together.

More than a month of preparation went into the camp, with volunteers from the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) working together to create an engaging and memorable learning experience. Organized by Superintendent Venerable Zhi Guan, the camp brought together 25 youth leaders and volunteers from the Buddha's Light English Children's Dharma Class, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon & Lion Dance Team, the 6th Meadowvale Scout Group, and the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) to offer a diverse range of educational activities.

Led by teacher Angel Hsieh, the curriculum integrated the Three Acts of Goodness, the Four Givings, and the "Fo Guang Shan 60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy" commemorative exhibition. Through interactive, hands-on learning, children were encouraged to develop empathy, confidence, and a spirit of service, inspiring them to become compassionate young people who brighten both their own lives and the lives of others.

Children, volunteers, and organizers gather for the opening ceremony of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto's Buddha's Light Children's Summer Camp.
When Venerable Chueh Fan asks, "How can we light up the world?" the children eagerly respond, "Practice the Three Acts of Goodness!" "Help others!" "Be kind!" and "Make good friends!"
Led by Venerable Zhi Guan, the camp brings together the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD), the Buddha's Light English Children's Dharma Class, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon & Lion Dance Team, and the 6th Meadowvale Scout Group, combining their educational expertise to create a rich learning experience.
Children discover science through interactive, hands-on activities at the Mini Science Fair.
Integrating the Three Acts of Goodness, the Four Givings, and the "Fo Guang Shan 60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy" commemorative exhibition, the camp inspires children to become young Bodhisattvas who brighten their own lives and bring warmth to others.
Under the theme "Little Bodhisattvas Light Up the World," children practice Buddhist etiquette, mindfulness in motion, and emotional awareness while building self-confidence and teamwork skills.
Representing the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, Lay Dharma Lecturer Sue Hutchison welcomes the campers and describes the program as a meaningful opportunity to cultivate compassion, respect, teamwork, and gratitude.
During the "Body Map" activity, children explore the connection between emotions and the body through art, then share how drawings can express feelings such as happiness, sadness, and anger.
Led by Angel Hsieh of the Buddha's Light English Children's Dharma Class, the curriculum integrates the Three Acts of Goodness, the Four Givings, and the "Fo Guang Shan 60 Years of Passing the Lamp Honoring a 100-Year Legacy" commemorative exhibition.
Oliver Wang, Vice President of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD), shares that volunteers spent more than a month preparing the camp to create a meaningful and memorable learning experience for every child.