In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

28th ANNUAL MUSLIM YOUTH CAMP

Know Your Islam

MUSLIM YOUTH CAMP 2008
CAMP WHITE EAGLE, LEAF RIVER, ILLINOIS

BOYS: August 3 – 9
GIRLS: August 9 –15

Organized by
Muslim Community Center
4380 N. Elston Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 725-9047

DEAR CAMPER:

Assalamu 'alaikum.

This booklet will give you all the information you need to know about the Camp, what to bring, and what activities there are for you to learn and enjoy.

Boys, please be at MCC by 9 AM on Sunday, August 3. Girls, please be at M.C.C. by 9 AM on Saturday, August 9. Don't be late; we need time to check in and load the luggage on the truck. If you are not at M.C.C. when the bus leaves, we will not be responsible for your transportation. Directions to the Camp can be obtained from M.C.C. Office. We plan to return to M.C.C. by 4:00 - 5:00 PM on August 9 for the boys and August 15 for the girls. If you or your parents have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the camp (lodging, food, activities, security) you are urged to call the Adult Advisor to the Youth Camp, Mary Ali (773) 588-4663.

We all intend to have a good learning experience at the Camp as well as have fun, too.

Wassalamu 'alaikum.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Muslim Youth Camp! Our educational program is interesting and well-structured, Alhamdulillah. Our recreational program, which includes arts & crafts, water and field sports, and challenge and teamwork activities, has proven to be active and motivational. Insha-Allah, we will have the benefit of living this one week out of the entire year surrounded by Muslim peers, conducting all of our activities in an Islamic environment. Alhamdulillah, we have been granted this wonderful opportunity to integrate Islam into our lives in a rewarding and exciting way. With the help of Allah (SWT), your dedication and positive attitude, we can develop this camp into a truly rich experience. Let's make it work!

REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Transportation to and from Muslim Community Center in Chicago and the camp site, three meals per day, a bed in an enclosed cabin, all recreational activities, Islamic education provided by knowledgeable teachers, and first aid services.

BOARDING AND LODGING

Three full meals will be provided daily in the cafeteria by the camp staff. All meat will be zabiha. Accommodations include large cabins, bunk beds and separate standard bathroom facilities.

PROGRAMS

EDUCATIONAL: The Educational Program is directed toward issues important to Muslim youth, reflecting the theme. This theme will be presented in workshops and discussions led by knowledgeable Muslims.

Campers will also participate in:
- The five daily prayers,
- Study of Qur'an and Hadith,
- Islamic etiquette,
- Learning numerous duas and hadith related to daily life.

Thus, Insha-Allah, not only will we be learning in detail how to assimilate Islam, but throughout the week, there will be opportunities to put this knowledge to task. We will strengthen our Iman and our will to act in accordance with Islam, experience the profound dignity of Islam and realize our responsibilities living in this country.

RECREATIONAL: Recreational activities include field and water sports, nature, arts and crafts, team-building activities and campfire. Field sports include volleyball, softball, riflery and archery. Water sports include canoeing and pool swimming. Hiking, biking, water walks and nature walks are a part of the Nature program, and team building activities include trust-building exercises, teamwork, challenges, and rock climbing. Everyone is given a choice of activities.

Everyone will be required to wear a life preserver when boating. Qualified lifeguards will supervise all waterfront activities. Arts and crafts activities will give campers a chance to use their creative abilities through various artistic media.

Campfire: Campers will participate in campfire games and skits based on Islamic issues.

