Asalaamalaikum,

            This has been one of the most intense and satisfying experiences of my life. Alhamdulillah I have learned many lessons while here, and hope to learn many more as I reflect on my days here at the Tarbiya and Ilm Camp.

            I learned that we can live without the luxuries of daily life – eight hours of sleep, Internet, tv, etc. I learned that waking up from a deep sleep and spending time in qiyam is one of the most spirituality satisfying experiences.  I have learned that spending time with brothers is not only fun, but gives one a lot of lessons.

            On Friday night we had an entertainment session, and the groups we were divided in performed songs and skits.  It was all in good fun and none of us could control our laugher.  After that we sat around and discussed what we had learned from the camp.  Subhana Allah, I have never seen so much emotion and so many tears coming from a group of brothers!

            It was not all fun and games though.  We went through an intense series of lectures featuring the likes of Jamal Badawi and Suhabi Webb.  The topics that were covered included Usool-ul-Fiqh, Gender Interaction, Dawah, and much, much more.

            We were also divided into groups (usras) and were in competition against each other.  At one point, we had to run barefoot in the dark, holding hands through the woods to our cabins.  What a painfully exciting experience!

            Insha Allah make dua that I learn from this camp and practice all that I have picked up from this experience.  Please try to attend the camp next year insha Allah, and I can guarantee that if you have the correct intention, you will not be disappointed.

                                                                        Your brother