Sikh Student Camp near London has become an annual event. If you've been there before, you understand. And if you haven't, then THIS is the year to attend! It's seven days of pure bliss and deep piyar filled with inspiration, elevation, laughter, sports, games, langar, kirtan, meditation and discussions about REAL things, plus that inexpressible something “extra†that you may not find in your local Gurdwara. This year we're planning Archery, Gladiators, Yoga, Football and much more.
Sikh Student camp gives you a chance to serve, learn and chill out with people of your own generation that have been thorough the cycles of schools, uni’s and the whole shabang that goes with it, and who want to learn more about their roots in an open and loving atmosphere.
Everyone has experiences to share and knowledge that can help others. This camp has an amazing and lasting effect on everyone who attends and it can be a real catalyst for transformation and inspiration in one's life. You could call it a “springboard†into the experience of the Soul. Come have an indescribable experience, filled with love, understanding and a wicked time to be had by all. The Camp is 17th August - 23rd August, so NOW is the time to get your forms and cheques in!
Here's my account of one day at Sikh Student Camp 2006:
"Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh!
Thursday at camp was an absolutely smashing day. It rained most of the day, a steady downpour that kept us all inside, so we had a full camp turban tying party! Lots of campers who had never tied dastar before got to experience the wonderful experience of Guru’s crown for the first time. We had some very creative turbans as well. Sodhi tied a green plaid pug with a dashing tail hanging down. But then again, he always cuts quite a figure poking and uplifting everyone with his sharp wit. Two Singhs tied a proper Nihung Dumalla on me. It took them nearly half an hour. I guess I have a somewhat slippery head ;-)
The day was filled with so many smiling faces! In the afternoon the sun broke through as we began the Nishan Sahib Seva. The school where the camp is held is in Chigwell, in the London suburbs. It’s the Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa School. In front of the main school building entrance is a beautiful Nishan Sahib, and we spent the afternoon yesterday lowering it, cleaning it and redressing it with a new orange cover (chola) and a new nishan (flag.) The entire camp participated over a period of several hours with continuous chanting and scores of Jaikaras (shouts of "Bole So Nihal!") Everyone got hoarse (but filled with joy) and after the footwashing the whole camp posed for a group snap.
The camp sevadar team is awesome! Not only do they plan and coordinate the camp, but they serve all day and night on every level taking care of everyone, guiding the day’s activities and taking care of camp security. That’s security team captain, Dala, and the camp security hound, "Tiger." Tiger is fed some milk and langer in the morning and perhaps a bit of cold pizza for lunch, so he’s a fairly hungry, grumpy Rottweiller come evening time and he’s ready to take a nice bite out of anyone who approaches our camp with bad intentions. The camp sevadars give all their time to the camp as seva - many taking over a week off from their jobs and family to serve the sadhsangat here.
In the evening we had an special Keertan Darbar with Guest ragis like Amarjit Singh, who sings Keertan in classical Raag (there are 31 ragas in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib.) Midday Langer yesterday was delicious Saag dripping with butter, fresh hot roti and daal. Evening Langar was take away from "Rocky’s", a London institution known among the campers for it’s huge, yummy vegeburgers and chips (French fries.) The evening Keertan went on past 11 PM, so everyone was pretty tired, but this morning (Friday - the final day of camp) everyone was in Cherdi Kala as Navleen Kaur began her talk on Seva.
She called me up to share the stage and sit with her. She’s the most lovely, inspiring, dedicated and divine sister - beloved of the Siri Singh Sahib and a great teacher as well. I have met so many bright, open hearted, shining young Singhs and Singhinis here, and my heart is so full of love for everyone that it’ll be hard to leave camp tomorrow when we all pack up and depart. So to all my beloveds, I’ll see you soon and I send you a proper Jaikara from Sikh Student Camp… Bole So Nihal! Saaaaaaaat Siri Akaaaaaal!!!!"
So to all of you who may have watched my SikhNet YouTube videos and all those who have attended Sikh Student Camp before - and especially if you are a newcomer - I will see you there again this year, along with the Cherdi Kala Jatha, Sardarni Guru Kirin Kaur, Guru Kaur Khalsa and many more teachers, kirtanees and your brothers and sisters in Sikhi!
- Guruka Singh
When: Sunday 17th August 2008 - Saturday 23rd August 2008
Who: Sikhs (aged 18 and above) looking to learn about their roots, enjoy some great activities and meet other young Sikhs in a loving and supportive environment
Where: An extremely picturesque setting. South East England, with pickup points in West & East London, Midlands, Luton & Gravesend.
Application Form: Apply here now!
FAQs: Click here!