Miri-Piri Leadership Retreat · Bradford Woods, Indiana
The Second Pillar

Piri
Adventure Leadership

Guru Nanak Sahib didn't teach us that spiritual and worldly strength were opposites.
He taught us they are one. Piri is where that teaching becomes lived experience — in the woods, on the ropes, under the stars.

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Leadership isn't a title.
It's how you show up when it's hard.

Piri is where the intellectual work of Miri becomes embodied. Each element is grounded in Sikhi — a practice of carrying what matters most into the hardest moments.

Sikh boys hiking through the forest at dawn with Bani
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Japji Sahib Hikes

Each morning begins before the sun fully rises — moving through the woods with Bani as the soundtrack, a pauri discussed at the trail's end.

Sikh boys on high ropes challenge course at Bradford Woods
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Adventure Leadership

Saturday and Sunday are anchored with a three-hour afternoon block facilitated by Indiana University's Bradford Woods — high ropes, towers, ziplining, and team challenges across 110 acres. Professionally-trained instructors lead each session with structured reflections on growth mindset, decision-making under pressure, and interdependence.

Sikh boys playing soccer and games on Saturday evening
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Night Games

Saturday night lights up with youth-organized night games — laser tag, pick-up soccer, basketball, chess, and races.

Kirtan under the stars around a firepit at Bradford Woods
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Kirtan Under the Stars

On Sunday, the retreat closes with a youth-led Kirtan under the stars — under an open sky, around a firepit.

"Integrating Sikhi into your life — not externalizing it."

A guiding aim of our Miri-Piri experience

Bradford Woods, Indiana University

For 65 years, Bradford Woods has grounded its Adventure Leadership program in a "Challenge by Choice" philosophy — aligned with our aim to build confidence through progressive challenge and teamwork. Explore their programs →

The property is a beautifully maintained 2,500-acre campus that includes a lake, extensive hiking trails, a dining hall, and climate-controlled cabins.

🦅 Fun fact: Bradford Woods is home to two resident bald eagles.

Rising seniors

Consider adding a day or two to visit nearby campuses — IU Bloomington is 25 minutes away, Purdue University about 90 minutes north, and Butler University 45 minutes north in Indianapolis.

Sangat that doesn't end
when you go home.

The retreat weekend is the beginning of ongoing, deeper connection — before, during, and after.

Veer Ji
Older Brother Leaders

Older Sikh Veer Jis serve not as instructors, but as older brothers.

Veer to Veer
Peer Brotherhood Across Ages

Grades 5–12 are intentionally together throughout the experience.

Alumni
The Foundation Keeps Growing

MPLR alumni stay connected through a shared space anchored around #ActsofLeadership — moments where they led, failed, tried again, or supported someone else doing the same.

Applications are open for October 2026.

30 spots. A 3-day experience that plants something lasting. Don't wait to decide — the cohort fills through community relationships.

Apply Now → Want to understand the full program? Explore Miri || Debate →