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Camp Chardikala: A 5-Day Journey into Sikhi, Sangat, and Chardikala
In the scorching summer of June 2023, SAF International proudly launched the first-ever Camp Chardikala — a transformative Sikhi Awareness initiative held in Butala, Amritsar. For five unforgettable days, 250 SAF Sponsored children came together to connect with Sikh values, discover their identity, and experience the spirit of Chardikala through a dynamic blend of education, community, and joy.
This camp wasn’t just an event — it was a movement.
Camp Chardikala was held at Bhai Darshan Singh Pheruman School. Given the extreme heat of the Indian summer, SAF arranged:
- Air conditioning units for children to rest comfortably
- Makeshift washroom facilities for safe sanitation
- Transportation to and from the camp, with children picked up on Day 1 and dropped off on Day 5
SAF also hired special Langar sevadaars, while actively encouraging the children to actively participate in cooking, serving, and cleaning — embedding the spirit of sewa in every action.
Each day began with the Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and ended with Sukhasan sewa, for many children, this was the first time they had performed the sewa of Guru Granth Sahib ji.
The carefully curated learning sessions included:
- Gurmat Vichaar – Reflecting on Sikh values and how to apply them in daily life
- Santhya of Gurbani – Learning correct pronunciation and recitation
- Kirtan and Sikh Itihaas – Merging music and history for powerful storytelling
- Sikh Rehat Maryada – the Sikh code of conduct of Sikhi
- Introduction to Tanti Saaj – Sparking interest in traditional Sikh string instruments
Students also attended daily hygiene awareness classes led by a medical doctor, emphasizing that physical health is part of spiritual well-being.
Before the camp’s conclusion, children completed a Gurmat exam, building confidence and reinforcing everything they had learned.
Camp Chardikala wasn’t just about learning — it was an uplifting blend of faith, culture, and fun. Children explored their identity through activities like Dastaar & Dumalla tying competitions, arts & crafts, traditional village games, and Gatka demonstrations, all designed to foster teamwork, confidence, and joyful expression.
At its core, the camp aimed to reconnect SAF Sponsored children to their Sikhi roots, offering a space where they could live and breathe the values of Chardikala. Through spiritual education, playful engagement, and sewa, Camp Chardikala reflected SAF International’s mission to make Sikhi Awareness a lifelong tool for upliftment and resilience.
The impact was immediate: children returned home more connected, confident, and grounded in their identity. Encouraged by its success, SAF International now envisions Camp Chardikala as an annual Gurmat Camp model, expanding across Panjab & other states of india, and beyond.
Help Us Expand This Vision
By contributing to our Sikhi Awareness Fund, you support:
- Gurmat camps like Camp Chardikala
- Learning materials and facilities
- Sikh history and Gurbani education for underserved youth
Let’s raise a generation proud to walk in the path of Gurus — strong and in Chardikala, rooted in Sikhi, and ready to serve the world.
Ready to join the mission?
Help uplift communities, one donation at a time.
