Hundreds of Valley youth will participate in a free two-week camp to learn more about the Punjabi and Punjabi-American cultures and histories, as well as learn traditional Bhangra and Gidda dances.

The camp, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by local nonprofit GHG Sangeet & Dance Academy and runs today through July 26th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. everyday at the Fresno Punjabi School, 2640 E. Dakota Ave., spokesman Gurdeep Shergill said.

More than 400 children take part in the camp, where they “get to eat, get to dance, and get to learn,” according to Shergill.

The objective is to promote healthy and positive living while learning more about the Punjabi-American culture, he said.

Participants are taught traditional Punjabi dances and will showcase those dances — Bhangra and Gidda — at the International Youth Festival on July 27 at Roeding Park, where Punjabi dance groups from across the United States and Canada will also perform.

Participants can register for the camp today through Sunday at the Fresno Punjabi School by calling Gurdeep Shergill at (559) 349-1481 or emailing him at punjab900@yahoo.com.