Learning how to tie a turban, archery and martial arts were all on offer at a week-long camp to promote Sikh culture and traditions.
The Connect2Sikhi summer camp was held at the Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Roding Lane, Chigwell.
More than 100 children attended the camp and were supported by 44 volunteers who ran activities including tug-of-war, volleyball and general life skill discussions.
Upkar Singh Rai, who helped co-ordinate the camp, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed working with a gifted and lovely bunch of kids who made it all worthwhile.
“With the parents’ and God’s blessing we will make next year’s camp bigger and better.”
The camp was attended by 130 children aged between seven and 16 who learned about the way of life ordained by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was the last of the 10 Sikh gurus.
He was a warrior, poet and philosopher and became a leader of the Sikhs at the age of nine.
Mankamal Singh Palray, who also helped run the camp, said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to share some fantastic moments which made me very proud of our heritage.”
The camp aimed to promote life skills and the link between a healthy body and fit mind.
Meditation, team building and a sports day kept the children busy and specialist speakers came from around the country to teach the children.
Camp-goer 16-year-old Gurpreet Kaur said: “Last year the camp was great – this year they smashed it.”
The campers took advantages of some excellent weather and did most of their activities out in the fresh air earlier this month. Amol Singh, 11, added: “This is the best camp by far”.
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