The Spring 2026 Newsletter (January-May) 🌻

Aug 18

5 min read

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026

What happened at GC from January to May?

Asa Di Vaar Kirtan in Honour of Bhai Mewa Singh Jee

On January 11th, in collaboration with the Sukh Sagar Sevadars, Gurmat Center Sangat travelled together by bus for Asa Di Vaar Kirtan in remembrance of Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Jee, Canada’s first Shaheed Singh. This day is officially recognized by the City of New Westminster as “Mewa Singh Day.” The program was held at the very site where Bhai Mewa Singh Jee was Shaheed.

ਮਿਲਿ ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਏ ਜਗੁ ਭਉਜਲੁ ਦੁਤਰੁ ਤਰੀਐ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥

Joining the Sat Sangat, the true congregation, and singing the glorious praises of the Lord, you shall cross over the treacherous and terrifying world-ocean. ||1||

Spring Gurmat Camp

This March, our annual Spring Gurmat Camp took place from March 16th to March 19th. This year’s theme was Vaisakhi 1699, giving campers the opportunity to learn about the birth of the Khalsa.

Over the four days, campers took part in Gurmat classes and hands-on activities that helped bring the theme to life. They also enjoyed time with their friends and Sevadars through camp games and activities. With Guru Sahib’s blessings, it was a beautiful few days of learning and Sangat.

ਪੀਵਹੁ ਪਾਹੁਲ ਖੰਡਧਾਰ ਹੁਇ ਜਨਮ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ॥

Drink the Amrit nectar of the double-edged sword (Khanda), accomplish the worth of your birth.

Explore Camp Highlights!

3 Level 5 Trips

This spring, our Level 5 students took part in three memorable trips!

Ski Trip

In March, they headed to the slopes for the annual Ski Trip, where students learned the basics of skiing and enjoyed time on the slopes.

Victoria and Paldi Trip

In April, students and families travelled to Victoria for the Nagar Kirtan and visited the Paldi Gurdwara as part of BC Sikh Heritage Month.

Sikh Pioneers Field Trip

In May, students joined the Sikh Pioneers Field Trip, visiting historic sites connected to early Sikh settlers and the Komagata Maru.

Learn More About Level 5!

2 GC Mothers Collective Events

This spring, we hosted two GC Mothers Collective gatherings for moms of children in Gurmat Center programs. These events created a warm and Gurmat-rooted space for moms to connect with one another while reflecting on their experiences. Sessions were facilitated in both Punjabi and English.

5 Gurmat Center Youth Events

Since January, we have had 5 Gurmat Center Youth programs with a variety of guest speakers. In April, we were also blessed to hold our 100th GCY program, which had a great turnout and a special schedule.

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਖਿਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਉਧਾਰੇ ॥

In the Saadh Sangat, the company of the holy, you shall be saved in an instant.

At each GCY event, youth in grades 9 and above take part in meaningful discussions and enjoy time together through sports or games. These programs continue to provide a supportive space where youth can explore Gurmat and build a stronger sense of Sangat.

We look forward to seeing you at the next event in the fall!

Our Guest Speakers: Bhai Parmvir Singh, Brad Vis MP, Bhai Akashdeep Singh, Bhai Tajinder Singh, Bhai Mohan Singh

Click here to find out more about GCY!

Archery Classes Start Up

This spring, we introduced Archery Classes at Gurmat Center. The program began in April and gave students the opportunity to learn a new skill while connecting with the spirit of discipline.

Through each class, students practiced focus and patience in a supportive environment. We are excited to see this program continue growing with Guru Sahib’s blessings.

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!

ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥

Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others.

Click here to register for Gurmat Center Classes!

Kirtan Class Pizza Party

To mark the final Kirtan class of the year, students enjoyed a well-earned pizza party together. After months of practice and steady growth in their Kirtan skills, this was a fun way to end the year with food and Sangat.

It was a beautiful reminder of how much the students learned and the memories they created through Gurbani.

ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿਕ ਜਗ ਫਲਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਗਾਵਨਹਾਰੇ ਰਾਮ ॥

The fruits of many millions of charitable feasts come to those who listen to and sing the Lord’s praise.

Learn more about Kirtan Classes here!

9 SYFD Parcharaks

From January to May, we were blessed to have 9 different Parcharaks share the message of Guru Sahib at Sunday Youth and Family Darbar. Many of these Parcharaks grew up learning at Gurmat Center, and through Guru Jee’s blessings, they are now teaching the next generation.

ਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਮਿਲਾਹ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ਕਹਾਣੀਆ ॥

Come, O Saints - let’s join together and speak the sermon of the Lord.

Top row (left to right): Roopriya Kaur, Japnaam Kaur, Tejpreet Kaur, Gursimar Kaur

Bottom row (left to right): Jagman Singh, Khushbash Singh, Veer Jee, Pavanpreet Singh, Sukhveer Singh

This free weekly program gives families and youth a chance to connect with Sikhi through Kirtan and English Katha. SYFD will return in September, and we look forward to seeing Sangat in the GC Basement every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Click here to learn more about SYFD!

Level 6 Part 2 Sehaj Paath Bhog

On May 31st, we had a special Sehaj Paath Bhog in the main Darbar to recognize our Level 6 Part 2 students who completed their Santhia of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. After two years of dedicated learning, students had the opportunity to share their progress with the Sangat. The program ended with recognition for the students and special announcements. Congratulations to the students, their parents, and their Ustaads. May Maharaj continue to bless their journey in Sikhi.

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਇਸੁ ਜਗ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਕਰਮਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਏ ॥੧॥

Gurbani is the light to illuminate this world; by his grace, it comes to abide within the mind. ||1||

Check out our Instagram post!

Upcoming events…

Summer Gurmat Camp

This summer, Gurmat Center will be welcoming campers for two sessions of Summer Gurmat Camp. Campers in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will enjoy a full day of learning and fun through Gurmat activities, sports, and games. Each session will give campers the chance to build friendships and connect with positive role models in a supportive Sangat environment.

Click here to learn more!

School Year Registration

The 2026/2027 Gurmat Center School Year is starting soon, and we’re excited to welcome students back for another year of learning and growth! From Punjabi and Sikh Studies to Santhia, Kirtan, Gatka, Dastar Tying, and

Archery, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out - click here to register today and secure your spot.

Your support helps us continue our mission…

Support the Future of Sikh Youth - Donate here!

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