A vibrant initiative aimed at strengthening Bhutanese identity among young Australians is set to kick off with the first-ever two-week Drukyul Camp in Perth. Organized by a dedicated group of approximately 20 Bhutanese nationals in collaboration with the Association of Bhutanese in Perth Incorporated (ABPI), the camp begins today and will run until January 3.
Designed to inspire Bhutanese youth, the camp seeks to cultivate a profound sense of belonging and self-worth among participants, reinforcing their ties to Bhutanese heritage despite living abroad. The program is spearheaded by a team of retired teachers who bring a wealth of diverse experience, offering a unique platform for young Bhutanese to delve into their culture, traditions, and history.
Kinley Tenzin, a founding member and the camp’s coordinator, outlined the camp’s structure, which revolves around four central themes: national language and culture, Bhutanese values and scouting, history, and driglam choesum—the traditional Bhutanese code of etiquette. “Our goal is to provide a balanced curriculum that engages the students without overwhelming them,” Tenzin explained. Under the national language and culture segment, participants will engage in traditional songs and dances, Dzongkha translation and speaking exercises, and storytelling sessions featuring Bhutanese myths, legends, and cinema.
Emphasizing the importance of foundational language skills, Tenzin noted that the camp focuses on basic writing and speaking to maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout among the youth. Additionally, the program includes practical lessons on the national anthem, the history of Bhutan’s monarchy, and the cultural significance of Bhutanese festivals.
The driglam choesum component teaches students the proper attire, including the traditional gho and kira paired with the kabney and rachu, as well as essential rituals like marchang and other Bhutanese etiquettes. These activities aim to instill a deep appreciation for Bhutanese customs and foster a sense of pride in their cultural identity.
Parents in the Bhutanese community have shown strong support for the camp, viewing it as a crucial opportunity for their children to connect with their roots in a foreign environment where essential Bhutanese values and knowledge might otherwise be lost. Chimmi Dorji, president of ABPI, described the camp as a “bridge linking Bhutanese youth to their culture.” He highlighted the importance of education and awareness of Bhutan’s heritage to ensure that children abroad remain connected to their ancestral homeland.
Kinley Tenzin also highlighted the significant role of retired Bhutanese teachers in the camp. “Many teachers’ roles conclude when they leave Bhutan, but this camp allows them to continue shaping the next generation, even from abroad,” he stated. The selection of these educators was based on their previous contributions and success in leading community-based initiatives.
Hosted at Kingston College, the camp operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended supervision available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate the busy schedules of parents working in Australia. This flexibility ensures that children can fully participate in the program without disrupting their parents’ professional commitments.
With the support of ABPI, organizers aim to make the Drukyul Camp a sustainable, annual event that continues to nurture Bhutanese culture among youth in Perth. As the Bhutanese community in Australia grows, initiatives like the Drukyul Camp play a pivotal role in preserving cultural identity and fostering a unified, empowered generation of Bhutanese Australians.
The inaugural camp will conclude on January 3, leaving participants with enriched cultural knowledge, strengthened community bonds, and a renewed sense of Bhutanese pride.
