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This Waitangi weekend, Sikh Youth New Zealand (SYNZ) is holding a camp to help families reflect, learn, and grow.
For over 10 years, the SYNZ has held these camps for children, youth, and growing families, so they can learn, reflect, and participate together in a supportive environment.
In line with their 10-year plan, they will focus on Sri Guru Hargobind Ji and his experiences and teachings.
Gurjot Singh, one of the organisers and a volunteer, said the camps were a place where young people and their families could learn and grow in a supportive environment.
“Our long-term vision is to nurture confident, values-based individuals and families who are grounded in Sikh principles and contribute positively to New Zealand society. Over the next 10 years, we aim to continue expanding family-focused education, youth leadership, and wellbeing initiatives.
“Guru Hargobind Ji was the sixth Guru of Sikhs and is known for introducing the concept of Miri-Piri — the balance between spiritual strength and social responsibility. His life and teachings are the central theme of this year’s camp.”
The camps have a variety of workshops where participants will learn about Sikh history, its values, parenting and youth development, leadership and teamwork, mental wellbeing, and practical life skills relevant to families living in today’s world.
There will also be uplifting kirtans (devotional practice of call-and-response chanting, singing, and musical expression used to glorify the divine), leadership development, and fun outdooractivities.
International facilitators Kulvir Singh from SikhRI and Davinder Singh will join them and share their expertise with the sangat.
Guru Hargobind Ji was born on June 19, 1595, and became a Guru in 1606, following in the footsteps of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. After his father’s martyrdom, he introduced martial arts and weapons training as well as creating a standing military defence force. He built the Akal Takht in 1608, which is now one of five Takhats (Seats of Power) of the Sikh Religion.
He founded the city of Kiratpur, a deeply significant town for the Sikh community in the Rupnagar District. It is a major pilgrimage site where many Sikhs immerse the ashes of their deceased at Gurdwara Patal Puri Sahib.
- The camp is four days long at the YMCA CAMP Adair in Hunua, from Thursday, February 5, until Sunday, February 8.