DAILY SCHEDULE (Approximate: Brother's and Sister's camps follow slightly different schedules)
4:30 - 5:00 am Salatul Fajr + Qur’an/Hadith
7:30 - 8:15 Breakfast
8:15 - 8:45 Clean up / cabin time
9:00 - 11:00 Recreation
11:00 - 12:00 Workshop (education)
12:00 - 12:45 pm Lunch
12:45 - 1:15 Salatul Dhuhr + Qu’ran/Hadith
1:15 - 2:30 Rest
2:30 - 3:30 Discussion (education)
3:30 - 3:45 Canteen
3:45 - 5:45 Recreation
5:45 - 6:00 Clean up
5:45 - 6:15 Salatul Asr + Qur’an/Hadith
6:15 - 7:00 Dinner
7:00 - 8:00 Cabin time with counselor (education)
8:15 - 8:45 Salatul Maghrib + Qur’an/Hadith
8:45 - 9:45 Campfire / Evening program
9:45 - 10:15 Salatul Isha
10:45 LIGHTS OUT!!!
Note: The programs will be slightly different on the first and last days.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

Islamic clothing for hot and cold weather
Prescribed swimming dress (loose, covering to knees)
Girls – bring two scarves and long sleeved shirt for prayer
Gym shoes (2 pair, one to get wet), no shoes without backs
Several pairs of socks
Notebook and pens or pencils
Toiletries and plastic bags for personal laundry
Sunscreen
Sheets, pillow, blanket (or sleeping bag), and towels
Rain gear (raincoat or poncho)
Money for the snack bar (Max. $15 recommended)
Tee shirt or white clothing item for tie dying
DISPOSABLE camera for picture taking is optional
Any miscellaneous sports equipment (but not fishing poles) you would like to bring along.
Label all of your clothing, shoes and belongings with your name.

Campers are discouraged from bringing:
Excessive luggage
Food (food is not allowed in the cabins as it attracts animals)
Jewelry and other valuables and large amounts of money

TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, FIREWORKS, GUNS, KNIVES OR OTHER WEAPONS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. ANYONE BRINGING THESE ITEMS WILL BE SENT HOME IMMEDIATELY.

VIDEO PLAYERS, MUSIC PLAYERS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, RADIOS, BEEPERS, CELL PHONES WILL BE CONFISCATED AND RETURNED AT THE END OF THE CAMP.

DO NOT BRING SHOES WITHOUT BACKS (FLIP-FLOPS, ETC.).

SNACK BAR

Juice, soda, candy, granola snacks and ice cream will be offered. Upon entering camp, campers will deposit their money ($15 is recommended) with the snack bar and the amount of each purchase will be deducted from this deposit. The balance will be refunded at the end of the camp.

TEE SHIRT

A tee shirt especially designed for this camp is usually offered for sale at the end of camp. Campers can purchase these for $10 on the last day of camp.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

In order for you and others to benefit from the camp, it is extremely necessary to observe the following rules:
- Be respectful at all times towards others, their opinions and their property. Do not go into someone else's cabin.
- All activities shall strictly conform to the daily schedule.
- Keep your counselor informed of your whereabouts at all times.
- Attend all assigned programs, especially Salah!
- Observe the Islamic dress code. Girls must wear long sleeves and a scarf at meal times as there are men in the kitchen.
- Extra precaution should be taken at the pool, river and campfire.
- No matter how minor, report injuries to your counselor or a supervisor.
- Don't touch any unfamiliar plants or animals.
- No one is to leave the camp grounds without prior approval of the camp chairpersons.
- No one is allowed to be at the river or pool during unscheduled hours.
- Everyone is to be in their cabins with the lights out at 10:45 pm sharp.
- Food is NOT allowed in the cabins at any time as it will attract wildlife (bats, mice & raccoons).

EMERGENCY AND SAFETY

In case of rain, indoor games and activities will be available in place of the scheduled outdoor program. Trained and experienced lifeguards will be on duty at the pool at all scheduled swimming times. Riflery and archery instructors will be present to make sure guns and bows are used according to NRA standards. Adequate first aid supplies will be available at the camp.

SECURITY

The Camp White Eagle staff provides around-the-clock security for all campers. In addition, law enforcement officials make periodic nightly checks on the camp.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Campers will not be allowed to make or receive phone calls. There will be about 100 campers and counselors at the camp. We have found in the past that too much time is spent at the telephone. We have also found that young children who get homesick the first couple of days at camp are only made them more homesick with calls from their parents and want to go home. We want the campers to have fun and enjoy this experience. You are encouraged to write to your child at camp. We will have postcards and stamps available for purchase at the camp for the campers to write back to you. Please sent your letter before they leave home to ensure they receive your letter. Letters can be sent to your camper's name c/o Camp White Eagle, 6903 W. White Eagle Road, Leaf River, IL 61047. In case of emergency, parents will be contacted by the MYC camp administration promptly. If you need to reach your child in an emergency only you can call the camp office at (815) 738-2754.

