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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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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SYANA 2008 Gurmat Camp

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

Parents – please make sure to share with your children

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

To all #syana2018 campers!

Camp is only a few days away we are looking forward to seeing everyone so soon! We are looking forward to all the upcoming activities, being with our camp family and the energy you all bring with you!!

Just a few reminders:

1. Camp registration starts at 2:30 pm on Sunday, July 1st. We will not be able to accommodate registration prior to this time, so please plan on arriving after this time. The campsite address is YMCA Camp Copneconicat 10407 North Fenton Road, Fenton Twp, MI 48430, MI. Please try to arrive on time as Sunday’s program will start promptly at 5 pm.
2. In efforts to make sure everyone feels at home at camp, Counselors have reached out to their campers as a way to introduce themselves and get to know their campers before the week starts. If campers haven’t responded to their counselor’s email, please try and do so.
3. We have some important information for parents regarding registration at the campsite and the final day program please check it out here.
4. We received input from all of you regarding allergies on your registration forms. If you have any further allergies/dietary restrictions you forgot to mention to us, please send us an email at info@sikhyouthalliance.org
5. Because our hope is that campers will immerse themselves in sangat  and make lasting friendships at camp, we will be limiting the use of cellphones so they can spend quality time with their camp sangat. Phones will not be permitted during class time, divaan, or evening activities. Campers will be only be permitted to call home during meal and break times.

 **Wondering when meal times and break times are? Check out our Daily Schedule this year!**

Our theme shabad for this year is: ਕਿਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਐਸਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਦੇਇ ਬਤਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ Please click link for the TUNE. We welcome you to listen to the shabad to become familiar with the words but guarantee, by the end of the week, you will be well-versed in the shabad!

We are planning on singing “The Song of the Khalsa” at this year’s campfire. If you want to learn the words and tune – listen to the following YouTube video.

Just a reminder – we will have the opportunity to participate in several water sports during the week. If you are interested in going in the water, please be sure to pack modest swimwear. Hairdryers may also come in handy! 🙂

Again, we are excited to see you all soon! Please let us know if you have any questions, and you can always visit the blog for further details.

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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2007 SYANA Gurmat Camp

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

We are so very excited to see you all in just a week! We are looking forward to an awesome upcoming week. In order to have a smooth week together, here are a few reminders:

1. Please arrive at the campsite no sooner than 2:30 pm but before 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 1st. Please meet us at the Conference Center (Kesgarh Sahib) in order to check-in and find out about your lodging for the week. Parents – please turn in all medication, including Tylenol/Ibuprofen, at registration to a camp physician. Also, be sure to include instructions on dosage and we will ensure your child receives their medication as needed.

2. Just in case you’ve missed it in the past several emails, DON’T FORGET YOUR VAAJAS! 🙂 In order to gain the most from your time in keertan class, it is helpful to have your own vaaja or keyboard.

3. A list of items to bring to camp is on our FAQ on our website.  Please take a look at this to make sure you are prepared for the week.

   • A couple things to point out, please bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated during the week!

   • We will have the opportunity to participate in several water sports during the week. If you are interested in going in the water, please be sure to pack modest swimwear. Hairdryers may also come in handy!

   • Make sure to have enough Dastaars, Chunnies/bandanas for the week. It is a camp requirement that your head be covered throughout the day.

   • Don’t forget your bedding! You will need bedsheets/blanket/sleeping bag and a pillow.

4. Our theme shabad for this year is: ਕਿਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਮੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਐਸਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਸਹਜ ਸੁਖਦਾਤਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਦੇਇ ਬਤਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

5. Please click link for the TUNE. We welcome you to listen to the shabad to become familiar with the words but guarantee, by the end of the week, you will be well-versed in the shabad!

6. If you are graduating this year, please send us a quick email letting us know so we can celebrate you with our camp family!

Stay tuned for more emails from us this upcoming week! We are very excited to see you all very soon!

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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2011 SYANA Gurmat Camp

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The two week countdown has begun!! Our excitement is growing and hopefully yours is too! Here are a few reminders we wanted to share:

VAAJAS, VAAJAS, VAAJAS!
Did we mention Vaajas?! 😁

Please make sure to bring your own vaaja/keyboard and don’t forget to label the vaajaa, cover and bag. This will help ensure a productive learning experience during Keertan Class.

A list of items to bring to camp is on our FAQ on our website.
Please take a look at this to make sure you are prepared for the week.

IT’S GOING TO BE HOT!

Please bring a reusable water/sport bottle and make sure to label it with your name – it can become hot around the campsite and important that all campers drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Parents – please turn in all medication, including Tylenol/Ibuprofen, at registration to a camp physician. Also, be sure to include instructions on dosage and we will ensure your child receives their medication as needed.

Make sure to have enough Dastaars, Chunnies/bandanas for the week.
It is a camp requirement that your head be covered throughout the day.

Please have campers arrive Sunday, July 1st no earlier than 2:30  and latest by 4:30 pm.

If your child is flying in and you have not completed the travel form as of yet, please do so by Friday, June 22nd so we can arrange for a timely pick up.

Again, we are excited to see you all soon! Please let us know if you have any questions, and you can always visit the website for further details.

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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1993 SYANA Gurmat Camp

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

We are looking forward to seeing you all in just a few weeks! As camp is quickly approaching, we wanted to send out a few quick reminders!

