IndiaPost.com - Over 200 participate in Sikh International Youth Camp

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The 67th International Youth Camp was held at Camp Seely, Lake Gregory (Near Lake Arrowhead, CA) from August 12-18 with the culmination by a ceremony at Buena Park Gurdwara on the August 19. As always, IIGS did a stellar job of organizing the Camp. It was attended by a lot of young Sikhs and some parents. Their time at the Camp was utilized with classes in Gurbani Paath, musical instruments, keertan, Gatka and other activities.

The campers were honored by the presence of famous advocate of Canada Sardar T Sher Singh who took part in imparting his knowledge and engaging the campers in lively discussion of myriad subjects that were brought up by all. Sardarni Jasjit Kaur was instrumental in leading the discussions and guiding the campers with her answers to the questions asked of her. Papajee was always an imposing figure in a positive sense and was very involved in giving talks and guidance. A lot of parent campers had many questions regarding the Sikh faith and the problems and impediments faced by them in day to day life.

The speakers were able to provide answers to all their questions including how to deal with bullies and harassment in school or the work environment. They were unanimous that in dealing with harassment, the important thing is not to retaliate but to document the episode and report it to the proper authorities. There has to be a paper trail in place for positive results.

The campers were kept in good sprits with regular 'Battery Charge' sessions led by S. Ranjit Singh and ably supported by all the campers joining in to shouts of Bole So Nihal! A Camp picnic was held on August 15 which was filled with fun with all kinds of games participated by campers, parents and counselors. Food was plentiful at the Camp and there was always a different menu every day including breakfast. Western and Indian food was cooked there and served hot.

Campers began the day early at 6 am. After Kanga Keski the campers assembled for Naam Simran from 7 to 7.30 am. This was followed by morning tea and then at 8 am it was time for shabd keertan, Ardas, Hukam and Karah Parshad. Breakfast was from 9.30 am to 10.30 am.

The rest of the day was devoted to lectures, classes in Keertan, Tabla, Vaja etc. There were group discussions, sports, swimming, Gatka, and a host of other activities to educate and entertain the campers. Other highlights of the day include the Nishan Sahib Parade and Turban Tying. Khalsa battery Charge was another much awaited event.

The Camp wound down on Saturday August 18 after breakfast and there were a lot of tears shed on leaving old and new friends. Campers who had learned the shabads in a short span of one week held the final closing ceremony of the IIGS camp at Buena Park Gurdwara on Sunday August 19 with keertan. Some campers gave speeches about the camp and their experiences there and how the first nervousness of attending camp was quickly removed by how much fun they had and stuff they had learned from the Camp.

They also found out that they were not alone and some of their questions and reservations were shared by a lot of others. Parent Camper Sardarni Prabhjot Kaur got emotional emoting her positive thoughts to the Sangat about the IIGS Camp and there were not too many dry eyes after she had shared her thoughts.

There was a parade and show of colors after the Ardas and it ended with another 'Battery Charge' session taking place in the parking lot to loud chants of Bole So Nihal. In all the IIGS Camp was a resounding success. Pun intended. Prior to this, the 66th Sikh International Youth camp was held near Mussoorie in India. Attended by almost 600 kids this camp like its predecessors was a phenomenal success, Kids came from all over India and some from overseas as well. Founded in 1955 in Lucknow, the International Institute of Gurmat Studies was originally known as Young Sikh Missionaries. It was an all men organization.

In 1972 the name changed to Institute of Gurmat Studies and it was also in 1972 that for the first time the organization opened its portals to women. Jasjit Kaur (now of San Jose) was the first girl camper. She would go on to be a co founder of the International Sikh Youth Camping movement and has been closely associated with the camping scenario ever since. The next camp is scheduled June 2008 at Mussoorie in India.