As the director of Khalsa Youth Camp (KYC) for over 25 years, I feel more than ever the responsibility to do what I can to pass on the direct teachings and vision of the Siri Singh Sahib (Yogi Bhajan) for our camp. I enjoy working collaboratively with other committed and talented people for the purpose of maintaining the quality of our summer camp’s experience for all the children who have the huge opportunity to join us at Ram Das Puri for Khalsa Youth Camp 2012.

A Unique Spiritual Camp
During one of his summer visits to KYC, I once asked the Siri Singh Sahib, “What kind of camp do you want?” He responded, “I don’t want a camp that pampers to the egos of our children. We must prepare them as leaders for the Aquarian Age. We must teach these children the Khalsa spirit and values so they can meet any adversity in life with confidence and grace.” It was my job to help make his teachings a reality.

If you visit our Khalsa Youth Camp web site  you can read about the activities we provide for a full 2 week camp experience that supports the spirit and values of Khalsa. Every morning begins with a cold rinse and group yoga and meditation specially designed for children 4-12 years old. The campers then walk into their Gurdwara where they actively participate in learning about our lifestyle and the Guru’s teachings. I’m very honest with the campers. I explain to them that all the other fun and challenging daily activities we have at camp are just to get them to return next summer for the Sadhana and Gurdwara!

The bedtime routine is also a special time for children. We take advantage of this time by coming together in our different age groups to meditate and participate in what we call “CPR” or Circle of Power and Respect. It is a time for them to listen and share with their peers with support from our trained camp guides.

Photo by Gurumustuk Singh, sikhphotos.com

We have a lot to offer parents and I could fill up pages of testimonials from those who have sent their children to KYC over the years with comments such as, “My child came home singing uplifting camp songs and taught them to us!” and “My child now wants us to do yoga with him!” Last summer several campers completed a 40 day meditation and received a special t-shirt for their efforts.

It’s not unusual for a child to go home after camp with a sense of renewal and stronger spiritual identity. The children of Sikh parents who come to camp get the opportunity to experience their personal relationship to Sikhism and receive a deeper understanding of this sacred path. Those considering going to Miri Piri Academy will have a foundation of what they can expect to experience. Once the Siri Singh Sahib asked if we could “bring what we do at KYC to Miri Piri.” Guides who have worked at KYC and at Miri Piri have done just that.

God and Me, Me and God, are One
Not unlike Sikh Dharma, KYC welcomes all children. Regardless of their faith, campers feel welcomed and grow as spiritual beings. Campers would often ask the Siri Singh Sahib questions when he visited. Once a child asked whether Sikhism was a better religion than his own. Siri Singh Sahib answered by saying, “There are many paths to God. You and God are one. Don’t let others tell you different.”

The Siri Singh Sahib wanted every child to be acknowledged for their achievements during camp. We send them home with KYC Leadership Awards that describe the leadership behaviors they demonstrated and will soar with in life.

Khalsa Youth Camp CD
KYC is not just about beliefs and values. It’s also about fun, making new friends, and for some, working through personal challenges. The theme for this summer’s Khalsa Youth Camp will be chanting and singing songs of the spirit so they can “Be Free to be Me.” Snatam Kaur and I will be recording songs and chants from Khalsa Youth Camp with the children who are fortunate to stay the full 2 weeks. I strongly encourage parents and guardians to arrange their time and finances to send their children for the full two week session this summer. Spirit Voyage is supporting this KYC fundraiser and your child will be part of KYC history!

Snatam Kaur teaching children, “When things get down and darkest that’s when we stand tallest,” exemplifies the Khalsa Spirit. Every summer the campers are challenged to keep up, and honestly they always inspire the staff to do the same with their shinning faces and positive attitudes. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding camp. With the Grace of God I will see your children again this summer at Khalsa Youth Camp 2012.

SiriNam Singh Khalsa, MAEd, is an Instructional Leader in a large urban public school district and has taught in schools for 25-plus years. He is a yoga instructor, musician and the author of several educational books as well as a recipient of the “Distinguished Teacher Award.” This year he was awarded “Coach of the Year” for coaching his son’s 7-8 grade basketball team. SiriNam lives in Leverett, MA, with his wife Kirn Kaur and is a father to three children. Under the guidance of Yogi Bhajan, SiriNam has served as Khalsa Youth Camp Director for over 25 years. Contact him at sirinam1@rcn.com

I’ve been going to KYC every year since I was five years old. 

My first year was kind of scary because it was my first time being away from home, away from my parents, and on my own.  But right away I met new friends, was having so much fun, and eating yummy food.  The food is really good!

It was super fun being with friends doing fun activities like hiking, martial arts, archery, arts and crafts, and yoga.  All the counselors are super nice.  The counselors in my dorm were the nicest teachers I have had. 

Camp encouraged me to do a meditation every night after I came home.  I did SaTaNaMa’s for 40 days and they gave me a t-shirt.

I can’t wait to go again this year.  I met some of my best friends at KYC.

How wonderful it is that we are becoming a society of parents and teachers who share wisdom treasures with our children! It is a new generation, growing up as Who They Are (capitals on purpose!).

This song from my CD, Cozy, was inspired by two of my favorite teachers: Yogi Bhajan, Master of many things including Kundalini Yoga; and Abraham, the work that Esther and Jerry Hicks have lovingly and tirelessly interpreted from the Higher Realms for many years.

This song is a wisdom-song and children appreciate the reminder of something that they already know: nothing is good or bad, thinking is what makes it so. I believe those words come directly from Shakespeare, a wise bard for all ages!  Here are the words to the song as a reminder to all of us. Let’s teach our children well….

Nothing is good or bad. Thinking is what makes it so.
Whatever you do, whatever you see, know that you can let it be.
When you do, you will find change of heart and peace of mind.
Nothing is good or bad. Thinking is what makes it so.
Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam Ji, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru Ji.
What you judge will not budge, what you bless will do its best.
When you do, you will find change of heart and peace of mind.
Sat Nam Sat Nam Ji….I am true, true is me.
Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru Ji, Happiness runs to me.

These are light messages that keep the magic and wisdom flowing. Thinking makes it so!

Shakta Khalsa is one of the world’s leading experts on children and yoga, having worked with both since the mid-1970s. She is a trained yoga professional at the highest level (ERYT-500), and was named one of the top five Kundalini Yoga teachers in the world by Yoga Journal. She studied under the direct guidance of Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga. She is the author of five well-known yoga books, including the classic Fly Like A Butterfly: Yoga for Children and Kundalini Yoga.

Shakta’s two great loves—children and yoga—are the basis for her life work: Radiant Child® Yoga, an internationally-known training program for teaching children yoga and working with/raising children consciously.