"Recognize Your Own Divinity"
At Kaurs United International Sikh Women’s Camp 2010, you will learn to Recognize Your Own Divinity. Why is this the theme of this year’s Camp? Sikh women harness the power and divine light of Akaal Purakh Vaheguru. Spiritual awakening is required for the soul-bride to recognize her origin and light her path, while helping others do the same. If you are looking to grow, learn, meditate, and embrace divinity this summer, keep reading.
What makes Kaurs United Camps unique? It is the priceless sangat, the inspiring discussions, the motivating lectures, the unifying ambiance, the celestial blessings, the spiritual endowments, the personal awakening, and so much more. Rarely does an opportunity come for Sikh women to be in each other’s company and learn, grow, laugh, and cry, without interruption.
- This Camp was created to help you become the Kaur you long to be, and here is what you will find when you attend:
- Girls and women your age who are also there to learn and grow.
- Well-organized, inspirational workshops and lectures by a variety of speakers, suited to Sikh girls and women like yourself.
- Personal discussions on a variety of topics.
- Early morning (Amrit Vela) meditation and Nitnem as well as evening Kirtan and Gurbani ucharan.
- Exciting recreational activities including:
- archery
- a high and low ropes challenge course
- 44’ climbing tower with zip line off the top
- swimming
- canoeing
- yoga
- water sports/the waterfront “blob”
- hiking
- arts and crafts
- the renowned annual Kaurs United talent show
- and more.
- Beautiful, serene, and safe surroundings.
- The opportunity to bond with the Guru and his daughters over the course of six energizing, moving days.
Before embarking on this journey of organizing Camp 2010, the organizers took permission from Guru Granth Sahib Ji - click here to read the blessed Hukamnama.
Location:
The venue for this year’s camp is Camp Lutherwood, in Bellingham, Washington (1185 Roy Road, Bellingham, WA 98229-8210, USA). The campsite is a 1 hour drive from Vancouver, B.C., 15 minutes south of Bellingham, and 1.5 hours from Seattle. The campsite is close to the Pacific Hwy (I5).Nestled in the 103-acre evergreen tree forest and surrounded by the stunning shore of Lake Samish, Camp Lutherwood awaits Sikh women from around the world, preparing to embrace unity, love, divinity, awakening, and strength. The pristine waterfront, graced with a view of Blanchard Mountain and Chuckanut Pass, makes for the ideal location of this year’s Camp. The campsite is a safe, guarded private property with no public access.
Workshops
Kaurs United International Camp engages and empowers participants with connections to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the legacy of the Guru Khalsa Panth, and the current example of today's Sikh women. Workshops and discussions take place for education, inspiration, introspection, and activation of your greater purpose in life. Participants in workshops feel a new sense of connection to their divine self and their path in life after attending discussions and lectures with special guest speakers. Being amritdhari or being knowledgeable about Sikh scriptures or history is NOT necessary as the purpose of the workshops is to celebrate the individual experience of every Kaur and help every Kaur reach new personal bests in all aspects of life as a Sikh.
Guest Speakers
Kaurs United Camp 2010 organizers are currently in the process of confirming various guest speakers, some of which will be announced in the coming weeks. The list of currently confirmed speakers is as follows:
Bibi Tarvinder Kaur Khalsa is a renowned kirtaniya (performer of kirtan) who has been doing seva in the Akhand Kirtani Jatha for several decades at smagams around the world. The mother of five children, Bibi ji lives and works in Washington, where she also teaches keertan to youth in the community. She will be presenting a workshop to you about how to overcome the challenges of living as a Gursikh.
Kamal Dhillon is a survivor of domestic violence and the author of the acclaimed non-fiction autobiography "Black & Blue Sari." She has selflessly accepted her purpose in life to educate and empower the nation to end abuse. A public speaker for many years, Kamal advocates for women and children who are suffering silently and will be sharing her insights and experiences with you at Kaurs United Camp.
Simran Kaur is an undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo and a professional photographer in Ontario, Canada. Renowned for her photography online under the name KaurFlicks, Simran Kaur is also an enthusiast of gurmat sangeet, and was a speaker at Kaurs United Toronto Camp 2009. Simran Kaur will be speaking on the integration of Gurbani's teachings into a Sikh's way of life at Camp 2010.
Dr. Harjot Kaur Singh is a skilled ragi of Gurbani kirtan in the classical style, as well as a lecturer of Sikh issues and affairs, representing Sikhism in conferences all through North America. She is Family Physician with a very active pratice in Calgary, providing a caring and spiritual approach to medical care for all her patients. She will be presenting one or two workshops on these experiences and more at Kaurs United Camp.
Palbinder Kaur Shergill is the Chief Legal Counsel of the World Sikh Organization and operates her firm Shergill & Company Trial Lawyers in Vancouver, BC. A speaker at numerous professional and community events dating back to 1993, Palbinder Kaur is an inspiring Sikh woman and leader who will be sharing her insights and experiences with you at Kaurs United Camp.
