The Akal International Youth Camp is organized annually at Baru Sahib in the months of July and August. This camp ensures 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 'Nam 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. This camp hopes 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 camp is to give an opportunity to the Sikh children from the US and other Western countries to get acquainted with Sikh culture, Sikh history, Sikh scriptures, language, Sikh literature and with 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 Punjabi, Kirtan, Nitnem, Sikh History & Gurmat and above all the ' Sikh Way of Life'.

This year, Akal International Youth Camp is being organized from 4 to 31 July. Several NRI campers arrived at Delhi Airport on July 2 & 3. 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".

The fourth Akal International Youth Camp was inaugurated by Ms. Tejal Shah, Economic Officer and Second Secretary of the American Embassy, New Delhi. They were accompanied by Charles Sellers (Consul Officer), Heidy Servin - Baez, (US State Department Fellow) and Anjali Kaur (Consultant - Public Health). The guests arrived on July 3rd. They were accorded grand welcome with a fine presentation of Musical Band and horse-display. They were welcomed by the tiny-tots of Akal Academy with flower bouquets along with the reception team comprising of Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Dr. M.S. Atwal, Dr. Davinder Singh, Dr. Neelam Kaur, Er. Amarjeet Singh and Mrs. Paramjit Kaur. Students lined up on the both sides of the ramp all the way to the Guest House wearing American T-shirts and school uniform holding American and Indian flags as a sign of Universal Brotherhood. The local group of dancers presented the traditional “Nati” Himachali dance.

Later in the evening, a grand cultural program was organized in the auditorium of Akal College of Engineering and Technology to celebrate 231st anniversary of the American Independence. The guests were welcomed by the students of Akal Academy hoisting US flags and Indian Tri-color. The proceedings began with rendering of divine music with traditional string musical instruments (Tanti Saz) by the students of Akal Academy. It was followed with a fine display of Tibetan and Himachali Dances. The guests lighted the traditional lamps during the display of folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. The American guests also took part in some of the dances. Other folk dances depicting Indian culture were also presented by the students of Akal Academy. A special dance sequence was choreographed to mark universal peace and brotherhood. American National Anthem was sung by the campers along with the guests. The NRI students of Akal Academy shared their experience at Baru Sahib with the audience. The campers also shared their views, aspirations and reasons for attending the Akal International Youth Camp. A documentary film depicting the philanthropic activities being undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust was also shown to the guests.

Dr. Khem Singh (retired Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University) delivered the welcome speech. Dr. M.S. Atwal apprised the audience of the higher education programs taken up by the Kalgidhar Trust with the establishment of Eternal University and Akal College of Engineering & Technology at Baru Sahib. Ms. Tejal Shah lauded the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust in establishing permanent peace and universal brotherhood in the world. She offered all kinds of help and cooperation to further this noble cause undertaken by the Trust.

The mementos were presented to the guests by Dr. Khem Singh. At the end of the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the grand display of fireworks.

The next day, guests paid their obeisance at Darbar Sahib. The students of Akal Academy displayed their martial arts skills – Gatka in full splendor. The blindfolded act of slicing coconuts on the heads, chest and neck of kids with a sharp edged sword left the guests speechless. The guests remarked that it was a ‘never before’ experience for them.

The guests formally inaugurated the Akal International Youth Camp by cutting the ribbon in the Camp Complex. Then the guests were taken on a tour of Akal Complex by Er. Amarjeet Singh (Director, Akal International Youth Camp). While on tour of Akal Academy, the guests were introduced to the American Campers and NRI students studying in the Akal Academy. The guests found time to mingle around with the students of Gurmat Vidhyalaya and go through the beautiful collection of designer ladies suits produced by the rural womenfolk working with Akal Rozgar Yojana (A self employment program being managed by the Kalgidhar Trust). The guests lauded the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust for creating employment opportunities for the needy women from backward and rural regions of Punjab. They were in awe of the inspiring philanthropic jobs undertaken by the organization. They could not help remark the great odds against which the benefactors and the beneficiaries were working in this remote area. The guest also visited the Akal Charitable Hospital, Akal College of Engineering & Technology, Hostels, Golden Library & Gurmat Library.

The guests of honor took blessings from honorable Baba Iqbal Singh Ji before leaving for Delhi in the afternoon