Camping 2011 – Executive Report
Executive Summary
We had great fun at the VSNA camping in Santa Cruz KOA campgrounds. 3 days, 2 nights, about 70 adults, 50 kids, tents, cabins, pizza, idli, vada, rotti, usuli, badanekai yengai, jalebi, corn on the cob, pani puri, tomato soup, noodles, marshmallows, dosa, yoga, vollyball, badminton, tricycle ride, jumper, campfire, antakshari, jokes, train ride, beaches, swimming pool, hot tub, music, audio preview of new upcoming Kannada movie “Pari” and much more. It was like a ‘jatri/mela’. Thanks to organizers who made this possible (Shivu/Mahadev in particular) and to everyone who helped during the 2 days.
Friday 26th
Most folks checked in by 8pm. Some had reserved cabins and others reserved tent sites. Everyone had Pizza for dinner. Some stayed up late around the campfire to chat and socialize.
Sat 27th
Yoga 7:30 – 8:45 am: Led by Basu Ullagaddi and Chinmay. 18 adults attended
Discussion on Veerashaivism/Lingayatism (8:45-10:00): ~15 adults
- Could we do more as a “community”?
- Some said the current format for VSNA events — four events with a standard 4-6 hour stage programs and food — is boring. Some sort of change is needed. Also could we reduce the total time for entertainment programs?
- Education forum: Most VSNA parents would benefit from an educational forum, along the lines of our Business Forum. This will be a knowledge base focusing on educational needs of kids. A one stop shop for all queries like: Should I send my kid to private or public school, what are the criteria to get into a particular school system, the commitments (financial/time) and benefits etc. There are different age groups and each will have its own specifics. Parents/kids who have already gone through this process can come forward to talk about a particular school so that new parents know what are the choices and can make an informed decision. Also what should the kids at an early age take into account if they aspire to study in Stanford or Harvard one day.
- Newbie package: Helps anybody who is new to Bay Area. A handy list of daycare places at different locations, good apartments near BART station etc.
- Need for a community center for VSNA was felt so that we could hold our events there instead of running around looking for a hall every time. There were concerns however on optimal utilization of this facility as it would stay unused for extended periods of time. There was also a question on who will run it. One alternative suggested was to rather rent ICC facility for VSNA as and when needed.
- Business Forum can also add a section for Finance talk.
- People needing a companion for their parents or spouses traveling with kids to/from India could reach out to the community over our Facebook page or email if there is anybody traveling around the same time period.
- All members are encouraged to visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/vsnancal/
Breakfast 10:00 – 11:00 am: Idli, vada, chutney, sambar, coffee, tea
Games 11:00am – 1:00pm: Volley ball, throw ball, badminton, jumper, cycling, train ride etc. Committee members stayed @ the camp site, cleaned up and got ready for lunch.
Lunch 1:00pm – 2:00 pm: Jolada Rotti, Chapati, agasi (flax seed) / shenga (peanut) / putani chutnies, yogurt, Badanekai Yenagai, Usali (madiki kaalu pallye), yogurt rice, white rice, sambar, papad, jilebi
After lunch 2:00 – 5:30pm: Some folks went to the Manresa Beach, some folks took a nap, some folks went cycling, some folks stayed back @ the campgrounds and got ready for the evening BBQ.
Evening/Night 5:30 – 12am: We started with roasting corn on the cob, followed by vegetable/paneer barbaque (Tandoori Style). As we all settled around the campfire, dinner (tomato soup, Sev pauri, pani puri, batata-dahi -sev puri, Szechuan noodles, Fried rice) arrived. After dinner we all settled back around the campfire and began entertaining ourselves. First we started with introducing members and then new members. Then we made 3 teams and played antakshari. Half way into singing and dancing (dancing only by Vishwanand Pattanshetty. No one would dare compete with him) We took a break to listen about the new Kannada movie “Pari” being co-produced by our own MC Gowda. He also previewed a song from the movie. The audio release for “Pari” will be on Sept 10th @ KKNC event. After this short break we continued socializing around the campfire. There was a separate campfire for the kids where they enjoyed roasted marshmellows and their own discussion. Later in the night, fewer folks stayed back and the mood got lighter with lots of laughter. The last few folks retired for the day @ 1:00am.
Sun 28th
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00: Led by Basu Ullagaddi. 15 adults attended. There was some personal coaching too.
Breakfast tunerd into brunch 10:30am – 12:30pm: On site Dosa (all types), chutny, sambar, yogurt rice and kulfi.
Misc activities 9:00am - 12:00pm: Some folks packed, others helped cleanup the sites. Most folks checked out by 12:30pm.
Picture album links:(Posting soon)
Video link:(Thanks to Sachin Pattanshetty for this awesome video)
