A popular week-long camp that teaching youths to speak and appreciate Punjabi language and culture is returning to Simon Fraser University Surrey this summer.
The Punjabi Language and Cultural Camp runs from July 18-22 and provides youths between eight and 15 years of age with a learning environment through games, movies, songs and dances and integrates various cultural activities.
The camp is designed to help the children of Punjabi-speaking immigrant families familiarize themselves with their family’s first language and culture. It targets children from Punjabi-speaking families who have beginner to intermediate language skills in their mother tongue but are more comfortable speaking English and with Canadian culture because they were born or raised here. Parents have found the camp experience improves children’s language use and comprehension, as well as their attitudes towards their heritage and culture.
Camp teacher Sarbjit Dhami has taught at local Khalsa schools.
“We make this a fun learning experience,” says Dhami. “The children are involved in many cultural activities – such as Indian songs, dances and games – in addition to language instruction.”
Students are also introduced to traditional Indian musical instruments and sports. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and the cost is $150. Three full scholarships are available from HSBC’s (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) Panorama branch.
For camp information or to register call 778-782-4965 or email skd4@hotmail.com
SFU Surrey also offers camps on games and animation, making movies and adventures in Science AL!VE. Check www.sfu.ca/camps/summercamps