Please make sure to bring your own vaaja: In order to gain the most from your Keertan classes, it’s important you have your own vaaja or portable keyboard.

We cannot stress this enough. Please be sure to label your vaaja, the cover lid, and your bag as well.

Please bring a reusable water/sport bottle and make sure to label it with your name – it can become hot around the campsite and important that all campers drink plenty of water throughout the day.

A list of items to bring to camp is on our FAQ on our website.
Please take a look at this to make sure you are prepared for the week.

Because of fire hazards, please do not bring an irons, steamer, hair straighteners
or curling irons.

We will also be limiting the use of cellphones at camp. Phones will not be permitted during class time, divaan, or evening activities. Campers will be only be permitted to call home during meal and break times.

Counselors will be reaching out to you soon as we prepare for camp – please be on the lookout for their emails.

Please read through the “Information for Parent” sheet which can be found here, as it contains new information regarding your child’s stay at camp as well as directions for pickup and drop off.

Because of new 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.

Again, we are excited to see you all soon! Please let us know if you have any questions, and you can always visit the website for further details.

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

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Update #2
SYANA GURMAT CAMP

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

To all SYANA 2018 campers:

Camp is just under a month away and we are looking forward to a fun-filled week with sangat, learning, and keertan! We are back at the YMCA Camp Copneconic for our 4th year and we are excited to partner with them again to provide you with a positive, meaningful experience. We are looking forward to meeting old friends and also making new friends.

Each year, our SYANA family continues to grow and we can’t wait to make new memories this year! We have a number of special activities planned for the week and are excited about the time we will all be spending together soon. It is our hope that as we sit with one another during divaans and our History and keertan classes, we can learn together and explore the greatness of those who came before us. The hope is that with this glimpse of the Sikh way of life, the light that exists within each child will be kindled to continue this journey throughout the year.

Below are a few important details related to the camp this year, so please read in its entirety and parents, please make sure to read the link cited below with specific information for you.

All campers should arrive between 2:30pm and 4:30pm on Sunday, July 1st.

Is your child is flying?  The closest airport is Flint, MI but we can also pick up from Detroit, MI

We need their information ASAP, so we can arrange quick, safe pickup for them. Please fill out our TRAVEL FORM.

Don’t forget your Vaajaas!

In order to gain the most from your keertan classes, it’s important you have your own vaaja or portable keyboard.

Counselors will be reaching out to you soon as we prepare for camp – please be on the lookout for their emails.

Once again, we will be offering a variety of water activities. If you are interested in going in the water, please make sure to bring appropriate attire. We do ask that both Singhs and Kaurs wear t-shirts and shorts with their swim gear.

#nofilter, it really is that beautiful!

Make sure to have enough Dastaars, Chunnies/bandanas for the week.
It is a camp requirement that your head be covered throughout the day.

A list of items to bring to camp is on our website.
Please take a look at this to make sure you are prepared for the week.

Please bring a reusable water/sport bottle – it can become hot around the campsite and it’s important that all campers drink plenty of water throughout the day. Make sure your bottle is labeled with your name and state.

Please read through the “Information for Parent” sheet which can be found here, as it contains new information regarding your child’s stay at camp as well as directions for pickup and drop off.

Because of new 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.

We are sincerely looking forward to camp this year and are excited to see you all soon! Please let us know if you have any questions and stay tuned for more updates.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

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We are a few weeks away …

… and we are super excited for a week full of Sangat, Keertan and Learning.

Sevaadhaars are busy working on schedules, classes, evening activities and much more, all in the hopes we can take full advantage of our week together!

We will be communicating more in the upcoming days about what your children can expect at camp but for now, there are a few items below that need your attention.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Charhdi Kala
SYANA Gurmat Camp Sevadhaar Team

Vaaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa  Vaaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Is your child is flying?  We need their information ASAP, so we can arrange quick, safe pickup for them.  Please fill out our TRAVEL FORM.

If you have a Vaajaa, please bring it to camp!  Please make sure the Vaajaa, cover and bag are all labeled.  Visit our website for more information.

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As you pack for tomorrow, here is the forecast for the weekend!
Remember to pack some tennis shoes and we’ll be canoeing on Saturday.

We’ll have a copy of the schedule in your folder when you arrive but if you want to download a copy to your phone here it is: SYANA Gurmat Retreat Schedule.

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We are just a couple of days away from SYANA Gurmat Retreat 2018 and we can’t wait to see everyone soon!

Our presenters and facilitators are also super excited and hope you are coming with fresh minds and ideas to enjoy this weekend’s talks and workshops. Our final sneak preview is:

A Response to Your Enemies

Dealing with people, emotions, or actions that are harmful to your path as a Gursikh is a staple of daily life. However, learning to actually apply Guru-oriented methods in difficult situations is much different. This workshop will hopefully provide Historical examples of Guru Sahibs facing “enemies” and Gurbani that provides wisdom on where your actions and thoughts should be coming from.

Speaker: Japjyot Singh, Maryland

A FINAL REMINDER

Remember your towel and check out all the benefits your towel can provide!

You can find a complete list of items to bring on the
Retreat FAQ Section.

Email us if you have any food allergies or specific preferences.  We will have gluten free, dairy free options available for each meal, but we need to let the staff know how many people to prepare for.

As a FYI, with each meal there will be a fruit or soup/salad bar available.  Also, fresh fruit will be available all day.

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