LOS ANGELES: International Institute of Gurmat Studies (IIGS) held its 74th Sikh International Youth Camp at Camp Seely from August 14-20 in the San Bernadino Mountains close to Lake Arrowhead in Southern California. This camp was attended by more than 135 registered campers and scores of guest visitors and volunteers. Participants came from India, Mexico, Thailand and all over USA to be part of this camping movement.
The camp started with an evening dewan, a welcome speech by Sardarni Payal Kaur followed by tips on how to stay healthy during the week from Dr. Harsohena Kaur who came from Minnesota with her children. Sardar Daljit Singh also addressed the congregation.
During this camp, the campers got an opportunity to get close to their roots and learn about basic Sikh fundaments, history, gurdwara etiquette, tabla, vaaja, kirtan, Punjabi, arts and various Paths. Special Gatka classes were organized by Sardar Onkar Singh, who came from India. Sardar Gurdayal Singh addressed the campers on the value of Ardaas, while Sardarni Jaskiran Kaur and Sardarni Payal Kaur talked about the 3rd Great Guru Amar Das and his beautiful gift of ‘Anand Sahib’.
Special sessions were held for the old campers who have attended previous IIGS camps. During these sessions, they got a chance to learn about the power of Gurbani, a workshop organized by Sardarni Payal Kaur and Sardarni Prabhneet Kaur. Sardarni Maninder Kaur addressed campers about the meanings of Lavan and also The Purpose of Life. Dr. Jassi Kaur, spoke on the importance of ‘Attitude and Gratitude’ and Chardikala in Sikhi.
While campers got a chance to learn about various aspects of the Sikh way of life, they also got hands-on experience on doing various activities starting from Babaji’s Prakaash and Sukhaasan, Charni lagnaa or how to take the Hukam from the sacred scriptures, Ardaas, distribution of Karaah Parshaad, serving langar, and doing shoe sewa among others.
At the camp, the day started with everyone getting up early, showering, getting ready and gathering in Babaji’s room for a beautiful Naam simran session, followed by learning various Paaths with meanings, lectures, various activity classes and turban tying. Khalsa parade is an important part of an IIGS Camp as the campers get to learn the soldier aspect of a Sikh’s life.
The day concluded with an evening dewan where everyone joined in to do Rehraas Sahib, Kirtan, Sukhaasan and Sohila. Energetic ‘Khalsa Battery Charge’ sessions led by Sardar Sarabdayal Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh and Sardar Tejinder Singh before bed was the cherry on top which everyone cherished and most enthusiastically participated in.
Bhai Kultar Singh, a renowned Raagi from India, was also at the camp for two days. He performed melodious Kirtan for the entire sangat on multiple occasions and during his talk he shared knowledge about Kirtan, traditional musical instruments and his family history.
Everyone was amazed to learn about Bhai Sahib’s ancestors who used to perform at the darbaar of 5th Great Guru Arjan Dev.
Sardarni Gurpreet Kaur, Sardarni Harmala Kaur, Sardar Jasdev Singh, Sardarni Baljinder Kaur, Sardarni Inderpreet Kaur, Sardarni Manjeet Kaur and several campers did soul searching kirtan at the camp. Sardar Ranjit Singh enthralled everyone with his energetic tabla performances and infused the campers with chardikala. IIGS Camp food is always a hit as it includes not only Indian food but also Italian, Mexican, Chinese and American cuisine.
This was possible with the untiring sewa done by so many of the senior IIGS counselors like Sardar Ranjit Singh, Sardarni Manjit Kaur, Sardarni Prem Kaur and others. Sardarni Manjit Kaur helped with Punjabi classes and Path while Sardar Kanwarbir Singh, helped with history classes, Babaji’s room sewa, projecting shabads with meanings, and organized two small skits for the talent show among other things.
Special DOST (Discussion of Sikh Topics) sessions were organized for both boys and girls. This is an interactive forum organized to create awareness on various issues faced by the Sikh youth today. Such forums provide a platform to discuss issues of mutual interest and develop support groups to help each other in the future.
Kesh Darshan was a big event this time as well. The entire camp washed their hair and let them down for others to see and appreciate the gorgeous hair given to us by Waheguru ji. A special talk was organized on why Sikhs don’t cut their hair.
Outdoor activities like swimming, trekking and a picnic were also arranged during this camp. Picnic day could not have been more fun as everyone hung out at the park playing various games from soccer, basketball, mafia, catch, football, among others. Seniors and counselors had their share of fun as they played a game of ‘Pitthu’.
This is a game people play back in India and even the youngsters gladly joined in. Nice hot pizzas, chips and drinks followed by popsicles left a big smile on the faces of all. Ping pong is always a big hit at IIGS camps and one can find campers of all ages trying to get at least one game in just to have that full camp experience.
All in all, campers had a fun filled week of learning, enjoyment, working with each other in teams and getting to know everyone better. When the time came to bid farewell, one could see a little sadness in the eyes of all present. No one wanted to leave but as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so did the 74th Sikh International Youth Camp. With requests from attendees, parents and visitors to organize more camps in this part of the world and promises from campers to meet again soon, everyone said their goodbyes with a heavy heart.
This report won’t be complete without a special thanks to all Junior Counselor Trainees (JCT), Junior Counselors, Counselors, speakers, teachers, volunteers, helpers in the kitchen, camp nurse and doctors without whom this camp would not have been possible.
Beautiful moments were captured on camera and videos by Sardar Sarabdayal Singh and Sardarni Maninder Kaur who were also the official camp photographers in addition to performing several other duties. Sardar Jasdeep Singh, JCT, did a nice job of creating a beautiful slide show for all to see and get an essence of the camp.
On the first day of the camp, a small video was shown on Papaji (Captain Kanwar Harbhajan Singh), founder of IIGS. He dedicated 56 years of his life for the betterment of Sikhs especially the youth by reaching out to them around the world.
Camps, Kirtan programs, Lectures, Publications, Microfilming of all hand written Sikh Scriptures, Gurbani Researcher, Saturday Night Kirtan Programs, New Year Eve Kirtan Dewans, giving kids an opportunity to perform, honoring exceptional Sikhs in all fields of life, reaching out to Sindhi brothers and sisters and other communities that believe in Sikh teachings and organizing Mega-Events like Darbar-E-Khalsa were some of the wonderful ideas of Papaji.
Sardarni Gurpreet Kaur
