From Interactive Workshops to Self-Discovery: What Children Learned at SRMD’s Spiritualtouch Summer Retreat

Creating a space for young minds to pause, reflect, and discover their true identity, the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) conducted its Spiritualtouch Summer Retreat in the divine presence of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji at the serene Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur.

Designed for teenagers, the retreat brought together participants from across regions for an immersive, gadget-free experience that focused on inner awareness, values and purposeful living. Through a blend of reflection, interaction and creative exploration, the programme highlighted the importance of spirituality for the youth while thoughtfully addressing health and mental wellbeing.

Theme: Own Your Story

Centred on the theme ‘Own Your Story', the retreat encouraged teens to consciously shape their life journey rather than be guided solely by external influences. This underlying message flowed through every session and activity, supporting deeper self-reflection and strengthening emotional wellbeing and mental health wellness.

Wisdom Sessions and Mindful Practices

A core element of the retreat was its Wisdom Sessions, inspired by the life and teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji. These sessions invited participants to explore fundamental questions such as "Who am I?" and "What truly defines me?", nurturing clarity, self-awareness and emotional maturity.

Meditative practices were introduced in an accessible and engaging way, making them effective for meditation for beginners. Participants experienced practical meditation benefits, including improved focus, inner calm and emotional balance. The sessions also offered relatable guidance on how to control the mind and how to overcome anxiety, equipping children with tools they could apply in daily life.

Learning Through Action and Experience

The retreat seamlessly blended introspection with high-energy engagement through a wide range of thoughtfully curated experiences:

• Squad Games created a large-scale, value-driven arena that tested physical agility, psychological strategy and leadership abilities.
• The Zine Lab enabled creative self-expression as participants designed personalised, goal-oriented life blueprints in the form of custom magazines.
• Sunrise Collective and Adrenaline Rush introduced bamboo yoga, blindfold yoga, aqua fitness and aerial yoga, linking movement with mindfulness.
• The Factory Run offered a business school-style simulation that demonstrated how organisations can function within a strong ethical framework.
• Gourmaison, a MasterChef-style cooking experience, encouraged teamwork, creativity and mindful participation.
• The Smile Project provided meaningful rural community engagement, nurturing empathy and social responsibility.
• The Unmasked Social facilitated honest conversations around identity, authenticity and self-expression.
• After-hours Pulse Party fostered high-energy bonding through music, shared moments and keepsakes.

Additional experiences such as Bhajan Clubbing, Connection Circles, cultural celebrations and value-based creative expressions further enriched the retreat, blending spirituality with joy, connection and creativity.

Redefining Spiritual Learning for the Next Generation

Recognised among impactful Indian spiritual retreats and thoughtfully curated spiritual retreats in India, SRMD's Spiritualtouch Summer Retreat reflected a contemporary approach to spiritual learning. The programme concluded with an iconic convocation and autograph ceremony, celebrating individual growth and shared experiences.

By integrating wisdom, creativity, movement and service, the retreat offered young participants meaningful tools for clarity, confidence and conscious living, leaving a lasting imprint on their journey of self-discovery and holistic growth.