As the new school year begins, many children look back fondly on their summer camp experiences—whether it was making arts and crafts, playing dodgeball, or performing in talent shows. However, for the kids who attended this year’s Hindu Heritage Youth Camp (HHYC) in the Houston area, the memories were about much more than just the usual camp activities. For the first time, the camp was held on its own 52-acre Texas Hindu Campsite, where children engaged in traditional practices like surya namaskar (sun salutations), singing bhajans (devotional songs), and participating in aartis (lamp rituals).
Abhimanyu Aggarwal, a 27-year-old former HHYC counselor now leading the camp’s steering committee, reflected on his childhood experience. He noted that he was not surrounded by peers who shared his cultural background, which often made it seem less engaging. However, he emphasized that the camp provides a supportive environment where kids can embrace their culture and traditions comfortably, learning about them from relatable peers, which helps normalize and enhance their experience.
Since its founding in 1985, HHYC has been committed to normalising Hindu rituals, beliefs, and philosophies in the lives of young Americans. Thousands of children, from fourth to 12th grade, have learned to incorporate Hindu spiritual practices into their daily routines. What makes HHYC unique is that these lessons come not from outdated textbooks or older community members, but from peers who share the same cultural experiences, making Hinduism feel relevant and accessible.
This year, with the new campsite providing a sense of stability, HHYC continues to nurture the next generation of Hindu leaders. The camp’s popularity is evident—hundreds of children across Texas and beyond eagerly signed up, with all spots filling in just 10 minutes in April. In July, 380 campers came together in the Houston area for five days filled with friendship, faith, and homemade food from a woman they lovingly call Auntie. From sunrise to sunset, the campers enjoyed a mix of American and Indian cultural activities, from classic schoolyard games to the vibrant celebration of Holi, where they joyfully threw coloured powder at one another.
