For decades, across the country, Sikhs have through selfless sevaa been hosting camps and retreats and programming for the next generation. But there is often no proactive training for the counselors and adults who are entrusted with the youth. These counselors and camp and retreat organizers have come to Sikh Family Center from time to time for advice. We applaud them! They have identified a gap: and we want to fill it.
Our evidence-based, Sikhi-grounded new Sikh Camp Safety resources will be developed for and with our camps and retreats around the country.
And if and when concerns around safety, equity, non-discrimination, bodily autonomy, or even abuse surface, we want our Camps to be prepared to respond.
You have helped ensure the safety and wellness of our next generation: thank you for walking the walk. Our kids need to see us grounded in equity, gender justice, mental wellness and trauma-recovery. Only then will they blossom with strong roots as well as wings!
We know we can all do better: our little Khalsas are counting on us!