Summer Camp
Pictures from this year's summer camp can be found at www.isnf.org/multimedia/pictures.html
ISNF Summer Camp - 2008
Bahjeh Rizeq-ISNF Summer Camp Summary
Every now and then, we are given an opportunity that can leave us with some of the fondest memories. The ISNF 2008 summer camp has been a rewarding experience for everyone who has joined. First and foremost, our motivational drive to get up each morning and work for 8 hours was for the fact that we were going to a Masjid; and I cannot think of anything better than working near, in and around the house of Allah.
The kids were involved in many activities such as:
-Book reading/writing, with the purpose of stirring them into reading inspirational stories on various Islamic topics.
-Workbooks, that were given to each child based on their educational level in school
-Sports/Games/Free time such as soccer, racing, red rover, "water day", going to the park and fun little games the kids made up.
-Islamic Studies, Arabic &Quran was given to the children by Imam Nazim Mangera
-Arts and crafts consisted of projects we let the kids take part in such as making flags, Tasbeeh´s, bracelets, picture frames, ETC.
We also took them on field trips such as the Buffalo Zoo, Bowling, Chuck E Cheese, and the Strong National Museum of play in Rochester, NY.
Handling the children was never an easy task. Fortunately, we have had great assistance with our wonderful volunteers who have worked side by side with Rawan and I. They are as follows:
- Montha Rizeq
- Hebaa Rizeq
- Noor Kustiro
- Manar Kustiro
- Lyla Abdallah
- Yasmean
- Vlora Skudrinja &
- Aman Shamaa
Our two youngest children enrolled in the summer camp were 2 and 4 years of age, and needed to be watched over constantly. Thankfully, Noor Kustiro and Hebaa Rizeq managed the two youngsters whenever the camp counselors were holding other activities with the kids. During arts and crafts, we needed to set the kids up in a neat, organized seating arrangement in order to carry out a well-organized project. Vlora Skudrinja and Manar Kustiro would always get the kids settled and in their seats to begin the project. As the projects would come to pass, I would normally make use of the remaining time to clean around the banquet hall. All the volunteers would happily be of assistance when it came down to cleaning. Montaha Rizeq, Manar Kustiro, Aman Shamaa and Yasmean were superlative in helping the camp counselors when it came down to organizing and cleaning up after the kids.The kids also enjoyed the company of the volunteers. Vlora Skundrinja was exceptionally adored by the younger kids due to her vivacious personality and gleaming enthusiasm. Yasmean had an impact on the older kids given that she always was patient; which made the kids feel a lot more comfortable when participating in group activities. Lyla Abdallah is the auspicious type, and brought out the spark in the summer camp.
After lunch, Rawan and I would have the kids perform Wudu and wait for the Imam to begin his lessons. Imam Nazim Mangera was favored by the kids because of his kind personality. He was firm with the kids, yet sympathetic. This made the kids eager to sit with him and learn. Alhamdulillah, the kids always looked forward to begin their Quranic/Arabic/Islamic studies with Imam Nazim, and always ended the classes with a smile.
The summer camp was not just an experience for the kids, but for myself, Rawan and the volunteers. Everyone involved has enjoyed working with the kids and getting to know each and every individual personality. Every child, from the ages of 4 to 12, has a unique, effervescent, bright and tender personality that brightened each day we were there! Alhamdulillah to this Ni´ma (Blessing) that Allah has bestowed upon us. InshaAllah we will have another rewarding experience next summer!
By: Rawan Shamaa
For the past 2 years I have had the privilege of working as an ISNF Summer counselor. The times spent at the camp were truly memorable for all involved. This year there was an excellent balance of both educational and recreational activities dispersed throughout the day. We also had field trips on a weekly basis in which we enjoyed outings in both new and familiar environments. The most beautiful aspect of the camp was the friendships that were made. The kids truly bonded with one another. New friendships were formed and everyone was happy to be together at the camp.
Our schedule started with an Islamic movie. The children loved them and showed enthusiasm when explaining the video during discussion. Following the movie we would play a sport or go outside. Among the popular activities were: soccer, races, air hockey tournaments, dodge ball, group jump roping, Red Rover, Frisbee, or simply playing on the playground. Arabic class followed in which the kids would go through their Arabic reading lessons. We would then have another activity break. Lunch followed and the kids enjoyed sitting together and chatting amongst themselves.
There was an hour of free time before we went to prepare for prayer. Older kids were more than willing to help the younger ones make their wudu. We got into the routine of making the Sunnas before and after prayer followed by saying Tasbeeh. The children would then hear a short 15 minute Hadeeth from the Shaykh in the Masjid.
Next we would have some group games together in the banquet hall. As for academics, every other day we would alternate between having a summer reading break and working in workbooks. During the reading time the children were allowed to read or listen to books from the library and write short summaries. The other days we had workbook time which they liked since it reminded them of school. Some would brag about their knowledge in areas such as math.
Snack time was anticipated as a treat near the end of the day. We also had craft time during one of the activity times in which the children made picture frames, jewelry, La ilaha il Allah flags, beaded misbahas, and lanyard designs. In the end the kids would not want to leave their friends when their parents picked them up.
Additionally, every week we had an exciting field trip. We went to area parks, the Buffalo zoo, Chuck E, Cheeses, bowling, and the Strong National Institute of Fun in Rochester. The children were very enthusiastic and interested at these outings. In bowling the kids cheered and encouraged their fellow team mates. At the Institute of Play there were so many things to enjoy that we could have stayed there for days. And it was educational at the same time. I could go on and on about the wonderful times spent. The camp was truly an awesome way for the kids to spend their summer.
The camp was made successful under the organization of Shaykh Nazim Mangera. The ISNF camp counselors that were in charge of implementation were Rawan Shamaa and Bahjeh Rizeq. Many volunteers also helped out with the summer camp. A special thanks for their time goes out to Yasmin, Aman, Montaha, Hebaa, Noor, Manar, and Vlora.