Gurjeet Kaur is an undergraduate student in the Nutritional Sciences program at University of British Columbia. In the summer of 2010, Gurjeet Kaur is helping to conduct a nutritional assessment in a rural community in partnership with the University of Agriculture and Technology in Kibungo, Rwanda, as part of a three-year nutrition intervention initiative. She will be sharing her experiences, struggles, and inspiring moments in Rwanda with you at Kaurs United Camp.
To Be Announced - more speakers are currently being confirmed, stay tuned to this spot for updates!
Kaurs United International Camp engages and empowers participants with connections to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the legacy of the Guru Khalsa Panth, and the current example of today's Sikh women. Workshops and discussions take place for education, inspiration, introspection, and activation of your greater purpose in life. Participants in workshops feel a new sense of connection to their divine self and their path in life after attending discussions and lectures with special guest speakers. Being amritdhari or being knowledgeable about Sikh scriptures or history is NOT necessary as the purpose of the workshops is to celebrate the individual experience of every Kaur and help every Kaur reach new personal bests in all aspects of life as a Sikh.
Guest Speakers
Kaurs United Camp 2010 organizers are currently in the process of confirming various guest speakers, some of which will be announced in the coming weeks. The list of currently confirmed speakers is as follows:
Bibi Tarvinder Kaur Khalsa is a renowned kirtaniya (performer of kirtan) who has been doing seva in the Akhand Kirtani Jatha for several decades at smagams around the world. The mother of five children, Bibi ji lives and works in Washington, where she also teaches keertan to youth in the community. She will be presenting a workshop to you about how to overcome the challenges of living as a Gursikh.
Kamal Dhillon is a survivor of domestic violence and the author of the acclaimed non-fiction autobiography "Black & Blue Sari." She has selflessly accepted her purpose in life to educate and empower the nation to end abuse. A public speaker for many years, Kamal advocates for women and children who are suffering silently and will be sharing her insights and experiences with you at Kaurs United Camp.
Simran Kaur is an undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo and a professional photographer in Ontario, Canada. Renowned for her photography online under the name KaurFlicks, Simran Kaur is also an enthusiast of gurmat sangeet, and was a speaker at Kaurs United Toronto Camp 2009. Simran Kaur will be speaking on the integration of Gurbani's teachings into a Sikh's way of life at Camp 2010.
Dr. Harjot Kaur Singh is a skilled ragi of Gurbani kirtan in the classical style, as well as a lecturer of Sikh issues and affairs, representing Sikhism in conferences all through North America. She is Family Physician with a very active pratice in Calgary, providing a caring and spiritual approach to medical care for all her patients. She will be presenting one or two workshops on these experiences and more at Kaurs United Camp.
Palbinder Kaur Shergill is the Chief Legal Counsel of the World Sikh Organization and operates her firm Shergill & Company Trial Lawyers in Vancouver, BC. A speaker at numerous professional and community events dating back to 1993, Palbinder Kaur is an inspiring Sikh woman and leader who will be sharing her insights and experiences with you at Kaurs United Camp.
Gurjeet Kaur is an undergraduate student in the Nutritional Sciences program at University of British Columbia. In the summer of 2010, Gurjeet Kaur is helping to conduct a nutritional assessment in a rural community in partnership with the University of Agriculture and Technology in Kibungo, Rwanda, as part of a three-year nutrition intervention initiative. She will be sharing her experiences, struggles, and inspiring moments in Rwanda with you at Kaurs United Camp.
To Be Announced - more speakers are currently being confirmed, stay tuned to this spot for updates!
Gagan Kaur (Edmonton, AB) shares her experience from Camp 2009:
Jotvir Kaur (Kitimat, BC) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Prabhjot Kaur (California) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Jaipriya Kaur (California) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Jotvir Kaur (Kitimat, BC) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Prabhjot Kaur (California) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Jaipriya Kaur (California) shares her Camp 2009 experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come to camp?Any girls and women ages 12-28 are welcome. Women above this age range are requested to contact us at info@kaursunited.org for information on attending. Participants under the age of 18 require parental/guardian consent. There will be participants from various locations and different walks of life at camp, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Where is the campsite?
Camp Lutherwood is in Bellingham, Washington (1185 Roy Road, Bellingham, WA 98229-8210, USA). The campsite is a 1 hour drive from Vancouver, B.C., 15 minutes south of Bellingham, and 1.5 hours from Seattle. The campsite is close to the Pacific Hwy (I5).
I will be flying in from outside of Washington or British Columbia. Can you help me out?
Kaurs United volunteers will try their best to assist campers flying in for camp. Accommodation for days outside of Camp will also be arranged, and airport pickups are available if you email us at info@kaursunited.org well in advance.
