West Coast Sikhi Camp 2009

From Wednesday 23rd December to Saturday 26th December, West Coast Sikhi Camp 2009 took place in California (USA) organised by the local Gursikh Naujawaan. It was a 4-day residential camp held at the Gurdwara Sahib in Caruthers which gave campers an opportunity to experience the Gursikh way of life which included Amrit-vela, sevaa, keertan, talks, discussions, activities, sports and a trip. It was first the camp held in California which was aimed at high-school to college age students. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa 75 youngsters attended the camp and was very successful.

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 3 sessions of either talks or discussions and in the afternoon there was activities outside for everyone which included basketball and an assault course (but the weather was slightly cold). In the evening there was Rehraas Sahib and Keertan in the Darbaar Sahib and on the last night there was an inspirational talk session.

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. There were definitely great souls and saints amongst the children and the elders! May Guru Sahib bless all the sevadaars and the children with Gursikhi Jeevan, blessings of Naam & Amrit, and forever love for Sikhi.

Some photos:

West Coast Sikhi Camp banner outside of the Gurdwara.

Bhenji Manpreet Kaur jee and Bhaji Prabhdev Singh jee registering campers on the first day.

Gurdwara (Darbar Sahib) from outside.

Aunty jee and other bhenjis cooking Langar. The American portions are very big!!

Langar Hall.

Amrit-Velaa (early morning). It was Chardi kalaa to see campers who usually don't wake up Amrit-velaa to be waking up 2am (without being asked) and getting ready to attend the camp Amrit-velaa. Waheguru!

Amrit-velaa - Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaj.

Bhaji Ravjeet Singh jee's talk on 'Beauty of Sikhi'.

Assault course.

Bhaji Vikram Singh jee doing a magic show for the children.

Dr. Gurtje Singh jee doing a talk on "Know Sikhi?".

Langar.

Social issues workshop presentation.

Rehraas Sahib da paath.

Bhaji Manvinder Singh jee talking to the campers about his life experiences in the session about thinking about the future and careers. Very inspiring Gursikh and talk!

On the last day of the camp we all went on a trip. Campers had a choice of either going paint-balling or attending an amusement park which had racing cars and crazy golf.

Rambo attending the camp! This guy took paint-balling too seriously! Waheguru he was dressed up for the occasion and had all the gear! Sat-naam Waheguru.