In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
MYNA Camp FAQs
General
What is MYNA?
MYNA stands for Muslim Youth of North America. It is the youth branch of ISNA and it is an organization that aims to run for the youth, by the youth. All the programming, events, and camps are put together by youth before camp and hosted by youth during camp. However, our youth are guided by phenomenal adult mentors and advisors!
How do you pronounce MYNA?
mǐ-nǎ :)
How do you define “youth”?
People between the ages of 12-18.
What is a MYNA camp?
A MYNA camp is a week (or weekend) long program where youth gather to learn, reflect, make great friends, and have fun. We live at a campsite in cabins, eat in a dining hall, hang out with speakers, take part in workshops, and enjoy fun recreational activities. We also have bonfires, chant wars, bonding, and a lot more!
What will I get out of a MYNA camp?
You will leave a MYNA camp with mentors who can give you advice and support, a network of friends from across the nation who love you for the sake of Allah, knowledge from lectures, Q&A sessions, and heart-to-hearts with scholars, and more. You will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Who comes to camp? Are they all observant Muslims who pray, wear hijab, have memorized the Quran, etc.?
People from all across the spectrum come to camp. There have been instances where youth who are interested in Islam (but not Muslim) have been campers. Many of our youth have practiced Islam their whole lives, but some of our campers also new converts who want to learn more about Islam or make new friends. MYNA works to create an environment where everyone can be comfortable, and we want to be able to accommodate everyone as much as possible. We want everyone to leave feeling that they’ve grown stronger in their deen, refocused, and reenergized toward understanding what it means to be a Muslim. Everyone is required to pray or attend prayer. We ask for everyone (boys and girls) to dress modestly, and hijab is required outside of cabins for the duration of camp for the girls. More about dress code is below.
What is the absolute cut off age for someone who wants to attend any sort of MYNA camp?
Due to insurance liability issues a youth should not be younger than 11 years old or older than 18. Everyone in the age range is encouraged to register.
What are the other options for those who would still like to be a part of MYNA camps but are over age?
Our MYNA counselors are 19 and older! Counselor applications for every camp are found on camp pages on the website, next to camper registration.
If this is my first time at a MYNA camp, will I fit in?
At MYNA camps, it is a part of our goal to make sure as a camper you take out of this camp by growing closer to your deen but also taking back a lot of memorable and lifelong friendships. The environment that surrounds the campers is very loving and accepting and fitting in should not be a problem at all.
What if I don’t know much about Islam? What if I don’t know how to pray?
Don’t worry! All MYNA counselors are trained and screened, and know how to answer basic questions. We try to put into each program a time where we go through the basics of how to pray and make wudu’ (cleansing before prayer). Also, just feel free to ask a counselor, an adviser, or an organizer, and they can help you out! Everyone is required to pray/attend prayer. Campers review how to pray early on at camp for the benefit of everyone present.
What is the dress code? Do I have to wear hijab? Why?
The dress code can be found on the website and will be emailed to you after you register. Hijab is a part of MYNA dress code. This is for various reasons, one of which is to create a sort of "uniform" so that there is a sense of equality between all of the campers. Also, it gives girls an experience wearing hijab in an accepting, welcoming, and open-minded environment that they might not typically find anywhere else. We actually have many (new and returning) campers who come to camps that do not wear hijab outside of MYNA, but still love the final experience. You can access a more detailed dress code here.
Who are counselors and what do they do?
Counselors are carefully selected by MYNA’s advisors through an application process and are then put through a carefully planned training to make sure they are equipped with the basic necessities for being a counselor. The age requirement for counselors are 19 years old and up. Counselors serve not only as your campers' guardian for the duration of the camp, they work towards helping campers through any personal issues and serve as a role model.
Can parents attend camp?
Due to the nature of our program, parents cannot attend camp with their youth. However, you can sign up to volunteer as a parent chaperone using the registration form and counselor application. If volunteers are needed, you will be contacted by the camp advisor to confirm your attendance.
Can my child be in the same cabin as his/her friends?
MYNA has an organized and refined algorithm and method for assigning counselors to campers to ensure the safety of everyone onsite. As such, we cannot fulfill specific requests from parents to allow their youth to be in the same cabin as a friend/relative. However, rest assured that these assignments are for bunking purposes only, and that all youth will have ample time to interact during all lectures, activities, workshops, meals, etc. outside of lights out.
What if I have to come to camp late/leave early?
