Khalsa Camp UK 2016 took place from 26th
to 31st August in Wales. The camp was attended by over 200 campers with Sangat attending from USA, Canada, Europe, and India. Special guests from abroad that shared their knowledge and inspiration with campers at the camp included Bhai Surjit Singh Ji (India), Bhai Suneet Singh Ji (Toronto), Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto), and Bhai Vikram Singh Ji (USA).
The theme of this year's Khalsa Camp UK was 'Gursikhi Jeevan'. The lectures and workshops explored questions of life such as "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" "How can I get through problems and challenges?" and "How can I be happy?".
The first lecture, presented by Bhai Vikram Singh Ji (USA) covered “Why am I here...”, reflecting on the purpose of human life and how we got this amazing opportunity to meet and experience VaheGuru. It set set the tone of why Gursikhi Jeevan is important. The second lecture, by Bibi Mandeep Kaur Ji, was about understanding the obstacles on the path of Gursikhi Jeevan and where to get strength from, with examples from Bhenji's personal experiences, Gurbani and Sikh history. The third lecture, by Bhai Suneet Singh Ji (Toronto), was a reflection on the past and thinking about if we had another shot at life then what would we do differently. The fourth lecture, Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto), was about the two most important ceremonies in one’s Gursikhi Jeevan – Amrit Sanskaar and Anand Sanskaar. These two rites of passage are the most intimate ceremonies of one's life which inspires, encourages and supports us in our Gursikhi Jeevan. Finally, the fifth lecture was about the preparation for the final destination – death. Accepting death and merging with Naam are the ultimate aims of Gursikhi Jeevan.
Every day of the camp, the whole camp were given two lines of Gurbani from a Shabad that was collectively sung and repeated throughout the day. The aim was that by lovingly singing, reflecting, and repeating these lines, campers would be able to enshrine these lines of Gurbani in their hearts and give everyone motivation and inspiration for the camp and beyond.
Some photos of the camp:
The first lecture, presented by Bhai Vikram Singh Ji (USA) covered “Why am I here...”, reflecting on the purpose of human life and how we got this amazing opportunity to meet and experience VaheGuru. It set set the tone of why Gursikhi Jeevan is important. The second lecture, by Bibi Mandeep Kaur Ji, was about understanding the obstacles on the path of Gursikhi Jeevan and where to get strength from, with examples from Bhenji's personal experiences, Gurbani and Sikh history. The third lecture, by Bhai Suneet Singh Ji (Toronto), was a reflection on the past and thinking about if we had another shot at life then what would we do differently. The fourth lecture, Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto), was about the two most important ceremonies in one’s Gursikhi Jeevan – Amrit Sanskaar and Anand Sanskaar. These two rites of passage are the most intimate ceremonies of one's life which inspires, encourages and supports us in our Gursikhi Jeevan. Finally, the fifth lecture was about the preparation for the final destination – death. Accepting death and merging with Naam are the ultimate aims of Gursikhi Jeevan.
Every day of the camp, the whole camp were given two lines of Gurbani from a Shabad that was collectively sung and repeated throughout the day. The aim was that by lovingly singing, reflecting, and repeating these lines, campers would be able to enshrine these lines of Gurbani in their hearts and give everyone motivation and inspiration for the camp and beyond.
Some photos of the camp:
Group ice-breakers
Introduction talk from Bhai Surjit Singh Ji
Amrit-Vela Diwaan
Morning Simran
Giani Kulwinder Singh Ji (Canada)
Lecture Bhai Suneet Singh (Toronto)
Lecture Bibi Mandeep Kaur (Army Chaplain)
I wonder why they are playing thumb-wars?
Lecture Bibi Mandeep Kaur (Army Chaplain)
I wonder why they are playing thumb-wars?
Bhai Vikram Singh (USA) entertaining the Sangat with some magic
Sangat watching magic-show
Guru Ji's Seva
Bonfire and Saakhi evening
Camp fire night
With Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji, Bhai Surjit Singh and Bhaji Jagjit Singh
Satguru Ji leaving camp site at the end of the camp
Video of Kirtan from Khalsa Camp UK 2016: