At the heart of SYANA is our week-long Gurmat camp. This yearly event aims at bringing together Sikh youth from across North America to an environment where the Sikh way of life can be experienced. Immersed in the inspiring traditions of the Sikh faith, these youth capture a glimpse of the Guru’s message in the hopes of encouraging a love for the Sikh path. The camp is structured to encourage relationships that strengthen a spiritual experience through Sangat. In spending a week together, these youth create friendships that last a lifetime. Through the use of history, Keertan, special lectures, and daily Divaans, young Sikhs are exposed to the various facets of the Sikh faith. Daily sports activities, campfires, and arts and crafts all also provide an opportunity for Sikhs to interact with each other in a fun setting. By no means does this Gurmat camp substitute for teaching and exposure to Sikh principles at home but the hope is that each child becomes moved by the Guru’s word that it inspires a desire for life-long learning and practice.
Registration fees are $300USD per child and covers registration, lodging, activities, camp t-shirt, food, and awards. SYANA attempts to make programming available to as many children as possible, and the fees are set at below cost. If financial assistance is needed, please contact info@sikhyouthalliance.org
Please note that the last day to withdraw from camp and receive a refund is May 20th. There are no exceptions, refunds will not be provided after this date.
The YMCA Camp Copneconic offers a variety of activities and amenities at the campsite. Mornings and evenings are often cooler and afternoons can warm up significantly.
The following is a list of suggested items for camp – please make sure to label all belongings:
Clothes for one week – Long pants need to be worn during divaan so please plan accordingly
Vaajaa and/or Tabla
Jacket or sweater
Swimsuit or swimming trunks (There is a lake and swimming activities are available at camp)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
Turban/putka/chunni/scarf
All campers will need to keep their head covered throughout the day. All boys will need to tie a turban/dastaar each day; please bring one appropriately sized for their head
Prescription medicines – if needed
All medicines will be handed over to the camp doctors for the duration of the camp
Sneakers
Rain boots
Parts of the camp have dirt trails, and in rain can become muddy
Bed sheets, blanket (or sleeping bag), and pillow
Towels (bath and hand)
Laundry bag
Kleenex
Flashlight
Pencil, pen, and notebook
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
No candy, gum or snacks are allowed. Also – cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices are not allowed during classes and workshops.
It is highly recommended you bring your vaajaa to camp to maximize on your keertan learning experience. If you do not have a vaajaa, an electronic portable keyboard will suffice, and can be brought along with you.
Please email your flight itinerary to info@sikhyouthalliance.org no later than June 15th. After this point, we are unable to arrange transportation from the airport to the campsite. Please book all flights in and out of Flint, MI (FNT) or Detroit, MI (DTW) Flights should be scheduled to arrive the morning of Sunday, June 30th and depart in the evening of Saturday, July 6th.
The last day of camp is Saturday, July 6th. We invite all parents to attend the final day program which will start at 8:45 am and conclude with langar at 1:30 pm.
Due to campsite restrictions, all adults present at the campsite outside of drop off and pickup must have official background checks to be on campgrounds. As such, we cannot accommodate visitors in and out of the campsite aside from the times cited above for drop off and pickup.