We understand that sometimes youth have other commitments but still want to attend camp. As long as you communicate with the advisor and counselor beforehand, parents can arrange for youth to be dropped off late/picked up from camp early. The camp fee, however, will remain the same.
Registration and Refund Questions
Is it necessary to have an access code in order to register for a camp?
The only time a code is needed is during special situations with payment plans and scholarships. These codes will be given directly to the applicants.
If you are registering siblings, how is that done?
You may register siblings on the same registration form. After you have completed the registration for the first youth there will be a section for guests or additional registrations. You will need to complete the same information for the sibling and answer the registration questions for that child as well.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes. It is automatically applied during your registration.
I can't afford for my children to attend a MYNA camp. What are my options?
MYNA never wants a family’s financial situation to be the reason for youth not attending a camp. We offer scholarships for families that provide the necessary forms and qualify. A link to the financial aid application can always be found in the camp’s description on www.myna.org.
I have to cancel my registration. Can I get a refund?
If you cancel up until 30 days before the event begins, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $100 for every canceled registrant. If you cancel within 30 days of the event, there is no option for refund. Only canceling within 24 hours of completing registration qualifies you for a full refund. If you test positive for COVID-19 in either the test a few days before camp or on the day of arrival, 75% of your registration fees will get credited towards a future MYNA event. The other 25% is non-refundable due to expenses already incurred by the camp.
What Happens At Camp
What does a typical day at a MYNA camp look like?
A typical day at camp begins with Fajr, where the entire camp (adults, youth, counselors, etc.) gather and pray in congregation. A few hours later is breakfast, and following that, the day's activities begin. In no particular order, the camps have short lectures and workshops, scavenger hunts, creative workshops (debate, arts and crafts, photography, etc.), recreation time, sports, board games, snowball or water gun fights, reflections and bonding time, meals, and more! The program is created for campers to have fun, learn, and benefit from the good companionship.
Do we just listen to lectures all day?
MYNA camp’s programs are always checked to make sure they are balanced and by no means are just lectures. Camp program’s often are filled with workshops, recreation hours, reflection periods, planned activities, etc. Of course lectures are put into the program, but tastefully. Remember MYNA is planned by the youth for the youth, so it is the committee's job to provide a fun, interactive and islamic camp for the campers.
Who are the speakers?
Our speakers are approved by our YouthDev staff. They come from all sorts of backgrounds (scholars, doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, etc.), but they all have something to contribute. Most have knowledge on Islam and many have knowledge about community service. Past speakers have included Mufti Hussain Kamani, Imam Mohamed Magid, Ustadha Khadijah Bari, Shaykha Rania Awad, Miftaah Institute scholars, and more.
Do you have food? Who makes it? Is it good? Can I bring snacks?
Yes! We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. The campsite either makes the food or Myna brings in a certified chef and yes, the food is made so that everyone can enjoy it. Campers are free to bring snacks from home as they please. MYNA also has a snackbar at camp with items available for purchase.
Will my child know who his/her counselor is prior to the camp?
It is always our goal to have the cabin assignments completed 1-2 weeks prior to the start of camp. This gives a chance for the counselors to email the youth with basic information about them and start building that connection before camp starts.
What items do we need to pack for the camp?
The packing list can be found online on the website, on the same page that camp registration is found. Also, the packing list will be sent to you when the counselor sends out their welcome email to the campers. You can also access it here.
Are the boys and girls kept totally separate? If not, how does the camp prevent them from socializing unnecessarily?
The boys/girls are in separate cabins and on separate sides of the camp. Recreational activities are also done separately. Both groups will eat meals at the same time but on opposite sides of the dining hall. The genders are not completely separate but they are monitored by the counselors and advisors. If they do interact it is for the purpose of a project only with an adult present.
Do counselors sleep in the cabins with the youth?
Yes, they do. There is always a minimum of 5 people in a cabin.
Do they make sure that the kids don't wander at night, while the counselors are sleeping?
Youth are monitored and many times the counselors sleep near the doors to avoid this problem. We also often have security guards/night watchers to ensure no one is wandering around past lights out.
Are the kids' night trips to the bathroom supervised (if the bathrooms are outside)?
Youth are required to stay with their groups at all times. If they do go somewhere without the counselors (a situation that rarely occurs), they are told to inform the counselor and use the Buddy System and go in groups of 2 or more. Once they have returned, they are told to report back with the counselor immediately.
