VIRGINIA: Sikh Foundation of Virginia held a camp for 40 Sikh youth (ages 714) on July 2225, 1993. The daily routine of the camp included recitation of Jap Ji Sahib and Rehras Sahib, singing shabad kirtan, and learning Sikh history. Discussions and lectures of Principles of Sikhism and Sikh History were conducted by Dr.Barinder K.Deu, Dr. Mohinder Kaur, Dr.Balwant Singh Prof, at Bucknell Univ. PA and Bhai Bhagti Singh Khalsa. Khalsa gave some yoga lessons which were greatly appreciated by the campers, Shabad kirtan was taught by Giani Kuldeep SinghJi, Mohinder SinghJiand Harkanchan K.Gulati. A major contribution was made by the 10 youth counselors, age 15 and above, who taught Sikh history and helped organize various activities. For fun, campers went swimming and a picnic was arranged at Burke Lake Park.
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 campers (714 years), they did a tremendous job. During the program, an award ceremony was held and the prizes were given by Giani. Kuldeep Singh Ji.
To the kids, the camp seemed too short, because they learned about Sikhism while they had fun. Pritam Kaur, the camp coordinator, put a lot of time and effort to organize the various camp activities. Many volunteers 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, to, as they gave talks and help manage 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 >> August 20, 1993
