The World Federation, in collaboration with the India Federation, proudly hosted the 10th Annual Islamic Youth Camp from December 21 to 29, 2024, at the Seth Moloobhoy Khoja Sanatorium in picturesque Khandala, India. Over the years, this event has garnered an outstanding reputation for its dedication to imparting essential life skills and nurturing spiritual growth within a supportive environment. Participants eagerly anticipate the camp each year, reflecting its significance within the community.
This year, we welcomed 64 young attendees from seven major cities across India, including Mumbai, Pune, Warora, Bangalore, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, and Mahuwa. The camp catered to boys aged 12 to 16 and girls aged 10 to 14, ensuring a diverse and vibrant group of participants.
Camp Leadership:
Girls’ Camp – December 21-25: Led by Sr. Zainab Virani and Sr. Zahra Merchant
Boys’ Camp – December 25-29: Led by Br. Asad Virani and Br. Sajjad Karim
The camp’s structure included a dedicated team comprising four administrators, two resident Aalims, and 18 trained mentors who facilitated engaging learning experiences tailored to the needs and challenges faced by youth today.
The Daily Program and Activities:
Our meticulously planned daily timetable began with Fajr Salah in Jamaat and concluded with bonding activities between mentors and their mentees. Each day featured three interactive classes, which included a Qur’anic session, engaging activity sessions, and dedicated sports and games in the evening—all designed to create a balance of learning and enjoyment.
All the sessions were interactive and relevant activities according to the topics were included to keep them engaging. These sessions included special activities like “Know your Infallibles”, in which the lives of 4 Aaimahs (as) were highlighted, and “The Women in Islam”, in which participants were given the task to enact incidents from the lives of the mother of Prophet Musa (as), Bibi Hajra, Queen Bilkis of Saba and Bibi Rahma – the wife of Prophet Ayyub (as) in the form of a Skit.
The topics for the interactive classes were as follows:
Given that December is a delightful winter month in Khandala, we organized bonfire sessions where participants enjoyed games and valuable short speeches from mentors, promoting important life lessons. A crucial aspect of all our activities and classes was that it was aimed to encourage team bonding and teamwork.
The participants were accompanied by spiritual guides to ensure their spiritual development aligned with their physical and mental growth. These guides conducted brief sessions before and after Salah, discussing its significance and answering questions related to Islamic practices. Campers actively participated in group recitations of Dua al-Kumail, Dua al-Ahad, and Ziyarat Ashura.
Evenings at the camp were reserved explicitly for sports, games and snacks. Arrangements were made for Football, Cricket, Dog and the bone, Islamic Charades, Quizzes, Pictionary and many other exciting games. However, the highlight, as always, was the longstanding – Treasure Hunt.
Feedback and Impact:
Alhamdulillah, the camp received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and parents, with many expressing enthusiasm for future events. The camp successfully balanced physical, mental, and spiritual development, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and community bonds among youth.
Some of the Feedback received from the Parents:
We remain committed to enhancing this impactful initiative, nurturing the growth of our youth, and fostering a strong sense of community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success, and we look forward to future endeavours that continue to inspire and uplift our young participants, InshaAllah.
