JUNE 28-JULY 07, 1991 CALGARY
A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS AND A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR 170 PARTICIPANTS FROM CANADA, U.S.A. AND U.K.
OVER 2000 ATTEND SPECIAL DEWAN AND WITNESS NISHAN SAHIB SALUTATION PARADE: A SPECTULAR EVENT HELD ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CAMP AT GURDWARA SIKH SOCIETY, CALGARY ! LA HABRA HTS: The 36th Sikh International Youth Camp was held at Silver Creek Ranch, Calgary in Alberta, Canada for 10 days from June 28,1991 to July 07, 1997. It was another great landmark for the International Institute of Gurmat Studies, that organized it, and a great satisfying experience for the Sikh Society of Calgary, that sponsored it.
It was a unique learning experience for 145 young Sikh men and women (aged 8-22 yrs)
and who came to participate in this camp torn all over Canada, U.S.A. and U.K.
The campers rose early, practiced meditation (Naam Simran), learnt their ‘Paths’, Ardas and Shabad Kirtan. They learnt how to play a variety of musical instruments, and were taught how to read and write Punjabi. They were imparted training in Gurdwara Etiquettes, Public Speaking and Leadership qualities.
The basic Sikh Fundaments were explained and a question and answer session was held to encourage them to clarify their doubts. The stories of the Great Sikh Martyrs were narrated with the help of audio-visual aids. The relevance of unshorn hair and beards was explained and prizes were awarded to those whose hair were adjudged to be the longest and the most beautiful.
On the last Gay of the Camp, a Special Dewan was held at the Gurdwara Sikh Society Calgary. The beautiful Gurdwara Hall repeatedly echoed with loud Jaikaras of Bole-So- Nihal – Sat Sri Akal to acknowledge the remarkable learning achievements of various Campers who sang Shabads, played Tabla & addressed the Sangat.
Amongst Seniors who addressed the Sangat were Dr. Arjan Kirpal Singh from U.K. (Guest Speaker for the Camp), Sardar Kulwant Singh (Camp coordinator from Calgary), Sardar Jit
Singh (Camp Coordinator from Edmonton), and Captain Kanwar Harbhajan Singh from U.S.A. (Camp Director)
Sardar Harbhajan Singh Toor, Secy of the Gurdwara Sahib thanked the IIGS for organizing the camp so very beautifully and for giving the children a new direction in their lives.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 9, 1991
