February 10, 2026

OTTAWA ALIVE WITH YOUTH INSTITUTE ACTIVITIES DURING WINTER BREAK

*The Bahá’í training institute offers courses open to everyone, inviting them to engage in a global process of learning that is helping to build their capacity to apply the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the transformation of society. Its programs and materials enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to serve humanity. From age 5 all the way to adulthood, anyone who is concerned for humanity’s future and has a desire for the betterment of the world, is invited to participate.



Ottawa was buzzing with activities during the winter break. Of special note were the Institute campaigns* and the junior youth camps that took place throughout the city.

For one institute camp, five youth who have been studying Book 5 (Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth) planned a camp that brought together 26 participants. Through their preparation, they were able to do all the parts of the camp on their own: carry out the schedule, help ensure a spirit of excellence permeated in the camp, ran the workshops and other activities, made sure all the cleaning was scheduled after the meals, and that newcomers felt welcome. Through the campaign, four cohorts were able to advance through their study of the institute: one group studied Book 1 (Reflections on the Life of the Spirit), another Book 5, and two junior youth groups went through Drawing on the Power of the Word and Rays of Light. Three mothers also came along to Providence Point to support the camp by cooking.

At another institute camp, youth deepened their understanding of their twofold moral purpose. Through a practical study of quotations from Book 1, one group reflected on challenges in their schools, families, and neighbourhoods, and explored how these spiritual principles can become tools for transformation in their everyday lives.

The spirit of prayer at the camp was especially elevated, and many of the youth felt eager to share these prayers with others. One youth attending the camp for the first time took it upon herself, with great excitement, to select specific prayers to share with individual family members and friends. The camp concluded with home visits so the youth could immediately begin sharing what they had learned. During one of these visits, several of the youth shared what they had learned and offered prayers, leading to a heartfelt and meaningful conversation. Although the mother initially expressed the view that people of different religions should pray separately and keep to their own, her daughter courageously yet lovingly challenged this notion. Drawing upon her understanding and experience of the twofold moral purpose, she shared the quotation, “Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone…”, illustrating how shared spiritual principles can be translated into action for the betterment of the community, regardless of differences in background or faith. After reflecting deeply, the mother expressed joy in her child’s learning and recognized how these efforts and quotations would indeed contribute to the wellbeing of the wider community. She shared how pleased she was that her daughter is participating in these efforts.

During this time, a 5-day junior youth camp was taking place at the Bahá’í Centre with some 20 participants. A group of six animators undertook two days of intensive animator training in preparation for the camp. Most of them had animated at previous camps and were increasingly demonstrating more confidence, responsibility and initiative. They also started to connect with junior youth much more by sitting with them at lunch and during breaks, playing with them, asking them questions about each other’s lives and becoming actual friends. With the support of five volunteers, including friends of the Faith, the junior youth were able to complete an entire text. In three groups, they studied Wellspring of Joy, Glimmerings of Hope, and Habits of an Orderly Mind. As part of the camp, the junior youth also did a service project to put their learning into action: at the “Boys & Girls Club” near the Bahá’í Centre they organized books and cleaned the art room. Through art and collaboration, they also created a kindness chain video showing how one act of kindness inspires another.