THE UNFORGETTABLE YOUTH CAMP

THE UNFORGETTABLE YOUTH CAMP
By MSA-UZ Member

The youth camp is one of the most effective methods for the Islamic training of young potential leaders. Thus, as an official youth organization in our most beloved academe, we wish to contribute more to the welfare of the university in pursuit for peace and development even just in our humble capacity despite the hectic schedule as college students. We apprehended that in order to gain the aforementioned matters, we must first discipline ourselves along with our co-MSA-UZ fellows in an Islamic arena.

Consequently, after a long patient and persistent preparation on the proposed plan for the mini Youth Camp, finally, the MSA-UZ held its 1st time ever youth camp with the THEME of “ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD: HOW TO ATTAIN IT” at Puerto Villa Beach Resort, Patalon, Zamboanga City last April 10-11, 2009. The activity was peacefully opened by the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by the former MSA-UZ President Alhusin Muhammad. It continued with the elucidation of background of the activity and announcing of some house rules during the camp. It was actually a great opportunity for the participants to be with their friends all through that night especially when we started with our grouping activity and group sharing wherein everyone were asked to speak under the cold and solemn night.

The 35 participants coming from the association itself were divided into four groups and the respective groups were identified with very meaningful names such as Abubakar group, Uthman group, Ummar group and Ali group. Among the endeavors embarked were the PROBLEM(S)-SOLUTION(S) IDENTIFICATION within the MSA-UZ; participants’ sharing on some insights regarding the MSA; role play presentation of each group about the Strengthening of Isslamic Brotherhood, etc.

It is interesting also to note that during the activity the participants were praying together to the Mosque i.e. five times obligatory prayers and tahadjud within the vicinity of the resort, sleeping together along with the group, sharing food with each other even in very small amount and of course telling stories with one another. As a matter of fact, you can really feel the true camaraderie in the real sense of Islamic brotherhood.

Furthermore, the main objectives of organizing the said effort were as follows: To increased the participants’ faith, knowledge, and commitment to Islam through guided living; To develop an Islamic personality; To develop skills required for Islamic work; To provide opportunities to gain general experience in cooperative living; and To develop an understanding and an opportunity for the natural development of true Islamic brotherhood.

The activity ended in very momentous words of inspiration given by every participant to their co-participants especially of the graduating ones. Alhamdulillah, even though not all of the objectives were perfectly attained, at least we can say that throughout the whole process of events, it was indeed a very successful and humbling endeavor.

Meanwhile, the MSA-UZ is in all out in its effort in initiating various programs and activities to somehow contribute in pursuit of PEACE and SOLIDARITY of the MUSLIM UMMAH most especially within and among the Muslim youth.

May the Almighty ALLAH grant us MUSLIM YOUTH unending strength and courage. Ameen!