The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America (SYANA) recently organized a week-long Gurmat camp at the YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan, USA. The camp, now completing its 50th year, saw an impressive turnout of enthusiastic Sikh youth and dedicated volunteers, all eager to immerse themselves in the teachings of Sikhism.
Bringing Sikh Youth Together
The primary goal of this annual camp is to create an environment where Sikh youth from across North America can experience and embrace the Sikh way of life. For the past 50 years, SYANA has been providing Sikh children with a 1-week summer endeavor, involving the youngest members of our Panth in Keertan, Paath, Gurmat, history and most important the benefits of Guru-oriented Sangat.
Building Strong Connections Through Sangat
Kuldeep Singh, the founder and national convener SYANA, highlights the camp’s significance by adding, “Immersed in the inspiring traditions of the Sikh faith, these youth capture a glimpse of the Guru’s message in the hopes of encouraging a love for the Sikh path. The camp is structured to encourage relationships that strengthen a spiritual experience through Sangat. In spending a week together, youth create friendships that last a lifetime”.
A Vibrant and Educational Experience
Over 130 Sikh participants, ranging from ages 8 to 18, from various parts of the USA and Canada, attended the camp. However, due to overwhelming demand, many others could not secure a spot, with all available slots filling up within just two minutes of online registration opening. Accompanied by experienced instructors, the campers were divided into age-appropriate groups, ensuring a tailored learning experience for each cohort.
Enriching Workshops and Activities
Each day commenced with Parbhat Pheri (morning religious procession) and morning kirtan (devotional singing) divan, setting a serene and contemplative ambiance for the participants. The camp offered engaging workshops and classes on Gurbani recitation, Sikh and Guru history, providing the youth with a comprehensive understanding of their faith and its rich traditions. Participants also enjoyed various sports and activities, including high ropes, ziplining, basketball, icebreakers, group discussions, trivia and campfire.
Embracing the Shabad
A significant highlight of the camp was the opportunity for each participant to recite at least one Shabad they learned during the kirtan classes. Moreover, a central theme Shabad "simar manaa raam naam chithaarae," was recited twice daily during the morning and evening divans, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the camp.
Commemorating 50 Years of Impact
The 50th anniversary of the Gurmat camp was an occasion for gratitude and reflection. Former campers from the 1980s and 90s, who are now volunteers and organizers, expressed their gratitude to the founder, Kuldeep Singh, his wife Arminder Kaur and other dedicated individuals including Dr. Amarjit Singh, his wife Dr. Amarjit Kaur who have been involved with the camp since 1985.
Founder’s Vision and Gratitude
In his speech to the Sangat, Convener Kuldeep Singh highlighted the camp's humble beginnings in the early 1970s. He and a group of Sikhs recognized the need for Gurmat camps for Sikh youth in North America with the first camp held in 1973 in the basement of his residence in the Detroit Metropolitan area, Michigan. He also recalled many of members who started on this journey with him, including the ones who left this world. He expressed his gratitude to Waheguru, Akal Purkh (the Supreme Being) for inspiring him to initiate the camp and acknowledged the invaluable lessons he has learned from the youth and colleagues who volunteered over the years.
Empowering Future Leaders
The Gurmat camp concluded with an impressive Gatka demonstration by the participants and a Kirtan Darbar (a devotional music gathering). Over the years, SYANA's successful execution of the Gurmat camp has not only nurtured the spiritual growth of Sikh youth but also strengthened their cultural roots. These camps play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of Sikh leaders, who will carry forward the essence of Sikhism in the USA, Canada, and beyond.
Conclusion: Emphasizing the Value of Gurmat Camps for Youth
For nearly a decade, I have eagerly attended the Gurmat camp as a volunteer, accompanying my son and daughter, who have been enthusiastic participants. Our elders, along with former campers, some of them who have now become volunteers, introduced me to SYANA and other similar camps. Through this write-up, my hope is to give parents valuable insights into the significance of Gurmat camps for their children. These camps provide a unique opportunity for participants to forge meaningful connections within the Guru-oriented Sangat. As a parent, witnessing the positive impact on my own children, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing these camps as transformative experiences for the youth. My heartfelt gratitude to the founder Kuldeep Singh ji, his wife Arminder Kaur ji, and the dedicated organizers and volunteers who make this transformative experience possible.
SYANA 2023 Camp Video: https://youtu.be/BM9wT6o6scY
