Wat Phra Dhammakaya Supports the Smart Young Leader Camp 2026 to Cultivate Youth Leaders with Exemplary Morality.

Key summary

Phra Mahanaporn Punnyachayo, P.Dh.9, Dr., Assistant Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Pathum Thani Province, revealed that Wat Phra Dhammakaya supports a project to cultivate youth leaders with exemplary morality through the "Smart Young Leader Thailand" camp for the year 2026, organized by the World Youth Development Institute at the World Peace Valley meditation center in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. A total of 149 students and teachers from 29 schools participated in the program. The youth were selected from the V-Star Challenge and Smart Young Leader camps. The 6-day training program focuses on discipline and spiritual development through Buddhist activities, such as morning and evening chanting, meditation practice, observing the Eight Precepts, making merit, and a candle lighting ceremony. Participants also learn about the 5 Universal Principles of Goodness through Train the Trainer Workshops, Self-Discovery Activities, and Walk Rallies, listening to teachings from monks on topics such as "5 Rooms to Create Character," "In-Depth Right Understanding," "The Wonders of Meditation," and "The Power of Inner Happiness." The lecturers include Ajarn Atchaya Liewcharoen, a motivational speaker, who led the "Knowing Yourself and Others" activity, and Anusorn Nongna, Director of the Capvision Institute, who led the "Speaking Skill for Leadership" activity to develop speaking and communication skills. Special activities included "Dream Weaving: University Mentors from Across the Country," "Life Compass," a ceremony to seek forgiveness from the monks, the awarding of certificates, and a discourse from Phra Arthit. The youth participants felt warm and safe, like they were returning home, made new friends, built relationships, and gained confidence. Phra Mahanaporn concluded that the camp aims to foster youth who grow into a new generation with virtue, discipline, self-awareness, understanding of others, and leadership skills, applying their knowledge to do good in educational institutions and society. The project integrates Buddhist principles with modern management skills to cultivate Thai youth into leaders who are "competent and virtuous," contributing to sustainable national development.