2026 SYANA Gurmat Retreat
We are filled with profound enthusiasm to share with you all the forthcoming 2026 SYANA Gurmat Retreat, scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25.
This enduring tradition assembles the Sangat, aged 18-35, in a confluence of Gurmat learning, inspiration, and camaraderie.
Registration will open soon. You can get an update on registration in two ways: 1) look out for an email from the Retreat Sevadaars soon, and 2) follow Sikh Youth Alliance of North America on Instagram and Facebook.
This year, the SYANA 2026 Gurmat Retreat will immerse us in the profound theme, "Blossoming through Ardaas: From Nanak-Naam to Sarbat da Bhala."
This theme reframes the final line of the Ardaas—"Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhaney Sarbat Da Bhala"—from a familiar slogan into the vital, unfolding life of 'Sikhi Daa Bootaa' (The Plant/Seed/Tree of Sikhi). It provides a 5-stage cycle of growth that contrasts the sturdy, rooted life of a Gurmukh with the fragile, ego-driven existence of a Manmukh. Many of us try to offer shade and fruit to the world (Seva) but suffer from spiritual exhaustion because our roots are shallow. We often treat the Ardaas as a request we make, rather than a reality we live in. In our zeal to serve the world (Sarbat da Bhala), we sometimes resemble 'cut flowers'—beautiful for a moment, but fading quickly because we lack a connection to the source. The retreat’s goal is to help participants map their own internal ecosystem. Our goal is to move from a fragile, ego-driven existence to the sturdy, sheltering presence of a tree that naturally offers shade to all.
Travel: Retreat will held at YMCA Camp Storer in Jackson, MI. The nearest airport is DTW (Detroit Metropolitan Airport) which is almost an hour away.
- For those flying for Retreat: Please mark if you will be flying and need transportation in the registration form. Please find flights that come into Detroit (DTW) no later than 6:00 PM. This will ensure plenty of time for travel and pick up. In some situations where this is absolutely not possible, a Sevadaar will be in contact with you after you register to coordinate travel.
Early Bird Discount: Sign up before midnight April 14, 2026 and get $40 US Dollars off the registration fee. The discounted registration fee is $190 USD, which helps cover the camp accommodations, food, and supplies.
Full-Price Registration: After April 14th the registration fee is $230 USD per person.
Reigster today!