Camps/Retreats
Sikhism related camps and retreats provide a vital service for our youth. Their aim is to establish a permanent foundation, based on Sikh principles and teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, which a young Sikh can tap into as necessary. Many of these camps/retreats also help strengthen character and develop leadership skills so that a young Sikh may serve as a model for the rest of the community.
For Sikhism related camps/retreats try these links:
- http://www.sikhyouthcamp.org – Camp Chardi Kala – New York.
- http://wcsya.com – West Coast Sikh Youth Alliance.
- http://www.ghiss.org – Guru Harkrishan Institute of Sikh Studies –Maryland.
- http://www.ggsacademy.com/camp – Guru Granth Sahib Academy.
- http://www.iigs.com/camp.asp – International Institute of Gurmat Studies.
- http://seattlesikhretreat.org – Seattle Sikh retreat.
- http://saanjh.org – Bay area Sikh retreat.
- http://www.kaurfoundation.org – iLead youth leadership retreat.
Resources
There are various web-based resources that help a young Sikh remain in harmony with his/her surroundings. These resources may provide assistance in the form of printed material or guidance to deal with various issues.
For Sikhism related resources for young Sikhs try these links:
- http://www.khalsakids.org – The information you’ll find on this website can help you stand up for your rights and explain Sikhism to people who don’t know much about it.
- http://www.sikhsangat.com – Voice of Sikh Youth.
- http://www.sikhyouthscholarship.org – Sikh youth scholarships.
- http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Main_Page – A Sikh encyclopedia.
Culture
While Diaspora Sikhs have adapted (to various degrees) the culture of their new adopted land they can never sever the unbreakable bond they have with the culture of their ancestors, a culture that is a part of Sikh virsa – The Punjabi culture. This vibrant culture is an integral part of Sikh identity since it is born from the region of Punjab. Punjabi culture manifests itself in various forms. The most common way for a Sikh to exhibit Punjabi culture is by speaking its language, Punjabi. Other ways that a young Sikh may show his/her Punjabiness is through dress, dance, etiquette, arts and overall Chardi Kala (high spirits).
For Punjabi culture related resources a young Sikh may try these links:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punjabi_culture – The Punjabi culture.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhangra – Bhangra, a form of music and dance which originated in the Punjab.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatka – Gatka is a martial art form associated with the Sikhs.
- http://www.punjabonline.com/servlet/library.culture – Culture of Punjab
- http://www.bhangrablowout.com/ – A Bhangra competition in North America.
- http://www.bostonbhangra.com/BBInc/ – Boston Bhangra is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural understanding and mentorship for youths through a common thread: Bhangra.
- http://www.artofpunjab.com/ – Website of Kanwar Singh Dhillon, creator of Punjabi and Sikh paintings.