One of factors that has helped in preserving Sikhi in foreign countries has been the holding of camps for Sikh children in various places in those countries. In USA, the camps are being organized every year at various places. One of these camps, now known as camp Chardi Kala is held every year during the third week of August at a new campsite, Camp Na-Sho-Pa, located in Bloomingburg, New York. The camp is attended by age groups of 8-25. Children are divided into different groups according to their ages. Around 200 Sikh youth from all over North East America come to attend it every year. The person who is the inspiring force behind these camps is S. Ujagar Singh, whose family belonged to Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). However, he was born in Amritsar in 1928 as his father was posted there during that period. His father, Dr. Jodh Singh Sobti being a staunch sikh, who was active in the movement for libration of Gurdwara’s, Ujagar Singh was brought up in a Sikhi atmosphere. He was married to Govind Kaur who was also from a Gursikh family of Meerut (Her father was S. Gurmukh Singh Sethi). In 1969, the Gursikh couple shifted to USA. In addition to do their Kirat, the couple with their determination to keep the younger generation attached to their religion, started organizing Sikh Youth Camps. They started the Sikh Youth Federation of North America, and the first Sikh Youth camp was held in 1976. They brought teachers of Sikh History, Gurmukhi and Kirtan from all over the world to teach the youngsters of the area. They would use their only 2 weeks of vacation a year to plan and hold the camp. Over the years the camp became popular and grew in size. Sardar Ujagar Singh was the co-director of the summer camp from 1976 to 1979. In 1980 he took over as the director of Camp Chardi Kala; named after the spirit it brings to the youth. Today, Camp Chardi Kala is a model for all other Sikh youth camps being held in the United States. His untiring efforts have created a new generation of activists and leaders based on very clear understanding of the Sikh value system of community service. Undoubtedly, the cream of Sikh youth in America, including leaders at SALDEF, Sikh Coalition, and United Sikhs have graduated from Camp Chardi Kala! Besides the camp, Sardar Ujagar Singh has been deeply involved in social issues that affect the Sikh and larger community. He has been a Board Member of the Alcoholism Service Council of Westchester, and the Community Advisory Board of Central Westchester Mental Health Services. Ujagar Singh has always gone beyond the call of duty, and has provided a firm commitment to the future of Sikh children in North America. He has been recognized and honored with various awards and nominations for his untiring dedication to community service. In 2009 he was honored at the Sikh Heritage Award Gala for his community service. It was accepted there by one and all that he has proved a great role model for the Sikh community.
