4th Akal International Youth Camp was organized at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib. Such camps are a humble step to spread the divine message of universal brotherhood and peace as enunciated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Four-week camp for children from USA and Canada lasted from July 3 to July 31, 2007. Forty seven children with age varying from 6 to 19 years attended the camp along with some of their parents. The camp gave an excellent opportunity to the Sikh children to get first-hand experience of their own Culture, History, Language, Gurbani, Kirtan and Gurmat.

The curriculum at the camp was designed to cater the individual needs of the campers. Each camper was evaluated and performance targets were fixed accordingly. A lot of emphasis was given on learning Punjabi language and Gurbani in Gurmukhi script. One-to-one coaching was provided to all the children to meet their performance targets. Many of the campers didn’t know Gurmukhi script at all. By the time the camp was over, not only could they read Punjabi but also perform morning Nitnem (All the five banis of Nitnem i.e., Jap Ji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav Prasad Saviye, Chaupayee Sahib and Anand Sahib, as also Rehraas Sahib and Sohila in the evening). Every camper learned to recite Gurbani Kirtan.

Children who already had basic knowledge of the Punjabi script and Gurbani Kirtan were given advanced training of Asa di Vaar and Kirtan in ragas. Some children learned to play instrumental music including Sitar, Taaus, Sarangi and Tabla. Children were also taught to do Ardaas and Hukamnama. As per Sikh traditions, children were encouraged to do seva with hands, cleaning shoes in Gurdwara Sahib and washing utensils in Guru Ka Langar.

Gurmat discussions were also a part of the daily routine to help children imbibe Sikh values and shed vices like ego, lust, violence and greed. Baba Iqbal Singh J, President of the Kalgidhar Trust, had interactions with the children to satisfy theie queries about the Gursikh Way of Life and enrich their knowledge about Gurmat. Initially many children were found to be very indifferent about Gursikhi but in the course of time; owing to the dedicated and intense training, they became motivated to lead a “Gursikh Way of Life”. Twelve campers took Amrit at the end of the camp. All the campers vowed that they would strive to continue with the routine of Amrit Vela, Nitnem, Rehraas and Sohila.

Campers participated in Gurmat Quiz which enhanced their knowledge further in Sikh History.

The campers were taken for trekking across the scenic hills around Baru Sahib. Horse-back riding was one of the major attractions for the campers. Sight-seeing was also arranged. Campers visited Anandpur Sahib, Harmander Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwaras.

A modern infrastructure exists at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib to cater to all the physical needs of the campers to make their stay comfortable. Special chefs were hired to provide American, Continental and Indian food to the campers. Medical services were also provided by the existing hospital and medical staff.