Another first for NIEF – Youth leadership camp

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that we expose our youth to various social and educational activities within an Islamic ethos, NIEF (Nurul Islam Education Forum) embarked on taking the youth on a leadership camp, using: “Finding Myself as a Young Muslim” as the theme.

A group of 60 youth – ranging from between the ages of 10 -17, which included boys and girls were taken on a 3 day camp (on 15 - 17 February 2013).  The venue was the Van Der Westhuizen Hostel, in Strandfontein.  As this was a 1^st for the community of Heideveld, it was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the parents and especially the youth.
 

With the Islamic ethos as our basis for this camp, our children observed every waqt with eager participation. They furthermore performed various other duties under the leadership of the NIEF members, who provided guidance and eargerly answered their questions. Those who showed initiative were rewarded for their efforts and motivated others to try as well.

We had several facilitators who taught our children many pertinent life skills.  These were mostly activity based, ranging from sand castle building to first aid to the human rights violations perpetrated in Palestine.  They did morning walks along the beach which included environmental education as well.  Our kids were actively involved and enjoyed every moment.  

Our cabins’ setup was well structured in keeping the boys and girls separate. This was practiced in every way possible, including separate pool sessions for them as well.  I think the highlight of the camp, was the potjiekos competition.  The children were divided into five groups: each picked a recipe and was given all the ingredients to make their own meal. The group leaders then did the judging themselves and the winning group members were given novelty prizes. Each group then got to eat what they made and I can say with honesty it all tasted very good.
 

Though funding was a major struggle, we managed to obtain enough funds to make this a reality.  Alhamdulillah, we had some sponsors who donated unselfishly and generously in cash and kind.  These donations included some meals and a lovely goodie bag for each of the children.  Without their assistance this camp would not have been a success.

May Allah reward them abundantly, Ameen.

For further information or to see our web album, feel free to access our internet portals:

Blog: http://nurulislamforum.blogspot.com;

YouTube: http://youtu.be/adje9k7gXSc ;

Web album: http://tinyurl.com/b7nvqh8

Written by Farahnaz Stellenboom Maggott