The Akal International Youth Camps are organized annually at Baru Sahib in the months of July and August. These camps ensure that Sikh children of today are taught Sikh tenets and exposed to the Sikh way of life. The basic tenets of Sikhism teach us to share, to perform Sewa (selfless service), to enjoy the bliss of Naam Simran (Divine meditation), and to spend our lives promoting universal brotherhood. It advocates us to dismantle all barriers and boundaries and embrace humanity. All Sikhs are instructed to pray for Sarbat Da Bhala (the blessing of God for all religions, races, and societies without discrimination).

Today the Western world is enamored with being cosmopolitan, of becoming a citizen of the world, a modern idea which Guru Nanak enunciated five centuries ago. The relevance of Sikh religion and the Sikh way of life is, thus, more important today than ever before. These camps hope to inspire the cosmopolitan spirit in Sikh youth, to encourage them to maintain their distinct identity and heritage across the globe, wherever they may be.

The objective of the camps is to give an opportunity to the Sikh children from UK and other Western countries to get acquainted with Sikh culture, history, Sikh scriptures, language, Sikh literature and the glorious Sikh heritage. They are given first-hand exposure to the unique concept of Akal Academies blending spiritual education with modern conventional schooling. The focus is on teaching young enthusiasts Kirtan, Nitnem, Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Sikh History & Gurmat and above all the 'Sikh Way of Life'.

This year, Akal International Youth Camp for UK students was organized from 3 August to 24 August, 2008 in which total number of 78 campers participated. The campers arrived at Delhi Airport and after their brief stay in Delhi at F-3, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, they were escorted to Baru Sahib with utmost care in air-conditioned cabs. On their arrival at Baru Sahib, all the campers experienced the heavenly bliss as they found themselves in 'The Valley of Divine Peace'.

After the novel learning experience in 'The Valley of Divine Peace', finally came the time of the closing ceremony of the Akal International Youth Camp. On 24 August 2008, the campers performed the closing ceremony of the camp from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Darbar Sahib. The children were dressed beautifully. The whole environment was very touching. The campers were to show their skills that they had learnt from their teachers in the camp.

The whole ceremony was a memorable one. The children performed their best. No one could believe that these children had learnt so much in such a short time. The courage of the children was highly appreciable. All the people were amazed to see these young children's performance. The campers displayed their skills on Tabla and stringed musical instruments (Tanti Saaz). They recited Gurbani Kirtan as well as songs of valor.

After the performance of campers, the students of Akal Academy Baru Sahib performed Kirtan followed by the students of Gurmat Sangeet Vidyalya. They recited Gurbani on stringed musical instruments like Taus, Sitar, Guitar etc. as well as Harmonium and Tabla.

5th Akal International Youth Camp for UK students 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 UK lasted from 3 August to 24 August, 2008. Seventy eight campers, including children, with age varying from 6 to 19 years attended the camp. 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, Taus, 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 their 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". Eleven 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.

At the time of departure, one could see the spiritual bliss in the campers’ eyes. They had a great sense of achievement and were proud to be Gursikhs. Many of them had developed a special bond with Baru Sahib and expressed their desire to visit Gurdwara Baru Sahib again. We certainly hope that this humble effort to inculcate the Sikh Way of Life in these children would not only make them spiritually strong but also role-models for others to emulate and spread the message of universal brotherhood.