Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) is a crucial non-profit organization dedicated to bringing young Sikhs together to connect, embrace their identity, and contribute positively to contemporary Australian society. Since its founding, SYA has been empowering youth to grow spiritually and develop a strong sense of community and self.
One of the organization’s cornerstone events is the Annual Summer Camp, a gathering that has served as a transformative experience for hundreds of young participants. This year marked a particularly special occasion—the 25th anniversary of the camp.
A Special Anniversary Celebration
This year’s camp in Sydney was especially meaningful, as it celebrated 25 years of fostering youth engagement with Sikhism.
SYA’s Annual Summer Camp provides opportunities for around 400 participants of all ages to deepen their sense of belonging, develop their self-esteem, confidence, ethics, and values.
The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, attended the inaugural day of the camp at Collaroy, invited by the camp’s founders and President Satwant Singh Calais.
Her presence marked the importance of care, kindness, respect, and inclusion—values that align with Sikh teachings of selfless service and community care.
During her visit, the Governor-General was warmly welcomed and presented with a handwoven phulkari, a symbol of respect and cultural heritage. She participated in several activities, including a youth workshop, prayer, and lunch, engaging with participants before addressing the group.
The Governor-General found much common ground between her values and the core principles of Sikhism, particularly care, selfless service, and inclusivity.
The atmosphere was one of unity and shared purpose, with a spontaneous chant of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi” breaking out among the participants, highlighting the common love for cricket.
The Governor-General also reconnected with Amar Singh, the 2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero, whose commitment to supporting communities across the country underscores the significance of selfless service. Local member, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, and new Deputy CEO of Multicultural NSW, James Jegasothy, were also in attendance, offering personal reflections on the impact of the camp. Several younger camp leaders shared their own transformative experiences, highlighting the lasting influence of the camp on their personal and spiritual growth.
The Famous SYA Summer Camp
Since its inception in 1999, the SYA Summer Camp has become a hallmark event, offering an opportunity for young Sikhs to connect, learn, and grow. Now in its 25th year, the camp continues to provide an enriching environment where every participant, regardless of age, can embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The camp combines religious practices, personal development workshops, and community activities, leaving a profound impact on those who attend.
A Transformative Daily Routine
Each day at the camp began early with a 5:30 am wake-up call. By 6 am, participants gathered at the Darbar Sahib (main hall for prayers) for Kirtan (devotional chanting), which set a peaceful and spiritual tone for the day.
This daily ritual created a sense of collective meditation and connection with the divine. “It was my first camp, and I really enjoyed myself. We had a lot of interesting activities like indoor soccer, drama night, and discussion sessions about Sewa and Sikhism,” shared a Mighty Khalsa Youth participant.
After Kirtan, participants were served breakfast, during which they took turns performing Sewa (selfless service). This practice of service helped cultivate humility and reminded everyone of the importance of serving others.
After breakfast, the group came together for a communal Selami, where both the Sikh and Australian national anthems were recited. This act symbolized the dual identity of many participants as proud Australians and devoted Sikhs.
Workshops: A Path to Personal Growth
The camp’s schedule was designed to encourage both individual and collective growth. Participants engaged in age-specific workshops that fostered self-reflection and personal development while providing a deeper understanding of Sikh teachings.
One memorable session was the ice bath workshop, which emphasized breath control and mindfulness, offering both a physical and mental challenge. “The caliber and nature of the facilitators were outstanding—very friendly, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental,” noted a university student.
The afternoons were spent preparing for the evening kirtan competitions, where participants learned and practiced shabads (hymns) within their Jathas (groups). This collaborative experience highlighted the power of learning through community and teamwork.
Evening Activities: Building a Sense of Community
Evenings at the camp were dedicated to strengthening community bonds through a variety of activities. The first night featured sports, fostering camaraderie through friendly competition. The second night was dedicated to trivia, testing participants’ knowledge of Sikh history and culture.
The third night brought the vibrant energy of bhangra, a traditional Punjabi dance, allowing participants to celebrate their cultural heritage together. The fourth night featured video presentations of skits created by each Jatha, reflecting on the theme of Sangat (community).
The camp concluded with an award ceremony, recognizing the Jatha that excelled in both Sewa and Sangat, reinforcing the values of service and community involvement.
Facilitators: Guiding Lights of the Camp
A dedicated team of experienced facilitators played a crucial role in making the camp a success. These facilitators led katha (spiritual discourse), workshops, multimedia presentations, and open discussions.
Their welcoming and non-judgmental approach created an environment where participants felt comfortable asking questions and exploring their understanding of Sikhism. The facilitators were proficient in both English and Punjabi, ensuring the camp was accessible to all participants.
A Spiritual Highlight: Beach Simran
One of the most spiritually uplifting experiences of the camp was the early morning beach simran. Participants gathered at 5am to witness the sunrise while chanting Waheguru’s name.
This serene experience allowed participants to connect deeply with nature and the divine, creating a sense of unity and spiritual awakening.
Reflections and Encouragement for Future Participants
The 25th Sikh Youth Australia Annual Summer Camp was more than just an event—it was a transformative journey of spiritual growth, personal development, and community bonding. Through the camp’s emphasis on Sewa and Sangat, participants learned the profound importance of selfless service and the power of community in shaping both their spiritual and everyday lives.
For those considering attending in the future, the SYA Summer Camp offers a unique opportunity to strengthen one’s connection to Sikhism, build lasting friendships, and develop valuable life skills. The lessons learned at the camp are not only spiritually enriching but also serve as a foundation for personal transformation. This milestone 25th camp will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration and growth for years to come.
I wholeheartedly encourage future participants to join in this incredible journey, as it promises to be an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both their spiritual and personal lives.
