Serving on teenager's and children's courses
An invitation to old students
Old students (having completed
a 10-day Vipassana meditation course) are invited to serve on the teenagers'
and children's courses held in Sydney and Blackheath.
To serve on these courses it is helpful if you have previous experience with teenagers and/or children, however this is not essential.
A ratio of about one server to six children is ideal, however for courses in Blackheath additional servers are needed for the kitchen to prepare food. Children are asked to bring their own lunch to the courses held in Sydney.
Duties
The duties of a server on a teenagers' or children's course are:
- to look after the general needs of the children during meditation, ensuring that they can meditate comfortably with adequate mats, cushions, blankets, etc.
- provide close supervision during the break periods, ensuring they are comfortable, have enough food and drink and that they are escorted safely if they are moving out of the meditation facilities
- listening to what they have to say so that they feel well cared for during the course.
A major part of the day is spent in the hall, with taped instructions, meditation practice, checking and questions. Servers sit with the students, taking any children out for short breaks when necessary.
Many old students who have served on these courses have expressed how rewarding and inspring this experience is - to watch the children learning Anapana meditation.
Criminal record checks
Legislation regarding volunteer care of children requires that anyone with
direct contact with children on a volunteer basis sign a Statutory Declaration
that they have not been convicted of criminal behaviour with children.
Forms are available from the course office. Teachers in current employment
are exempted from this requirement.
Adults serving on teenagers'/children's courses
To register to serve, please send an email to ctc-info@bhumi.dhamma.org or
call (02) 9568 3277.