History

    RtadhvajaSwami’s Summer Trip program started in 1992. Leading the boys until the year 2005, he then passed on the responsibility to his students Krishna Priya das, Dattatreya das, Krsna Kishor das, and Sugosh das. Now, for Summer 2013, their students, Naveen Krishna das, Gopal das, Abhay das, and Ananta das are going to be leading the trip. They will apply everything their former leaders taught them and strive to improve and expand their program to give boys an enjoyable Krishna Conscious experience by traveling, visiting temples, Ratha Yatras, festivals, by creating long lasting friendships, and developing not only moral, but also spiritual character. The legacy will continue to the third generation... 

(Click here for more about the leaders this year!)

    In the year 2005, Rtadhvaja Swami retired due to his doctor’s orders only weeks before the 2005 Summer Trip was scheduled to begin. Having realized the impact of these trips on the lives of young boys and in honor of Maharaja, his students decided to continue and share the valuable knowledge and experience with a new generation. 

    The second generation leaders took the Summer Trip to the next level, adding and upgrading innumerable elements to the program. With great love and compassion, the leaders gave genuine attention and care to the boys, teaching them virtue and bestowing to them love for Krishna. Krishna Priya always had the boys in his heart and in this way rendered great service to Srila Prabhupada. After many years of leadership, in 2013, the second generation leaders retired due to the approaching horizon only a few months before the 2013 Summer Trip was to be scheduled. Acknowledging the indescribable experience and importance of the trips, and recognizing the love their leaders had for them, the third generation has  decided to receive the torch of responsibility to lead the newest generation. 

    Headed by Krsna Kishor, the new organizers are all accomplished devotees within our ISKCON Society. The organizers began traveling with Krishna Priya in 2005 at the age of 12 and continued participating and helping organize until the present.

The Boys Summer Trip is a five to six week trip that visits ISKCON Temples and Ratha Yatras around the United States and Canada. The program focuses on helping boys develop a Krsna Conscious identity and vaisnava qualities, building friendships, and providing opportunities for devotional service. The trip also engages in adventure activities such as camping, recreational games, and occasionally visiting theme parks.

Daily Routine 2014

• Morning
• Morning Program - Greeting of the Deities, Gurupuja, japa
• Philosophy by Abhimanyu das (under guidance)
• 2013 Theme: "Sri Krishna's Pastimes"
• We have our own Summer Trip compilation of Vaisnava songs, prayers, and basic philosophy
• Breakfast
• Daily Duties - Service at temples, preparing for Ratha yatra, or just general clean up
• Afternoon
• Classes - Yoga, Sports, Chess, Mrdanga, Harmonium, Flute…
• Local attraction or activity – museums or science centers, swimming holes, local youth groups
• Lunch
• Evening
• Temple/Festival performances
• Dinner
• Group games or Down time
• Nightly ‘talks’ and group prayer before bed – talk and pray with boys about whatever they have on their minds.

Classes, Opportunities, and other activities:

• Vaishnava philosophy and etiquette
• Morning program, prasadam, and tilak prayers
• Mrdangam, Harmonium, Kartalas, Flute (Ananta is an expert musician)
• Sports
• Mayapur gurukula games, soccer, jui-jitsu, basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, chess.
• We visit many state and national parks and swim whenever possible.
• Abhi is an amazingly gifted cook and boys will have the opportunity to learn from him. ;)
• And much much more

Other information about the Summer Trip:

• We have a daily morning program.
• We visit many temples, ratha-yatras, and occasionally festivals. We do service and help out whenever and wherever we are needed.
• Boys will learn and perform a bhajan for the pleasure of devotees.  
• There are a variety of boys that attend the Summer Trip. Boys should be prepared to make lots of friends from many different backgrounds.
• Laundry is included in the tour fee and we do laundry at least once a week.
• Spending
• Boys are allowed to buy souvenirs and prasadam at festivals.
• In general no junk food, but if boys wish to buy anything else such as ice cream or soda, they must buy for all the boys.
• We have a salad with every meal. Boys should finish their plates.

Rules of the Summer Trip:

Participants must:

1. Follow the four regulative principles.
2. Chant a prescribed number of rounds daily (set by the boy at the onset of the trip).
3. Wear devotional attire at all spiritual functions, and at other times conservative dress.
4. Avoid unauthorized association with the opposite sex.
5. Turn spending money into group leader to avoid frivolous spending.
6. Avoid improper language, fighting, or engage in any illegal activities (stealing..ect).
7. Refrain from playing mundane music or video/computer games.
8. Agree to maintain a conservative haircut (buzzed up with a # 2 shaving attachment and keep a sika).
9. Have a positive attitude and strive for excellence in everything.
10. Always consider others first.