Amsterdam December 2013 Sikh Family Camp...

From 25th to 29th December 2013 a Sikh Family Camp was held at Guru Nanak Sahib Gurdwara in Amsterdam, Holland. The first Sikh Family Camp was held three years ago. Year after year the camp has grown in its success and the Sangat, young and old, have taken benefit of Gurmat Vichaar. Bibi Mandeep Kaur jee who is a Sikh Chaplain in the army, Bhai Vijay Singh jee who has been involved in Parchaar at camps for the past 6 years attended the camp, and Daas attended the camp from the UK for seva. The camp was attended by families from different parts of Holland and even a family from Germany.

The camp was divided into three groups - under 10s, 11+ years and then parents/adults. The camp included lectures, discussions, Gurbani Jaap for the Chardikala of the Panth, Keertan, and activities. Local youngsters contributed by teaching the younger groups. Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee's lectures were based on inspirational Sikh women in history and what we can all, irrespective of gender, can learn from their life and virtues. Daas' lectures were on the tradition of Shaheedi started by Guru Arjan Dev jee and the history of the elder and younger Sahibzaade. Bhai Vijay Singh jee's lectures were on Bhai Gurbaksh Singh jee's hunger strike, concept of death in Gurmat, and general youth issues.

The atmosphere of this particular camp was very special. The was great ambiance and feeling of love. The Keertan on Saturday night was breath taking. The two hours or so of Keertan felt like a full night Rainsbaaee. May Guru Sahib continue blessing the Sangat of Amsterdam and may Guru Sahib bless the local youth with seva and carrying on the mission of Sikhi to the next generation.

Some photos from the camp:

Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj

 Bhai Vijay Singh jee doing Hukamnama vichaar

 Under 10s class

 Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee lecture on Sikh women

 Questions and answers session

Amrita Kaur and Prabhki Kaur, both age 5 from UK, with their fellow sister from Holland. The young bhenji in the white dastaar came to the camp with pig tails and after spending one day in the camp cried to her parents that she wanted to wear a Dastaar and have her hair tied up like her fellow sisters. Vaheguru!

 

 Lecture on Mata Sahib Kaur jee.

 Lecture on what we learn from the lives of inspirational Sikh women. Vaheguru!

Adult men's group having a discussion

 Adult women's group having a discussion

 Bhai Jaswinder Singh jee preparing the under 10s group to present what they have learnt in the camp to the rest of the Sangat. The children were very excited to show what they had learnt!

Sunday divaan lecture on Kurbani of Chhote Sahibzaade

Bhenji Mandeep Kaur jee honouring the campers with medals

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!