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2019 Gurmat Retreat: Update #7


Sixth Workshop:
Sikh Activist Toolkit
How is activism different than Sikh activism? And what does every Sikh Activist need in their toolkit?
Through gurbani, history, and rehat, this workshop will explore how each of us can be a guru-centered activist!
Moderator: Rubinpaul Singh

via GIPHY

Dietary Prefernces

We are in the final steps of preparing the menu for this upcoming weekend and want to know if you have any dietary preferences* we should take into account.

Please email us at info@sikhyouthalliance.org and let us know! 

*gluten free, dairy free, etc.

We are preparing a small workshop which we hope we will all become more in touch with Gurbani.

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2019 GURMAT RETREAT: UPDATE #6

We are only one week away from the beginning of retreat!

Below are a few housekeeping things to check off your list so your excitement doesn’t turn into panic!
  • Bedding (sheets/blanket/pillow)*
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Tennis shoes & Athletic wear
  • Notebook and pen
The YMCA Camp Storer offers a variety of activities and amenities at the campsite. Morning and evening are often cool and afternoons can warm up significantly.

*If you are flying in for retreat, we will bring bedding for you.

This year’s schedule is now up on the retreat website. While there might be some minor changes, this will give you an idea of
what to expect for the weekend.

You can click on the individual workshops to see a brief description.

Along with this we are excited to reveal another workshop!

Fifth Workshop:
Self Defense Seminar

We are so excited to announce that we will be having a Self Defense Seminar this year! You will learn awareness and how to fight back and defend your life against an attacker.

A few points to keep in mind:

• Wear athletic clothes and clean athletic shoes!!!
• Three hours of self defense instruction with live stress drills.
• Practice what you learn on a live attacker wearing a tactical padded suit. Learn to use your fight or flight reaction to your advantage.
• Learn how to trust your instincts and how to deter an attack before it happens.
• Learn and perform striking, kicking, choke defenses, bear hug defenses and how to target the weakest areas on an attacker.
• This seminar is highly interactive and everybody will have multiple chances to use what they learn in stress attack drills.

Instructor: Glenn Wygocki and RHMMA instructors

Chardhi Kala!

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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2019 Gurmat Retreat: Update #3

What does Gurbani say about mental wellness? How do we balance this with and evidence based, western mental health framework? Bring your questions to this interactive session as we explore ways to support our mental state with bani and wellness!

Moderator: Jaspreet Kaur (ON)

Register for SYANA Gurmat Retreat 2019! www.sikhyouthalliance.org/retreat

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2019 Gurmat Retreat: Update #2

Over the next few days, we will share the exciting talks, workshops and speakers we have lined up for retreat, that will motivate and reignite your connection with gurbani, gurmat and rehat.

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!We are just a month away from the annual SYANA Gurmat Retreat 2019! This year we will be celebrating Guru Nanak Sahib Ji! 2019 marks the 550th year since Guru Nanak’s arrival into this world.  Guru Nanak instigated a personal and communal revolution that the world has never seen before and yet to fathom.

First up is:

ਬਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਬੈਹਣੀGurbani is a multi-dimensional source of inspiration, guidance, and insights. Exploring the language, metaphors, and socio-political historical contexts of a Shabad of Guru Nanak, we will examine how Guru Nanak framed the path of Sikhi through practical lessons regarding behavior, politics, and emotions. This workshop creates space for individuals to delve deeply into Gurbani and equip them with tools to interpret Gurbani at an individual level.

Moderators: Balpreet Kaur (OH) & Ujjal Didar Singh (OH)

Chardhi Kala!

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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2019 Gurmat Retreat: Update #1


Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa  Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

2019 SYANA Gurmat Retreat is just around the corner and we are excited to see familiar faces and especially excited to meet new people!

Thank you for registering, a few things we wanted to let you know before your arrival:

1. If you are traveling in by plane, train or bus please email us at info@sikhyouthalliance.org with your information so appropriate transfers can be arranged.
2. Please don’t forget to bring bath slippers for the bathroom, bedding for a twin size bed, and towels.  Note: If you are flying into Detroit, we will do our best to provide bedding for you. We will be in contact once we receive your flight information.
3. You will need tennis shoes for some of the weekend activities.
4. Please try and bring a water bottle.
5. Visit the FAQ section on the website for common questions, but please feel free to email us with any questions you may have. 
7. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions – please let us know.
8. If you have any concerns or special requests, please email us, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Again, we are excited about the opportunity to spend time with all of you. We’ll see you on Friday May 24th

Chardi Kala

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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SYANA 2019 Gurmat Camp: Save The Date

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

As our excitement arises becasue Spring is finally here, what is even more exciting is that SYANA Gurmat Camp is only 3 months away!

