About Twin Cities Center
The Twin Cities Center was officially formed in May 2002. However interested individuals and families had been carrying out activities for 4-5 years prior to 2002. Currently there are over one hundred families actively involved in various activities.
The activities of the center fully depend upon volunteer work by its members. Currently, the Center is engaged in conducting the following activities;
Balavihar
Classes are conducted for school age children, for 2 hours every week during the school year. There are also presentations and celebration of important festivals, events. Starting this year (2007-08), Balavihar is open for toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 2 years & above).
The class is divided into:
Assembly (Common)
Classes begin with common assembly in which children learn and recite various shlokas selected from Hindu scriptural texts.
Cultural Classes
After the Assembly, children group into appropriate age groups and learn more about Hindu culture and scriptures. It is done using stories, art projects, skits, open discussions etc.
Language Classes
After the cultural class, students (Ages 5 & above) regroup to learn a language of their choice. Currently Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Telegu languages are taught. The empahsis is given on learning conversational speech.
Annual Day Program
The year concludes with a presentation in May where children showcase what they have learned during the year.
Summer Camp
In spring or summer every year, the Center conducts a camp for children on a selected theme. In the camp, children learn more about Hindu culture, benefit from experts’ knowledge and experiences and develop friendship with other like-minded children. Visiting Swamis, Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis from other mission centers conduct the camp with help from volunteers.
Adult Study Group
Interested individuals meet while the Bala Vihar classes are in session. In an hour-long session, participants study and discuss various Vedanta literature as well as ways of practicing the ideas and knowledge learned.
Yagnyas (Lectures)
The Center invites various Swamis, Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis from Chinmaya Mission to deliver discourses on Vedanta literature. These lectures are free to all people (members and non members).