I have health / personal / private concerns.
Kaurs United camp is a network based on spiritual and social growth, and we believe in inclusion and empowerment. We welcome all women and girls yearning to share this experience. Please contact info@kaursunited.org and we will reply in confidence to assist you with any concerns.
Am I allowed to bring my son to camp?
Boys under the age of eight are permitted to attend camp if necessary. However, we encourage camp participants and volunteers to make alternate arrangements for sons during the week of Kaurs United Camp. The week following Kaurs United Camp, Singhs Camp will be holding a Camp for boys and men. Please visit www.singhscamp.com for details.
Is the campsite equipped with First Aid supplies and is staff trained?
Several of Kaurs United staff members will be trained in first aid, and there will be first aid kits handy in different areas of the campsite. If any Kaur wishes to bring a travel-size first aid kit, however, she is welcome to do so.
Is there a contingency plan in place for Kaurs who are unable to pay full Camp fees?
Like numerous other non-profit organizations, Kaurs United is operated on the donations and Camp fees of its campers and supporters. The amenities and experience provided at camp, comparable to other camps around the world, is made available at a relatively very low fee. However, we are happy to offer scholarships to reduce the fees of campers in extraordinary financial need. For consideration of a scholarship, please e-mail info@kaursunited.org before July 1st with a write-up explaining why you would like a scholarship, and also please make a submission to the Kaurs United Library (e.g. a new poem, story, essay, piece of art, etc.). Campers flying from abroad may request reduced fees to account for airplane tickets.
I don’t know anyone who will be at Camp and may be coming alone. Yikes!
Have no fear. It is a core goal at Kaurs United Camps to unite Sikh girls and women and help them make new friends. You do not need to know anyone at Camp, and several campers have made friends within the first few days (or hours) of Camp. You will be matched up with other girls and women in your age category and will have the chance to mingle.
I am not Amritdhari, can not read Gurmukhi, and have little knowledge on Sikhism. Is this Camp only for girls who have all of the above?
No, with a capital “N.” Kaurs United Camp is for anyone who regards herself as a Kaur, or anyone who is interested in becoming a Kaur. You will have several opportunities to learn about Sikhism at Camp and do not need background knowledge to attend. The morning and evening darbars are made easier for campers who cannot read Gurmukhi as there is always a screen projecting English translations to Gurbani.
Camp Dates:
Tuesday, August 24th through Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Fees:
Register Before June 20th: $190 (Save $85!)
Register Before August 1st: $250 (Save $25!)
Before August 10th (final deadline): $275
Transportation:
People living in or flying into Washington State: Travel arrangements to the campsite will be made for Washington sangat. The details will be emailed to all registered campers.
People living in or flying into Province of BC: Kaurs United BC will departing for Camp 7:00am SHARP, Tuesday August 24th from Guru Nanak Academy (#209 - 7938 128 St., York Center Plaza, Surrey, BC). This will also be the pickup location around 7:30pm on Sunday, August 29th.
Participants from other states, provinces, countries: please email info@kaursunited.org for travel information and assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE for Canadian Travellers:
Since we will be crossing the Canada-US border, it is imperative that participants bring their passports. These will be checked prior to leaving. Parents of campers under age 18 must sign this letter of consent (PDF) giving Kaurs United staff permission to transport their children across the border. All campers are required to arrange your own travel insurance for the duration of the camp.
PACKING CHECKLIST
Please note: the starred items (*) are mandatory.
___Sleeping bag or large comforter/blanket*
___Pillow*
___Bed sheet*
___Toothbrush / toothpaste / pads / hairbrush / towel / shampoo / soap / deodorant etc.*
___Dastaar / keski / rumaal / bandana / patka (form of head covering)*
___Salvaar Kameez / Chola / Bana – at least 3*
___Insect repellent*
___Sunscreen*
___Track pants / jogging pants – at least 3-4*
___T-shirts - at least 5-6*
___Sweaters / Sweatshirts
___Jacket*
___Runners*
___Sandals*
___Undergarments (bring extra)*
___Socks*
___Loose swimwear
___Jeans
___Flashlight (plus extra batteries)*
___Shawl or Loee
- Amritdhari campers may want to bring an extra kakaars in case they break or are lost.
- We suggest campers do not bring any other valuables such as digital cameras, mp3 players, etc.
- Kaurs United is not liable for campers' loss of or damage to any property.
- Campers are liable for any damage they cause to campsite property, Kaurs United property, or others property whilst at camp.
- Campers will be contacted 1 – 2 weeks prior to camp to confirm their status.
Canadian Travelers under age 18, please remember to submit this letter of consent (PDF).
If you are taking part in the High Ropes Challenge Course, please remember to complete this form and submit it to a camp volunteer.
If you are taking part in the High Ropes Challenge Course, please remember to complete this form and submit it to a camp volunteer.