We know this is the time summer and vacation plans are being made so we wanted to take a moment to share the dates for our upcoming SYANA Gurmat Camp.

This year, camp will be held June 30th – July 6th at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton, MI.

We are looking forward to seeing our old sangat and meeting new friends as well so we hope you take advantage of this opportunity to come together to learn, have fun, and immerse yourself in sangat.

This year is especially special – 2019 marks the 550th year since Guru Nanak’s arrival into this world.  

We will spend the week learning and understanding about the revolutionary path that was established by our Guru.

Come join us for an exciting week of Keertan, classes, workshops, and connecting to the Guru and Sangat.

Please stay tuned for more information regarding registration. Looking forward to seeing you all soon! 
Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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SYANA 2019 Gurmat Retreat: Registration Open!

Vaahiguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaahiguru Ji Ki Fateh! Dear Sangat far & wide,

Registration for this year’s annual Gurmat Retreat is now openSYANA Gurmat Retreat is an annual tradition that brings together Sikhs of all backgrounds to connect & reflect on the wisdom and daily practice of Sikhi – all while spending a weekend surrounded by nature in Jackson, MI.

This year is especially special. 2019 marks the 550th year since Guru Nanak’s arrival into this world.  Guru Nanak instigated a personal and communal revolution that the world has never seen before and yet to fathom. In the words of Bhai Gurdas, “Bliss envelopes the world! Guru Nanak brings freedom in the age-of-ignorance.” (Var 1, Pauri 37).  As heirs to this incredible legacy, we center the theme of retreat around Guru Nanak: 1469 to Eternity in hopes to understanding the enigma & revolutionary that was our first Paatshah

Retreat planning is underway. Here’s what you may look forward to: 
    • Connecting to the Guru as a Sangat every day through divan & kirtan 
    • Insightful workshops that challenge frameworks and ask tough questions 
    • Meaningful discussions & conversations about various Panthic & world issues. 
    • An amazing campsite with good food & incredible views of the sky! 
    • Opportunities to learn and practice new skills; new experiences! 
    • Networking with Sikhs ages 18 – 35 of all backgrounds
For more information about this year’s retreat, visit our FAQsPlease join us for an inspiring weekend.

Guru Ang Sang!

Retreat Sevadaars

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SYANA 2019 Gurmat Retreat: Save The Date!

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

SYANA Gurmat Retreat is nearly here. We are looking forward to the events at this year’s retreat and hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to come together as Sikhs to explore and reflect upon your personal path towards the Guru.

Through daily Nitnem, Keertan Divaans, various workshops, Gurbanee discussions, and healthy debate, we will explore our connection with the Guru, Sangat and beyond.

Come take part in this unique weekend of self-exploration and building Panthic unity. Registration will open soon.We look forward to seeing you May 24 to 27th at YMCA Camp Storer!

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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SYANA Gurmat Camp: Update #7

2018 SYANA Gurmat Camp

ਕਿਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਐਸਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਦੇਇ ਬਤਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Camp is almost upon us and we can’t contain our excitement!!!

As you make your way to camp this year – don’t forget to tag us with#syana2018 with pictures from your travel.

Post on our Facebook wall “What you’re most excited about for #syana2018” (bonus points for videos)!

If you have any issues while travelling and need to connect with us, please contact us at: Arminder Kaur 419.450.4325 or Inderpal Singh 847.226.0690. Remember registration begins at 2:30 pm and ends promptly at 4:30 pm.

As you wrap up (or start!) your packing, double check the list of items to bring to camp on our FAQ on our website.

Remember your vaajas, dastaar/chunnis/bandanas, and water bottles AND LEAVE ELECTRONICS AT HOME!

As a final reminder – don’t forget basic toiletries/bedding/towels. The campsite can become fairly muddy on rainy days, so please come prepared.

Safe travels and we’ll see you soon!!

Chardhi Kala!

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Because of campsite rules, parents and visitors will not be allowed on the campsite at any time, other than pickup and drop off times. There are no exceptions, so please be mindful of these restrictions. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

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