Facilities

Excellence and pride within the Sikh youth can only be cultivated by surrounding them with models, presentations and means of excellence. We are deeply committed to providing only top quality resources to the Sikh youth attending any one of our sessions.

Site

The Retreat is a fully residential facility with modern amenities for living, dining, sports and learning. Located in the rustic setting of the Appalachian Mountains, yet equipped with modern facilities, the Retreat is conducive to joyful learning.

The site comfortably accommodates120 people in dormitories and cabins. Modern shower and toilet facilities with running hot water are both within and nearby these houses and cabins.

Additions to the facility this year include formal classrooms to accommodate the learning needs of the campers. This new addition better enables the Retreat to replicate the learning environment our young campers enjoy in their local schools.

All class, sports and group activities take place on the 60+ acre campus. The boys and girls are housed in separate sections of the Retreat.

Staff

The corps of counselors for the youth Retreat session will consist of approximately 24 Gur Sikhs, male and female. These Gur Sikhs are carefully selected for their knowledge of Sikhism, communication skills, patience, personal integrity, maturity and experience with children. They have been handpicked for their contributions to the advancement of Sikh youth in America either through their Gurdwara involvement or their personal achievements with their children.

These staff members will be responsible for specific duties, from supervision to hygiene (washing the children's hair), and will be a tremendous addition to the supportive environment we foster at the Retreat. Included in this group will be a new corps of teachers who will teach based upon their particular area of expertise. As college students, graduates, parents and young professionals, they have firsthand knowledge of the Sikh experience in America, so they will be able to relate well with the young Sikhs attending the Retreat.

The counselors undergo an extensive training before the Retreat begins. This training includes interpersonal communications, rules and guidelines, skills development, consensus and team-building, leadership development, and the tenets of Sikhism. Above all, safety will be emphasized in every facet of Retreat training.

A Gur Sikh resides at the Retreat, as its caretaker, and is responsible for the care and maintenance of the property.

Sports Facilities

The Retreat has on-site courts, playing fields and equipment for indoor and outdoor basketball, tennis, soccer, football, baseball, field hockey, volleyball and team-building exercises. Two teenagers are being hired to manage and conduct the sports program, under the supervision of the Camp Program Committee. They shall conduct a structured sports program, in various disciplines, involving all the attendees.

Food

Gourmet meals are cooked on-site by two full-time cooks. These well-balanced meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided in the central dining hall. Fruits and juices are available at all times. Ample time is allocated between activities for rest and refreshments. Tidbits and snacks may be purchased by attendees from the Hatti.

Pizza, McDonald's and such favorites are served regularly during the week. Depending upon the schedule, an outing to the nearby McDonald's has become a camp tradition.

Safety

The Retreat has an elaborate campus safety policy as per the American Camping Association's certification standards. All staff members will go through extensive safety training during the week-long orientation. Safety will be the top priority in assessing each Retreat activity.

Retreat attendees and staff will be drilled on fire and emergency safety. The fire station is less than three miles from the Retreat.

A health-care professional supported by the on-call services of a physician and emergency medical facility will be in charge of the Health Center at the Retreat. The Chambersburg Hospital is only four miles away.