(Plainfield, IN 1/6/15) Last week, Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) organized its Winter National Retreat at Flat Rock River YMCA Camp in Saint Paul, Indiana. The retreat that took place from December 22 to 27, provided campers with memories for a lifetime. The lectures, workshops and discussions were based around the central theme of “Take a Selfie”, which encouraged campers to reflect on their lives, character, and actions.
<span “font-family:”century=”” gothic”;mso-bidi-font-family:arial;=”” color:black”=””>Campers led group khatirahs, discussed sensitive but necessary issues, and participated in other sessions meant to relate directly to today’s Muslim youth. More lighthearted activities like archery, a scavenger hunt, a bonfire and soccer cemented the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
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<span “font-family:”century=”” gothic”;mso-fareast-font-family:”times=”” roman”;=”” mso-bidi-font-family:arial;color:black”=””>The retreat was organized almost completely by a committee made up of youth ages 14-16, with the guidance and support of advisors Sarah Shaikh and Iyad Alnachef. Twenty four outstanding counselors served as mentors and role models, and arrived two days early for a training course. They did a wonderful job encouraging and supporting the campers.
<span “font-family:”century=”” gothic”;mso-bidi-font-family:arial;=”” color:black”=””>Speakers in attendance included Jawad Shah, Habeeb Quadri, Sadia Khatri, Amina Darwish and Saad Omar. Each shared a unique perspective on the theme of reflection and benefited campers with their knowledge and insight.
<span “font-family:”century=”” gothic”;mso-bidi-font-family:arial;=”” color:black”=””>One of the highlights of the week came at the very end, when counselors and campers alike came together to showcase projects they had been working on all week, including humorous skits, spoken word pieces, and other talent-filled presentations.
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. Its mission is to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam.
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CONTACT: ISNA Communications Director Edgar Hopida, 317-839-1820 or 317-679-6350,
ehopida@isna.net
