Are you looking for a great spring break activity for your children that goes beyond soccer balls and finger painting?

Sampradaya Heritage Camp is a thought-provoking and enlightening multi-cultural experience designed to give local children an insight into the colorful and historic culture of India.

Hosted by the Vedic Cultural Center, the pink building on 228th Avenue in Sammamish, the day long Sampradaya workshops April 5 – 9 immerse participants in the culture of India through music, poetry, stories of myth and magic, traditional handicrafts, and cooking.

In addition, their educational programs promote understanding of Indian festivals and ecosystems as well as wellness activities such as Yoga.

Parents will be pleased to know that the Sampradaya activities are designed to blend education with fun. For example, during a session of “Kolam,” the form of sand painting that is done with rice powder in several parts of India, young students will not only be making colorful patterns and displays but also learning that sand painting of this kind is traditionally done in front of Indian homes every day before sunrise. The use of coarse rice is said to invite ants, birds and other small critters to eat, thus inviting other beings into one’s home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence.

During “Kashmir to Kanyakumari,” the experienced local teachers will introduce children to various festivals and temples in India, discussing the key

landmarks of India using audio-visual aids, models and quizzes to explore key facts.

“Kavya” is designed to bring out the creative writing talents of the children. Young poets will transcribe their poems to an antique scroll.

Sampradaya Camp is conducted under the aegis of Global Organization for Divinity, which aims to bring about peace, prosperity and the feeling of universal brotherhood and providing material and spiritual upliftment to humanity at large.

For tickets, and more information, visit www.sampradaya.eventbrite.com.