ALPINE, NJ. The Sikh Youth Federation of North America, New York, organized the Eleventh Annual Sikh Youth Camp from August 2 August 16, 1987 at the Alpine Boy Scout Camp. The Federation has been organizing such camps since 1976 to reinforce the belief in the Sikh identity and to inspire the youth to become model Sikhs for the rest of the community. Apart from the daily congregation, classes in Sikh history, Punjabi language and Kirtan are held in the morning session. Discussions on topics of Rehat ‘Maryada (Sikh way of life) were held and opportunities provided for games, sports and social interaction. Thus the campers not only get acquainted with the Sikh heritage, but also learn to practice the Sikh way of life.
The sixty campers were divided into three age groups — A, B, C, and shared common concerns and activities for two weeks. Their daily routine consisted of flag salutation, morning worship, 2 1/2 ‘hours of lessons on different subjects, sports, training in Shabad Kirtan, Table, Ardas, and Turban tying, followed by evening prayer, ‘camp fire and group discussions on contemporary issues and challenges that arise from interaction of Sikh way of life with the American culture. The most popular ‘outdoor activities were swimming and volleyball, whereas the most popular indoor activity was Kirtan.
The “buddy system” and group counseling provided guidance to the young Sikhs. Some of the well-known Sikh educationists and thinkers were on the faculty, among them Dr. Balwant Singh, Dr. Gobind Singh Mansukhani, S. Ralph Singh, Giani Amarjit Singh, and S. Kirpal Singh Nijjar. A qualified doctor was available on the campus for 24 hours, One of the ‘objectives of the camp this year was the Leadership Training Program under which senior campers of 16 and above were involved in the program planning process and given responsibility for certain activities and encouraged to demonstrate behavior patterns to the junior campers as a role model.
~ A booklet containing the rules of the camp, the syllabus for different age groups including the learning of Punjabi language and the particular hymns for Kirtan was given to each camper at the time of registration. A final test was held for the award of trophies to the first three achievers in each group. A number of other prizes were awarded for individual achievement in sports and other activities, S. Varinder Singh Rathore won the “Camper of the Year” trophy and S. Livleen Singh was honored for his outstanding contribution to the Sikh Youth Camp movement in the United States over the past several years.
On the final day, August 16, the parents of the campers joined in prayers in a Kirtan program conducted by the youth. All in all, the campers left the camp with their batteries charged with commitment to Sikh ideals and keen desire to practice the Sikh way of life.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 25, 1987
