Three Days of Joy, Healing & Creativity: Summer Camp at Balgran Charitable Home, 2025

01 – 03 June 2025

On 1st June 2025, JK Arts Foundation organized a one-day Summer Camp at Balgran Charitable Home for Destitute Children, Jammu, engaging 76 children in a day of creativity, mindfulness, and joyful learning. Balgran provides shelter and care to children who have experienced difficult and often traumatic life circumstances. Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being alongside education, this summer camp aimed to offer children a safe and nurturing space where they could relax, express themselves, and experience a sense of belonging.

The day began with a calming meditation session that encouraged children to slow down, breathe deeply, and become aware of their thoughts and feelings. This gentle start set a positive tone for the day. Children then participated in a variety of creative activities, including colouring, thread painting, flower making, mask making, cap making, and leaf painting. A lively dance session added movement and energy, allowing children to release stress and celebrate through rhythm. All activities were facilitated by the JKAF team along with dedicated volunteers who supported children throughout the sessions.

As the camp progressed, the Balgran campus transformed into a vibrant and welcoming space filled with colors, music, and laughter. Children moved freely between activities, exploring new materials and techniques. Facilitators observed noticeable changes in many participants—children who were initially quiet began interacting more with peers, smiling often, and proudly displaying their creations. Several children shared excitement about learning new forms of art and trying activities they had never experienced before.

Teachers and caregivers at Balgran noted that such experiences have a positive impact on children’s emotional health and confidence. One caregiver shared, “When children are engaged in creative activities, they feel relaxed and happy. It helps them forget their worries and enjoy the moment.” The camp also strengthened social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Through leaf printing, children at Balgran Charitable Home explored nature, texture, and creativity—turning simple leaves into stories of colour and joy.

Beyond creativity, the summer camp fostered resilience and self-belief. Children learned that they are capable of creating something beautiful with their own hands and that their ideas matter.

This initiative reflects JK Arts Foundation’s mission to democratize access to arts and holistic learning for all children, especially those in vulnerable situations. By bringing arts, movement, and mindfulness into care institutions, JKAF continues to create inclusive spaces for healing and growth.

The day concluded with a closing ceremony where children proudly showcased their work and received appreciation for their participation. At JK Arts Foundation, we believe that when children are given safe spaces to create and express, they begin to heal, grow, and imagine brighter futures.