Khalsa Camp organisers have many years of valuable experience in holding large-scale camps, which helps us to cater for individual needs, as well as creating an open and relaxed atmosphere. Khalsa Camp has always been known for the amazing effect it has on everyone who attends. In 2002, 71% of campers said Khalsa Camp changed their lives!
At Khalsa Camp you will find in-depth talks about Sikh spirituality, group discussions on everyday issues and qualified answers to any questions you may have about the Sikh faith. There will also be daily prayers (Simran, Nitnem and Kirtan) and some great activities to help break things up!
People from all backgrounds and levels of experience of the Sikh way of life will be attending Khalsa Camp, so nobody will feel like the "odd one out"! Talkers from around the world are always invited to share their knowledge and experience of the most important aspects of living as a Sikh.
If you've never been to a Khalsa Camp before, then you may be a bit wary of what actually happens whilst you're there. This guide will try to explain this in as much detail as possible.
Once you have applied and paid the camp fee, you will receive an email confirming your payment has been received. Then, a couple of weeks before the start of Khalsa Camp, you will be sent a Welcome Pack, which will give you all the information you need (such as what to bring, what not to bring, where your pick-up point is, contact telephone numbers for your relatives, return journey drop-off points and times etc.)
Once you arrive at Khalsa Camp, you will be given a tour of the camp site. Generally, the camp site consists of rooms to sleep in, Langar hall (kitchens), Darbar Sahib (Gurdwara hall), lecture/seminar hall and sports/activity areas.
The Sevadars (volunteers) in the Langar (kitchens) make sure we're all well fed for the entire duration of Khalsa Camp! There's a mixture of both eastern and western foods each day and something different every day too. Since its usually very warm during the time Khalsa Camp is held, there is always plenty of drinks available throughout each day.
The daily schedule begins with a early start at around 5am, when everyone gathers to recite the 5 Nitnem prayers. This helps to provide some experience of what it's like to live a Sikh way of life. Usually, we then break for some more rest or sleep, before breakfast is served at around 9am. Lunch follows at around 1pm with the final meal of the day at around 7pm.
When we're not eating, Khalsa Camp has a wide variety of activities such as talks, discussions, sports, team challenges and Kirtan. During previous Khalsa Camps, there have been walks up the side of nearby hills and on stretches of beaches - which for many people was an unforgettable and unique experience.
Khalsa Camp 2010 Promo from Atma Singh on Vimeo.
Everyone at Khalsa Camp quickly starts to become comfortable in the new surroundings and a great atmosphere soon develops which is rarely found anywhere else. The environment is one in which everyone soon feels is open enough to ask questions and start discussions on areas that otherwise people may not usually do. It's this learning experience and atmosphere that makes Khalsa Camp what it is today.
Further to this, we try our very best to invite the best talkers and the most inspiring individuals to make sure that all questions are answered by knowledgeable and highly-respected Sikhs, who are not just scholars, but also practising Sikhs with extensive experience of what it is to be a Sikh. The talks (of which there are about 2 each day) are always highly informative and greatly inspiring.
The last day of Khalsa Camp is usually the worst for everyone, as it means the end of, what is for many people, the best experience of the year.
Khalsa Camp places are quickly taken up, so if you feel that you would like to experience Khalsa Camp, the sooner you apply the more likely you are to reserve one of the 250 places available this year. We hope to see you there!