Monday, January 30, 2012

West Coast Sikhi Camp 2011...



From Wednesday 28th December to Saturday 31st December, West Coast Sikhi Camp 2011 took place in California (USA) organised by the local Gursikh Naujawaan. It was a 4-day residential camp held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in San Joaquinwhich gave campers an opportunity to experience the Gursikh way of life which included Amrit-vela, sevaa, keertan, talks, discussions, activities, sports and a trip. The camp started in 2009 and has been successfully run every year since. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa about 120 youngsters attended the camp. The theme of the camp was "charan sharan guru eik paindaa jaae chal, satgur kot paindaa aagai hoe let hai" ("take one step towards the Guru, and the True Guru takes a million steps towards you.")

The day would start with Amrit-velaa (early morning) Simran and Nitnem. After a rest period everyone would have breakfast (American style - big portions and very sweet!) . In the day there were talks followed by activities outside. I used the activity time to catch up on my sleep! In the evening there was Rehraas Sahib and Keertan in the Darbaar Sahib and on the last night there was a bonfire with every camper sharing their personal journey to Sikhi, which was very touching and humbling to hear.

It was amazing to see the pyaar of the Sangat and how much love they had for Sikhi. The thirst and hunger of some of the campers was very moving. May Guru Sahib bless all the sevadaars and the youngsters with Gursikhi Jeevan, blessings of Naam & Amrit, and forever love for Sikhi.

Some photos:


Langar and registration sign


Opening Ardaas of camp


Talk on day 1




Amrit-vela Divaan


Afternoon talk



Dastaar-bandi of a camper (for the group plays)


Dramas based on Gurmat theme of taking one-step towards the true Guru.


Bhai Prabhdev Singh and Bhai Baljit Singh peeling oranges?


Gladiators


Ice-cream eating competition (Warning - don't try this at home).


Winner of the ice-cream competition. Vaheguru. (Makes me feel queasy).


Camp fire.




Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Can You email me the Presentations that you gave at the camp. I remember that you skipped a few because of the time limits but I'd still like to read them. My email is sanghagurbeer@gmail.com Thanks

-Gurbeer Singh

Manvir Singh (UK) said...

Veer Jee I will email you.