VA (by: Amy Manku) Sikh Foundation of Virginia held a camp for 30 Sikh youth (ages 7-14) on July 21-25, 1994. The daily routine of the camp included recitation of Jap Ji Sahib and Rehwas Sahib, singing shabad kirtan, and learning Sikh history, Discussions and lectures on Principles of Sikhism and Sikh History were conducted by Satinder K. Sodhi, Dr. Mohinder Kaur, and Bhai Bhagti Singh Khalsa. Khalsa gave some yoga lessons which were greatly appreciated by the campers. Shabad kirtan was taught by Giant Kuldeep Singh Ji, Harkanchan K. Gulati, and Bimla K. Multani, A major contribution was made by the seven youth councilors, age 15 and above, who helped organize various activities. For fun, campers went swimming, had a picnic at the Burke Lake Park, located across the Virginia Gurdwara Sahib, and the older campers had a basketball competition.
The highlights of the camp included Sunday morning activities where youth were able to demonstrate what they had learned during the camp, The youth conducted the regular Sunday Diwan which included Shabad Kirtan, Anand Sahib, Ardas, Vaak, and Chaupai Sahib, Considering the age of the camper (7-14 years), they did a Marvelous job. During the pro- gram, anaward ceremony was held and the prizes were given by Giani Kuldeep Singh Ji.
To the kids, the camp seemed too short, because they learned camp coordinators-Pritam Kaur, Dr. Barinder K. Deu, Satinder K. Sodhi, and Sirmukh S. Manku-all put a lot of time and effort to organize the various camp activities. Many contributed to making this camp Tun as smoothly as it did. Perhaps the volunteers who had the best time were the older youth. They served the>kids and the camp, and thus saw them- selves in a new light. For a change, they got to be the teachers, as they helped teach the shabads and _ help manage the younger kids. Sikh camps are well on their way to.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 19, 1994
