"All spectacular successes were achieved in little courageous steps taken with self-confidence and faith in the nobility of the final goal chosen." Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda

It has taken me weeks to start this write-up! It's been difficult to step back from the overwhelming experience of this year's CHYK camp, to be able to put it all into words.

Anyone who has ever been to a CHYK camp will understand where I'm coming from when I say that it's always a highlight of my year. There is something incredibly special about spending the long weekend with 80 like-minded people in serene and blissful surroundings, and in the company of Acharyas who seem to know our minds and understand our thoughts better than we ourselves do. I turn up each year with new questions and greater expectations, and I'm never disappointed. On the contrary, I always leave camp feeling fortunate and grateful for the experience.

This year was no different, and yet it was! Each year the attention to detail and new, innovative ideas surpass all previous camps. In keeping with its Outer Space theme, it can be said that Destination:Victory boldly went where no camp had been before! The creativity on display, the play on Tapovan Maharaj, the theme tune, the outdoor Garba and the Prasad cd are just a few reasons why this year's camp was so unique. As one CHYK said, "Camp this year was an incredible experience and the amount of selfless hard work that had gone into the organisation was incredible and very evident."

Swami Chidatmanandaji and Brahmacharini Nishitaji were the Acharyas for the camp, and each moment spent with them was simply divine. Swamiji's talks, activities and games were a huge hit with all, especially the newcomers who all excelled in the role-plays and presentations. Someone commented, "I was really switched on in Swamiji's lectures. I came back revitalised and re-energised and I feel prepared to maintain that spiritual energy all year around." Wow!
Nishitaji's sweet, moving words touched a chord deep within. She made a huge and lasting impression with UK CHYKs, so much so that no one wanted her to return to Hong Kong!

The atmosphere at camp was charged throughout - spiritually, emotionally and musically! When Vijay preformed the T'ai Chi Sword Form to the Darpan's camp theme tune it was as if the entire audience was spellbound. Darpan's music has become an integral part of UK camps; we just can't get enough of it! This year he was accompanied by Bal Krishna on Tabla and Rupali on the flute, and the outcome was mind-blowing. Hearing the sweetness of their music by candlelight in the calm and still night air at Dunfield was truly unforgettable.

Another special moment was when we all entered the main hall on the first night. Right from the huge intricate backdrops down to the small candlestands lining the windows - it was all perfect. So many people put in so many hours of tremendous hard work just to make the weekend that much more special for the camp attendees. No one gave less than their 100% and the camp really brought out the very best in all those who were involved. It makes me look forward to seeing the amazing results which I know will be produced next year. Quoting a fellow CHYK, "There's no other way!"

Time may fade all other memories, but there is one thing about Destination:Victory which will always remain with me, and that is the magic of the Sunday night. If you are reading this and you weren't at camp, I apologise, but you would have had to be there to understand why I've used the word 'magic'. I've tried to explain it to people who weren't at camp and all I could come up with is "something amazing was happening!"

It began with an afternoon of pouring rain, and the weather looked all set to ruin the plans of the outdoor entertainment which had been prepared for the evening, which included a barbeque, the play on Tapovan Maharaj and the Garba. Some inspiring CHYKs even braved the rain and sat drenched on the ground singing the Hanuman Chalisa for dry weather. The weather improved during the early evening, yet there were signs that it was going to rain again. We began setting up the outdoor arena, with each and every person helping with the set-up, praying with all our hearts that the weather would hold up. When we asked Swamiji what we should do, he said to stick with the original plan and He would take care of the rest.

The play began and sure enough, the weather held up! Honestly, it was as if something was holding the rain back, as there were a few drops now and then and yet it didn't pour. The play unfolded, and the audience was engrossed in the beautiful script and the lilting sound of the flute. As the play delved into the life of Tapovan Maharaj and introduced us to his disciple, our Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, one could actually feel the presence of these two great Masters there that night.
It remained dry just long enough for us to finish the play and enjoy the Garba and Dandiya Raas - and then it poured! (And we felt the blessings of Swami Tapovanam and Gurudev being showered upon us!)
"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda.

I started this write-up on a personal note and I will end it on a personal note. Destination:Victory will always be close to my heart as the above experience has taught me (and so many others) about surrendering at the feet of the Guru. I am grateful that I was a part of the camp as I feel that it has brought me closer to my Guru. Living in peace and happiness as Gurudev's children - "there's no other way" - our Destination has to be Victory!

Hari Om!

Trishna Gulrajani