Topeka Kansas: By this time the value of holding Sikh youth camps has been recognized all over America, Stories abound where Sikh children after attending just one camp have changed the direction of their whole life towards the Guru and in many instances have not only themselves decided to keep their identity (i.e. long hair and turban) but also have made their parents regain their lost identity.
However, all parents have not been able to provide this opportunity to their children, sometimes due to financial difficulties (a fee ranging from $200 to $300 plus expenses for air travel). Sometimes long distances or other possible problems have prevented parents from letting their young ones live for a full week or two away from them.
By God’s grace we held a one week camp at a Kansas City Gurdwara during the last week of July 1993, where children ranging from 5 to 17 learned Panjabi, Shabad Kirtan, Sikh history and Sikh ethics. Besides the main courses the children were shown video tapes on history, art and culture, alcoholism, drugs, etc. There were group discussions following the video presentations. The children also had their recreation time which included group games, cultural dances and a visit to the local zoo.
At the end of the camp, the children sang shabads, recited stories and Japji Sahib in the regular Gurdwara program. They were also awarded certificates, prizes and videotapes of the whole camp.
The main feature of this camp was that there were absolutely no fees charged for food, stationery, prizes or entertainment. How was this done? The answer is very simple. Instead of following a more or less commercial approach, we followed the traditional Sikh approach (i.e. appealed to the Sikh Sangat to donate whatever physical or financial service they could provide). Secondly, we held the camp right in the Gurdwara building. It was more like a school than a camp. The parents dropped their kids off on their way to work at 7:30am. And picked them up at 8 p.m. or earlier if convenient. This system also avoided some of the problems which occur when kids (boys and girls) sleep at the same camp. With no fees required, all volunteers developed a kind of zeal to provide maximum service. Some parents volunteered to help with meals, some with snacks, some with case and others with their time. In this way we avoided any financial burden to the parents who had many kids who wished to participate in the camp but could not afford to do so. It also did not add any additional burdens to the Organizers because everything from a pencil to a pizza was donated. Lastly, in order. To consolidate the enthusiasm and interest generated from this camp we have decided to hold regular Sunday Classes in the Gurdwara basement, partly parallel to the main program so that these children can have an enjoyable learning experience in the company of their friends and not be forced to sit in the main program where they hardly understand the program. We hope that many other Gurdwaras and Sikh associations will use this concept and provide free education to our future generations. For more details, please contact Daljit Singh Jawa, 3543 Wood Valley Place, Topeka, Kansas 66614 (913) 2675273. ~ Daljit Singh Jawa.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 20, 1993
