FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What do we do at camp?
2. Is it purely about Sikhism?
No, there are two sessions of Gurbani: Japji and Rehras, in total it takes up to an hour out of your day.
3. What if I don’t know Japji or Rehras?
That’s ok, because we have both in Gurmukhi, or an English transliteration or even a pure translation. At the very least you can bask in the serenity of the sangat.
4. Why is it so expensive?
Let’s put "expensive" into context first, consider:
- Per night cost of a motel: $50.
- Daily food Cost (macca’s three times a day): $21
- Price to watch a distinguished speaker of similar calibre to the ones at camp (per day): $800-$5000
- Sikh Camp: 220.00, all three costs included.
SYA runs the camp at a loss - benefactors within the community, Gurdwara’s and other sponsors who wish to contribute to the community heavily subsidize the price of the camp.
In terms of value for money, this is a fantastic oppurtunity.
5. Who are these distinguished speakers?
Previous facilitators have included:
- The commander of the naval blockade during the first Gulf War
- An entrepreneur who’s worked with Mark Burnett to produce TV shows you’ve seen
- The CEO of an Multinational Engineering firm
- The head of HR from Baker and McKenzie, the 2nd largest global law firm.
- Vice President of GE, Asia Pacific
- Vice President of American Express, Sales and Marketing
- A Telstra Senior Executive for Bigpond - Strategy
- A 747 Airline pilot
- An NLP expert and motivational speaker
- A Social Studies PhD who has produced a television show
and the list goes on...
Needless to say, SYA seeks out inspirational Sikh leaders from around the world to provide Sikh youth with every opprutnity to get ahead......
6. Why Should I Bother?
What will distinguish you from all the other thousands of graduates pouring out of university annually? Can you live your professional life in harmony with your spiritual life? These are exactly the types of questions we’ll help you find the answers to. The sessions held are designed with you in mind. We’ll help you identify and develop the skills employers look for, we’ll tell you stories of adversity faced by other Sikh leaders in the past and how they triumphed through them. Best of all, you’ll have fun while you do it all and meet new people.
Ironically, these days Universities and employers themselves are slowly realizing the importance of these skills and behaviors that SYA has been developing at its camps for several years now. Macquarie University for example runs its own Global Leadership Program while graduate programs and large corporations routinely send graduates and managers on corporate retreats to learn the skills you’ll get to learn and practice right now. Go ahead, give yourself a head start, or don’t, it’s your life.
7. What’s the food like?
It varies, sometimes it’s continental food like pizza, pasta etc. Other times it can be Langar prepared by local Sikh volunteers. Variety is the key. We like to keep it interesting. Importantly, all food is vegetarian.
8. Is it worth it?
Absolutely! With over 150 attendees each year, you don't want to miss out - Come and find out what its all about for yourself.
