SUMMER 2023 NEWSLETTER   In this issue of our seasonal newsletter, you will find out what has happened since the spring holidays along with upcoming information about fall class registration and events!  This Happened...          Level 6 Part 2 Sehaj Paath Bhog         With Guru Ji's Kirpa, the Level 6 Part 2 class reached the end of their Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Santhia. These students developed ਸੁੱਧ ਉਚਾਰਨ (correct pronunciation) of Gurbani over the past 2 years. On Sunday, May 28th, these students took part in a Sehaj Paath Bhog. A big thank you to their teacher, Bhai Ravi Singh Jee for helping them prepare! We do Ardaas to Guru Sahib that all the students continue their Sehaj Paath ਅਭਆਿਸ (practice). Click here to watch! FINAL EXAMS In May, all Punjabi, Santhia, & Sikh Studies students completed their final exams for the school year. Students worked very hard throughout the year to ensure they are prepared for their final exams. If you would like to register for any of our classes, click on the button below. We look forward to seeing all the students in September!  Click here to register for Gurmat Center classes! YEAR-END STAFF MEETING Gurmat Center staff joined together for the last staff meeting of the school year! Sevadars participated in breakout groups for their departments to discuss feedback about the school year, final exams, and the Awards Ceremony. We hope the teachers have a great summer and we are excited to see them again in September! 30TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Gurmat Center's 30th Annual Awards Ceremony was an extraordinary achievement, thanks to Maharaj Jee's kirpa and the collective efforts of the organizers, volunteers, and community members. The event exemplified the unity, spirit, and dedication of the Gurmat Center family in promoting Sikh values and nurturing the next generation. An exciting highlight of the event was the sharing of Gurmat Center's start-up story, an opportunity for the Sangat to learn about the organization's humble beginnings and its journey over the past three decades. This narrative showcased the perseverance, dedication, and vision of the individuals who laid the foundation for Gurmat Center's growth and impact. As the organization moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and impact the lives of individuals, guided by the blessings. Thank you for joining us at the 30th Annual Awards Ceremony! With Maharaj Jee's blessings, the event was a great success, and it was so wonderful to celebrate with all of you. Click here to view Awards Ceremony pictures! GURMAT CENTER YOUTH PROGRAM The guest speakers for the month of April were Ajeet Singh and Ekaager Singh. These young Singhs presented on the United Nations, their experience with the annual Montessori Model United Nations Conference in New York, and led the Sangat through an interactive activity! For the month of May, we were very fortunate to have Bhai Tajinder Singh Jee as our guest speaker. Bhai Sahib talked about small changes that we can make in our daily lives to better ourselves as Gursikhs and have a more positive outlook. The discussion was followed by a competitive game of California Kickball and a pizza dinner. For the month of June, we had Harleen Kaur as our guest speaker. Harleen Kaur spoke about holding onto Sikhi while discovering who you are. The interactive and reflective activity brought the message to life. It was truly special to welcome back an original member of the admin team as our guest speaker.  For the month of July, GCY was led by Gursimar Kaur. Youth engaged in an insightful and eye-opening discussion surrounding the topic of navigating through Sikhi in the Western world. Gursimar Kaur interacted with the youth by sharing personal experiences and challenges that she encountered as a Sikh in the West. SUMMER CAMP Summer Camp was a great success! The camp was full of fun and learning. Campers enjoyed learning about Sikhi, playing sports and games, making malas, and much more! To infuse our curriculum with a stronger Sikhi presence, we incorporated a range of activities into our camp day. We introduced Sikh-specific activities such as Sakhi time for sharing stories of Sikh history, Gatka to teach martial arts with cultural significance, and dedicated Seva time to instill values of selfless service and community engagement. Upcoming news... Registration for all Gurmat Center classes is open! Apply to be a Sevadar throughout the school year! You must be in grade 6 or higher to apply. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 27, 2023. If you would like to donate, click here