Past Youth Summer Camp Testimonials

“A most exciting, educational and enjoyable experience. I was overwhelmed at the varied communication styles used to instil the value of sikhi into our youths.” – Sardar Udam Singh, Grandparent.

“Just awesome! Learnt a lot, made some great friends and I am a proud Sikh!!!” – Sundeep Singh, 22 years.

“We get to meet and interact with people our age, participate in fun activities, discuss issues relevant to Sikh youth in Australia and learn about our Sikhi.” – Sohan Kaur Judge & Jasmeet Kaur Flora, 14 years.

“As a parent born outside India, my children and I have gained considerable knowledge of Sikhism from these camps over the past 7 years.” –Sarv Girn, Adult.

“By the end of the fifth day, I felt like a completely different person. I understood a lot more of Sikhism and have the tools to deal with challenges in my everyday life.” – Uni Student.

“We have a great mix of interesting activities in the evening… from indoor soccer to participating in discussion forums on issues likes bullying and seva. These were great fun.” – HSC student.

“I learnt a new shabad as a part of my jatha doing kirtan after Rehras.” – 14 year-old boy.

“My girls and I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all those that organized the Sikh youth camp. We found it very inspiring and have adopted some practices which we have not had in our home before.” – Parent

“It was my first camp and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was proud to be chosen camper of the year by all the jatha leaders. I know ask questions that my mother can’t answer. She will attend the next camp with me.” – 11 year-old girl.

“When my children sat in the car after the 2009 camp, they asked ‘When are we coming back?’”

“The calibre and nature of facilitators was outstanding… very friendly and easy to talk to.”

“The kirtan and simran sessions were inspiring!”

“I also loved the adventure activities and the night activities- soccer, debates and drama.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What do you do at camp?

An overview of daily camp activities can be found here.

2. What’s the accommodation like?

At Narrabeen, you’ll be put up in cabins that comfortably accommodate 8 people with modern toilet and shower facilities. There are separate cabins for males and females with a high level of adult supervision. Family cabins are also available on request. The cabins are all surrounded by natural bushland, and the campsite is very peaceful. Each cabin has its own TV, fridge and lounge room.

3. Is there mobile phone reception?

Yes. However, we strongly advise you to leave such devices (including iPods, MP3 players and laptops) at home as SYA will not take any responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen property.

4. What’s the food like?

All meals will be VEGETARIAN. The cost of the meals is included in your camp fees. Each day you will receive breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Drinks will be provided throughout the day. The food is a mixture of western (burgers, pizzas, salad rolls, pasta) and Indian (dhal, curry and sabji)

5. How much will it cost?

The full cost of having a person stay at the Camp for the five days, including all meals, snacks and activities costs SYA $302 per person. If we include marketing, administration and the airfares of facilitators, this amounts to over $340 per person. SYA relies on donations to subsidise the cost to each participant as much as possible to allow more people to attend. This is how we can keep the fee at $275 per person.

If you would like to come and the cost is an issue for your family, please contact SYA at info@sikhyouthaustralia.com

To put the camp in some perspective, consider the following table, comparing a week at SYA Summer Youth Camp and a week vacation at a nearby beachside motel:

6. Who can attend camp?

Anyone can attend camp! Children, parents and grandparents are all very welcome, as well as older youths. Our camps are enjoyed by people of all ages. Please note that children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian over 18 years old.

7. How many people attend camp?

We have about 300 participants attend camp each year, and the number is continually growing.

8. What do you learn at camp?

At camp we learn about Sikhism: not just history, but the teachings of Sikhism, and how these can be applied daily to enrich our day-to-day lives. In our jathas we learn kirtan and the meaning behind each shabad, how to appreciate sangat and the time we spend in Gurdwarra with our Guruji as well as the importance of Gurbani

We learn values and skills such as team work, co-operation, leadership and respect for others in our age group sessions and ways to deal with almost any situation we may be faced with through the use of the spirituality that we will have gained at camp.

9. Who organises the camp?

Sikh Youth Australia organises the camps. For more information about Sikh Youth Australia, its aims and initiatives, click here

10. Can I get involved with SYA?

SYA is a non-profit organisation run purely by volunteers – we welcome anyone who is willing to help out in any way. Click here to find out more.

11. Where can I donate to SYA?

Contact SYA here to find out more about donating

 12. Is camp fun?

We try and make camp as fun and enjoyable as possible – there is plenty of free time and activities are run each afternoon including sailing, ropes course, archery and many more. Camp is what YOU make it! So if you come with an open mind and are willing to learn and try new things, it should be a fantastic experience for you!

13. I’m shy in a group setting. Are there opportunities to have one-on-one talks with the facilitators?

The groups have always had a non-judgemental and friendly atmosphere. However, the facilitators are always around and are happy to answer your questions.

14. I cut my hair. Will anyone have a problem with that?

Sikh camp is a place to learn, explore and experience your Sikhi, not to be lectured to. No one should be pressuring you or giving you trouble about your hair (or lack thereof).

15. I want to learn about Sikhism, but I’m not sure I believe in it. Will anyone have a problem with that?

Again, Sikh camp is for learning. Sikhism has always been accepting of different religions and worldviews. So no one should be pressuring you about your beliefs.

16. I don’t speak Punjabi. Will I be able to understand what’s going on?

Definitely. All the sessions are in ENGLISH, and any Gurbani is explained in ENGLISH. All the facilitators speak fluent English, so if you don’t understand something they’ve said in Punjabi, just ask them to repeat it in English.

17. Who are the facilitators?

Each year, SYA invites world class facilitators who have had extensive experience working with youth and running youth activities and camps. Read the camp flyer to see who is coming down for the next camp!

18. What medical facilities are there?

There is a fully equipped first aid clinic with trained nurses from camp and Department of Sport and Recreation staff who are fully trained and qualified in first aid.

19. Are boys and girls allowed to mix?

During the day, all participants, which means boys and girls, work together on Jatha projects, seva and workshop activities. In the evenings, Boys and girls are housed in separate dormitories and strict supervision is maintained at all times throughout the day. Participants are also expected to adhere to a code of conduct set out by the SYA during their time at the camp .

20. Where can I ask more questions?

You can contact SYA here

or email directly at

info@sikhyouthaustralia.com