Mentoring the next generation through community, service, and the bhakti tradition.
With social media and instant gratification constantly at our fingertips, it is increasingly easy to become drawn into a world that does not necessarily serve our deeper well-being. For young people, who are still discovering who they are and what they value, the need for meaningful connection, guidance, and a sense of belonging feels more important than ever.
For the past thirteen years, one of our most cherished services has been creating Bhakti Kids Camp, where children and youth experience community, nature, adventure, and spirituality in New Braj, a small bhakti-yoga community in California’s Central Valley near Sequoia National Park. Over the years, children have returned summer after summer. They have grown up together, formed lasting friendships, explored the roots of bhakti-yoga, and created memories tied not only to one another, but to a place, a community, and a living spiritual tradition.
“This year, our fourteenth year, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Many of the children who came to kids’ camp over the years are no longer children,” said camp director Malini Taneja. “Watching them grow up before my eyes, I had to ask a different question: How do we help them move from simply participating in something to feeling that they have a meaningful place within it and can contribute something of value?”
This year, the youth program became more integrated with the bhakti festival that has been held in New Braj for thirty years. Alongside spaces for personal mentorship and reflection, the youth began learning what it means to serve a community—to take responsibility, contribute their skills, care for others, and gradually develop a greater sense of ownership for a community and tradition they may one day carry forward.
Their days began with morning walks in the sunlight, meditation, chanting mantras, and reflecting on ancient stories and the lessons they hold for our own lives. Throughout the day, they participated in journaling, martial arts, cooking, yoga, dance, theater, art, and basic construction—all with mentors who led intentional conversations and shared their experience and wisdom in those fields. Some of the most important lessons, however, were found in the ordinary moments: serving food to their elders, helping prepare the festival, hauling the newly built stage up the hill, noticing when an auntie, uncle, parent, or community member needed a hand, and understanding that their service was valued and needed.
Tradition, when rooted and practiced by its elder generations, can offer this kind of grounding to its youth. It connects them to something that existed before them and asks them to care for something that will continue after them. This is what legacy means to us at Braj Bhumi. Our youth programs are one expression of Braj Bhumi’s larger commitment to strengthening community and creating spaces where wisdom can be practiced, shared, and passed from one generation to the next.
We invite you to be part of that work. If you are a senior, parent, or young adult with experience, skills, or wisdom to share, consider becoming a mentor and helping guide the next generation. Whether through teaching a skill, sharing your experience, offering spiritual guidance, or simply being a steady and caring presence, mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure that our traditions remain living and relevant for generations to come.
You can also support this work by staying connected through our newsletter and contributing financially. It takes a community. Every person who gives their time, care, experience, or resources helps create a place where young people can grow in service, responsibility, and a genuine sense of belonging.
For inquiries please contact malini@brajbhumi.com
