SYANA GURMAT CAMP 2017
JULY 8, 2017
The Camp Report Campers’ reflections after a week of learning and sangat
Jasvin Singh, Group B
“I learned how to fight with kirpaans and sing shabads in new raags.”
Sacrifice, Leadership, and Courage Through the lives of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh… our campers reflected on the idea of kurbaani (sacrifice) through the shaheedis in our history and the devotion we should have towards our Guru. Additionally, the campers thought about what Sikh leadership looks like and how values of Sikhi should intersect with how we live the rest of our lives.
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KEERTAN
HISTORY
GATKA
Every camper has the opportunity to lead a shabad in divaan during the week.
Reflecting on the lives of our Gurus and past Sikhs, we learn valuable lessons for the present.
Campers learn to defend themselves with traditional Sikh training and weaponry.
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Sharan Kaur, Group C
“It was so good that I almost forgot about home.”
Kesar Singh, Group D
“It’s great how they give us support and give us resources.”
SYANA GURMAT CAMP 2017
JULY 8, 2017
A Bird’s Eye View An overview of our week at camp through the eyes of our campers. As campers at SYANA this year, we have learned a lot within this short week. We’ve made many new friends that have quickly become family to us. We have had an amazing opportunity to learn keertan, gatka, and all about our rich history.
from our leaders’ past mistakes and take charge. From our history class, we got to hear about the various strengths and weaknesses of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji. Our teachers made us think and ponder closely at what our Gursikh ideals were. We were pushed harder in that class and, yet, it was still motivational.
In keertan, we have amazing aunties and uncles helping and teaching us beautiful shabads. It could be a little difficult and frustrating at first, but as soon as we were done and sang it perfectly, we could not be more happy. Gatka has many elements like stamina and technique. You might ask why do I have to stretch? It’s all a part of gatka. Learning gatka has been an incredible experience, especially for first-timers. So, if you don’t get it the first time, just enjoy it.
With that, we would just like to express what a great time we had at camp! (In case you couldn’t tell from our descriptions of the classes.) The two of us can’t wait to come back next year and hang out with our (amazing) friends and learn more with our teachers.
We have learned about our deeply interesting history and been inspired, but never have we learned about our history and wanted to learn
— Saibhang Kaur & Tevleen Kaur, Group B
LEARNING THE MEANING OF MY NAME - HABHI KAUR This year was my first year at SYANA Camp. Everything was really fun and I made a lot of new friends, but the biggest highlight for me was the divaans and keertan darbaars. In the morning divaans, we learned the meaning of JapJi Sahib and that we need to include it in our daily lives. I always knew the words because my name is from mool mantar (hY BI scu), but I never knew what they meant. In evening divaans, we learned about our theme shabad “Bin Thael Diva Kio Jalai.” This means: without the oil, how can the lamp be lit? The oil is Gurbani and the light is you and our goal is to light up our lamp with Gurbani. Thanks to SYANA camp, my lamp has gotten closer to flickering.
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SYANA GURMAT CAMP 2017
JULY 8, 2017
Coming Back to Camp A camper shares his experience growing up and coming to love gatka. The 2017 SYANA Gurmat Camp experience held in Fenton, Michigan at the YMCA Camp Copneconic was an interesting experience, and yet exciting. But then again, I had expected it to be. I’ve been coming to camp for 5 years now, and each week of camp seems to get easier and easier. Things seem to run smoother when you’ve been shown the ropes and you don’t feel nervous anymore (as I was once on edge for the entire week of camp). Gurmat camp was, and still is, an exciting experience, but one that is a compilation of many experiences put together. In this reflection, I will reflect on my point of view and experience of Gatka.
being in group B myself, I look back and wonder, “was I really that bad three years ago?” I enjoyed gatka this year because I got to improve my shastar training, but also because I learned something new in the other areas of gatka. I was taught stretches for different parts of my body to enhance my performance. I also did numerous exercises, especially breathing ones, in order to increase the chain of oxygen I receive. Then, I improved my performance and skill with 2 multis and my skill level with chakar, too. I also learned how to respect gatka and the shastars.
Gatka, in short, is a form of martial arts. I have always loved martial arts and when I first heard about gatka, I was excited and a little intrigued. What was this class? Was it really martial arts? Did you get to fight? I really had no idea what I was in for. In a few short days, I had learned the multi, 2 multis, faree soti, and a little bit of chakar, too. At that time, I did not believe I could even improve to the level of the B groupers I had observed. Now,
I plan to return to camp next year, so I can practices the discipline and the art of gatka once again.
— Jasjeev Singh, Group B
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SYANA GURMAT CAMP 2017
JULY 8, 2017
As a first time camper, coming to camp was terrifying, but when I got the official 'you're a counselor!' email, my heart stopped. Learning the ropes while taking care of others sounded a little extreme and too much for me to handle. But the sangat here made sure I had nothing to worry about. My fellow SYANA counselors helped me a lot, answering my questions and dealing with the various emergencies that occurred. But what truly made my counselor experience great were my kids. Sweet and kind, they were a tumble of laughs and the embodiment of a comfortable sense of belonging. Suddenly, being a counselor became fun and less of task. I was not looking after kids, but, rather, helping my little sisters. They made this week very special and, although there were more ups, downs, twists and turns than in most rollercoasters, #SYANA2017 was success. — Vismaad Kaur, Group A
COMING HOME
See you next year!
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