On September 22, the VIDSTA (Valley Isle Dharma School Teachers Association) held an island-wide dharma school kickoff picnic at Kama’ole 3 Beach park in Kihei. We could not have asked for a more perfect day as the sun above was shining amidst a deep blue sky, and balmy trade winds greeted us now and then. 50 to 60 children and adults from Kahului, Lahaina, Makawao, and Wailuku Hongwanji temples joined together to enjoy Food, Fun, and Fellowship!
Rev. Murakami began the day’s program with a service and President Aileen Cockett welcomed the group and expressed thanks to Sensei and the Wailuku Hongwanji dharma school parents who prepared the delicious meal of juicy hamburgers, hotdogs, and watermelon slices. There was even a huge helping of avocado wedges from Diane Lee of Kahului. Everything was so ONO!
Rev. Murakami had a line up of fun relay games for the children and parents: kicking a huge ball, walking and getting into a burlap sack, rolling with others in a large appliance cardboard box (both sides open), using two sticks to carry a large ball with a partner, throwing oodles of tennis balls into a container (children versus parents) and finally a tug-of-war game (children versus parents again)! Children won once then gave the parents a chance to win too! Junior YBA members assisted Sensei with the games. The final event was uniquely special as bags of round onions were emptied out onto the lawn for participants to get ready for a whistle blow, to “grab and pick up” onions to take home.
It was a perfect day for building memorable experiences for all dharma schoolers and their families! HAVE A GREAT DHARMA SCHOOL YEAR EVERYONE!
