Tools for Peace

From August 1-10, I was up in the Tehachapi Mountains at the Ari Bhod Buddhist Center working for their Tools for Peace Camp. It draws kids from all over California together to work on a curriculum based on the Tibetan Buddhist Shi-tro mandala. It was an incredible experience. The kids were nothing less than adorable and completely lovable, and there were some major breakthroughs throughout the week. It was intensely emotional at times -- listening to the kids' stories -- but it was also great fun! We sang karaoke, made a sand mandala, went horseback riding & swimming. It was definitely the most rejuvenating experience of my summer. I was the official photographer for the camp, and here are some of the stills from the week.

This the sand mandala the kids made, under the guidance of Loren Witcher & Lama Lhondrup.



This was taken at the Dye Natatorium. It took me a while to set it up, and everybody else there (because it was a public pool) was wondering what the heck was going on... but man, what a capture! I love this shot! So fun!



Here's a few of the lovelies at the camp enjoying the water.



One of the things the campers did was write a song together. This was when one of the musical visitors was guiding them in the music-making. The song turned out beautifully, thanks to Lynne Earls, the visiting sound engineer!



The campfire shots were some of my favorites of the whole lot. Such lovely warm light. We spent time singing, laughing, and crying together at the campfires. There was so much love and support among all of us in the group.



Here's shot of Lama Gyatso taken while he was talking to the kids. He's the keystone of the camp and the driving force behind Ari Bhod.


All told, I'm really grateful to have been able to participate. I very much look forward to doing it again next year!