VISITOR POLICY

Visitors will be required to remain in the parking lot for security reasons. All visitors staying longer than one hour will be charged a $25.00 fee per person. There will be no overnight accommodations at the campsite for visitors. Because we are using a private facility, we must abide by this visitor policy. All visitors must be approved by the MYC administration prior to the start of the camp.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

Adult Advisor: Sr. Mary Ali (773) 588-4663
Camp Chairpersons: Sr. Ayesha Farooq (630) 901-9701
Br. Dawood Ali (847) 675-1646

DEAR PARENTS:

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

I am thankful to you for giving your child the opportunity to experience the Muslim Youth Camp. It is a week that few will forget and all will have a good time and can benefit from the learning sessions. Lifelong friendships are made at camp and often positive changes come out of the camp experience.

Please bring your child/children to MCC (4380 N. Elston, Chicago) by 9 AM on the day of departure. We will leave about 10 AM but every camper must check in. We will not wait for late comers.

So that you will be a more informed parent about the Camp, I have put together this list of items for you to supervise before and while your child is at camp.

1. Supervise your child’s packing of clothes to be sure that he/she has the proper clothes for both cold, hot and wet weather. A list is given in the booklet sent to each camper but a few things in particular need to be mentioned. Be sure your daughter has two head scarves and a long sleeved shirt for prayer. Your child should have two pairs of shoes (like gym shoes that lace), one of which can get wet and muddy. Flip-flops and shoes without backs are not allowed. Send a large plastic bag for dirty clothes. Be sure your child (boys and girls) has the proper swimming suit that covers to the knees, girls should have a T-shirt also covering the chest. Label your child's clothing, shoes and other belongings with his or her name.

2. Campers will not be allowed to make or receive phone calls. There will be about 100 campers and counselors at the camp. We have found in the past that too much time is spent at the telephone. We have also found that young children who get homesick the first couple of days at camp are only made them more homesick with calls from their parents and want to go home. We want the campers to have fun and enjoy this experience. You are encouraged to write to your child at camp. We will have postcards and stamps available for purchase at the camp for the campers to write back to you. Please sent your letter before they leave home to ensure they receive your letter. Letters can be sent to your camper's name c/o Camp White Eagle, 6903 W. White Eagle Road, Leaf River, IL 61047. In case of emergency, parents will be contacted by the MYC camp administration promptly.

3. You are welcome to visit the camp anytime you wish for a short stay to see what your child is doing at camp. A map is on the back of this letter. You must call ahead of time to let us know you are coming. The camp has rules concerning visitors. Please wait in the parking lot until either a staff member or counselor comes to the parking lot. You will be restricted to only a short time at the camp. For security reasons, I am sure you would not want people you do not know - even parents - to visit the place where your child is staying. Also, be aware that many times visits from parents of younger campers precipitate homesickness in the child, especially if the weather does not cooperate. Please encourage them to stay at camp and join in the activities with their newly-made friends. Please do not be too anxious to come to visit (it often makes them more homesick) or to pick them up to take home. The camp staff, the counselors, and accompanying adults have all had experience in helping the homesick to feel better.

4. Be assured that if there is an emergency concerning your child (which is rare), you will be notified immediately. If you need to reach your child in an emergency only you can call the camp office at (815) 738-2754.

5. Be sure to send any medications that your child needs to take and tell your child to tell the counselor. There is refrigeration available for such medications. If your child needs to take daily shots, a nurse will be called in to administer the shot. You will be charged for the nurse's visit.

6. There will be Muslim adult supervisors at the camp for the entire week. These are people who will love and care for your child as you would.

If you have any questions or concerns before camp, please call me. My number is (773) 588-4663.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Mary Ali