VIRGINIA: Sikh Foundation of Virginia held a camp for 40 Sikh youth (ages 7-14) on July 25192 The daily routine of the camp included recitation of Japji Sahib and Rehras Sahib singing Shabad Kirtan and leaning Sikh history. Sikh history was taught by Dr Amarjit Singh (Prof. at Univ. of Maryland) Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Amrit Jit Singh Pritam Kaur and (Guru) Ganesha Singh Khalsa Shabad Kirtan was taught by Bibi Amarjit Kaur and Giani Kuldeep Singh. A major constitution was made by 15 youth counselors aged 15 and above who taught Sikh history and helped organize various activities. For fun campers went swimming made posters of various Sikh symbols played volley ball and enjoyed Fourth of July reworks.

The highlights of the camp included Sunday morning activities where youth were able to demonstrate what they had learned during the camp The Sunday activities included an award ceremony in which the campers spoke on various items of Sikh history. It was followed by a parade where the youth demonstrated the concept of Saint Soldier and gave their salutations to the Nishan Sahib. After the parade the youth conducted the regular Sunday Diwan which included Shabads speeches and a kavita on Gunt Gobind Singh ji. Considering the age of the campers (7-14 years) they did tremendous job.

To the kids the camp seemed too short because they learned about Sikhism while they had fun newer techniques that were used during this camp included greater emphasis on interactive and participatory skills. Not one Kid left without speaking or singing shabad kiran or performing Ardas vaak and translations. The Sikh Foundation of VA credits the innovative thinking of DilpreetKaur the youth coordinator and the bar work and organization of Pritam Kaur the camp coordinator for the outstanding success of the camp. Many volunteers most notably Permvir Singh and Sirmukh Singh Manku and many parents spent many hours and contributed to making this camp run 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 themselves in a new light. For a change they got to be the teachers too as they gave talks and help managed the younger kids Sikh camps are well on their way to providing a firm training ground for young Sikhs in America

Article extracted from this publication >> July 24, 1992