07/16/2026
Dear Campers and Families,
Jai Shri Ram!
Thank you for registering for our 2026 Hindu Retreat Youth and Shantineketan Family Camp. We are excited to welcome you and look forward to a wonderful week of learning, friendship, fun, and the values of Sanatan Dharma.
Final Registration Opportunity
A limited number of spots are still available.
🌿 Youth Retreat (Ages 10–22) (Flier attached)
📅 Monday, July 27, 9:00 AM – Sunday, August 2, 12:00 PM
Registration Fee: $450
Register: https://tinyurl.com/YouthCampDMV
🌿 Family Retreat (All Ages) (Flier attached)
📅 Thursday, July 30 (Evening) – Sunday, August 2, 12:00 PM
Registration Fees:
Ages 12 & above: $125
Ages 5–11: $90
Ages 0–4: $40
Register: https://tinyurl.com/HinduFamilyCamp
📍 Venue: Lathrop Smith Center, Rockville, MD
Camp Administrator:
Mahendra Sapa
📞 301-377-3247
📧 [email protected]
Financial Assistance
Over the past few years, many families have experienced financial challenges. If cost is preventing your child from attending Youth Camp, please send me a private message. We will do everything possible to help. All requests will be kept strictly confidential.
Special Guest
We are delighted to welcome Shawn Binda from Canada (Hindu Lifestyle) once again as our special guest on Saturday.
Shawn ji and his wife will lead several inspiring youth-focused sessions and discussions.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/
Growing Together
Over the past three years, our Youth Camp has grown from just 20–25 participants to more than 70 youth between the ages of 10 and 23.
Thank you for helping build a thriving community rooted in Dharma, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
Families already registered for Family Camp who would like to upgrade their youth participant to the full Youth Camp experience may simply reply to this email and send the difference via Zelle.
Camp Check-In
Youth Camp
Monday, July 27
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Family Camp
Thursday, July 30
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Parent Sleepovers (Youth Camp)
A few parents of younger campers have asked about staying overnight.
Space permitting, parents may stay for one or two nights between Monday and Wednesday. We will already have designated mothers and fathers supervising the girls' and boys' dormitories.
If you are interested, please let us know by July 19.
Cell Phone Guidelines
To help campers fully immerse themselves in the camp experience, we encourage minimal phone use during activities.
Campers may contact parents periodically, especially in the evenings.
We encourage a brief call or message home before bedtime.
IndiaAsha is not responsible for lost or damaged phones or other electronic devices.
Food & Snacks
Food and snacks are not permitted in dorm rooms.
The camp provides all meals and snacks. Parents who wish to contribute healthy, shareable snacks may hand them to camp administration during check-in for appropriate distribution.
What to Pack
Clothing
Comfortable summer clothing
Closed-toe shoes
Flip-flops
Cap or hat
Youth campers: At least 8 sets of clothing
Saturday evening: Traditional Hindu/ethnic attire for our Cultural Night and Garba celebration
Essentials: Toiletries, Towel, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Portable fan (optional), Yoga mat, Reusable water bottle
Bedding: Bedsheet, Pillow, Blanket or comforter
(Bunk beds with mattresses are provided.)
Dharma in Action
Practicing Sanatana Dharma also means caring for nature. Please bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce waste and protect our environment.
Important Reminders
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
While we will do our best, we may not be able to accommodate every individual dietary requirement.
Please coordinate before meals with: Vihangbhai Patel and Animesh Shukla
Medications
Please bring all required medications.
For safety reasons, IndiaAsha.org volunteers and staff cannot administer prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Valuables
Please do not bring valuables.
Lockers are not available, and IndiaAsha.org is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.
Camp Expectations
All campers are expected to:
Participate fully in camp activities.
Treat fellow campers, volunteers, and camp property with respect.
Keep food out of dormitories.
Respect dormitory rules and boundaries.
Failure to follow camp guidelines may result in dismissal from camp without a refund.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together, let us make this a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience for every camper and family.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Warm regards,
Mahendra Sapa
Camp Administrator
301-377-3247
[email protected]