Is there an enforced bedtime "lights out" policy, to make sure that kids don't stay up all night talking?
There is an enforced lights out, especially with the counselors in the cabin. Everyone is usually very tired and wants to sleep.
Are all of the campers strictly accounted for during the day? (Do the counselors always know where the youth are, at all times?)
Counselors are required to remain with their campers at all times during the day and activities.
Do the counselors make sure that all of the children pray on time (including fajr) and follow all Islamic rules?
Yes. Counselors and advisors make sure that youth are following all the rules set. Specific to prayers—all campers are required to attend each prayer, and participants pray in congregation for all five prayers.
Do the boys and girls have separate sports activities?
All recreational activities are separate.
If boys and girls are mixed in any type of activity, what would those activities be?
They will eat in the same dining hall but on separate sides. They will be in lectures and workshops together but again are on separate sides of the room, and if they are in groups, they are monitored by adults who are facilitating the workshops.
Does someone make sure that ALL the served food contains only halal ingredients (including potentially non-obvious items such as cheeses, yogurts, and marshmallows)?
MYNA’s camp administrator works with the staff of the campground (if the campsite is preparing the meals) to know which ingredients are allowed and what is not. There are times when we will also prepare the meals, and that ensures the ingredients are appropriate. We always bring our own marshmallows purchased at international/Muslim shops.
Is the children's reading material monitored?
Many times the youth do not have time for personal reading. Each group is given a time to give a lesson to the rest of camp (a post-prayer khatira) and the group uses reference materials (Quran, hadith, Seerah, etc.) to find topics for this.
If there is swimming, does the camp insist on Islamic swimwear?
Some camps do allow swimming. Girls and boys are on separate times/days and everyone is required to wear Islamically appropriate clothing. Also, any campgrounds that have had swimming have been very helpful in being sure the fence around the pool is covered with tarps to help with the privacy of our group.
Is there a professional life guard on duty?
Campground liability requires a life guard to be used.
What is the ratio of counselors to children?
The ratio is usually 1 counselor for each 6-7 campers.
Does the camp have a nurse or doctor on site?
Some camps have medical professionals onsite, but not all. However, we do have doctors visiting or on call for us. We are also sure to have the closest medical facility information available to all our adults onsite.
What activities will the children engage in?
Depends on the campground and what they offer. Many camps usually have field sports, hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, volleyball, and more!
If the camp includes riflery and/or archery, are trained supervisors provided and always with the children?
Campground liability requires their staff to be present for these activities.
If bike or horseback riding are included, does the camp provide helmets?
The accredited campsites follow all safety rules in accordance with the insurance liability regulations.
My child has a potentially fatal allergy, and she/he would need to bring a pre-loaded injection of epinephrine ("epi-pen") with her/him to camp, just as a precaution. Could the camp assure me that the staff will be informed of this allergy?
We have had youth attend before with allergies. This should be noted on the health information of the registration form and we make note to inform the campground staff and all of our adult advisors.
Is all the meat/chicken served at the camp zabiha halal?
All meat, poultry, etc. is hand-cut zabiha halal.
Do campers get to keep their phones at camp? Why?
Campers give their phones to their counselors at the start of camp for safe keeping. We do this so campers can fully experience camp and grow closer to the deen without the distraction of a cell phone. Campers are allowed to use their phones during recreation and free times to call home.
Will campers be able to call/reach their parents during camp?
The campers are required to turn over their phones to their counselors at the start of each camp. They are allowed to ask for them during free time or recreation time to make calls home. Due to schedules and activities it may be hard for the youth to call home on some days. If a child absolutely feels that they need to speak with their parents we will assess the situation and allow them to call at other times if needed. Some parents become worried when they do not hear from their youth, but please be assured if anything were to happen we would not hesitate to contact you and inform you. We will provide numbers for emergency contact if needed, but please also understand that the advisors are involved in the programs as well, and might be unavailable during certain times. In past camps we have also experienced trouble with acquiring signals dependent on our locations in the camp. Leave a message and we will return the call as soon as we can.
How will campers be transported to camp?
Transportation is the responsibility of the family. Oftentimes, campers carpool with people who live in surrounding areas, or communities arrange for transportation. If this is ever the case, we will share whatever information we have on our website, although this is not MYNA-sponsored transportation.
If my youth is flying in, will someone pick them up from the airport? Who?
Yes! Our counselors, advisors and/or volunteers will be onsite to do airport pickups and drop offs. The name and contact information of the adult picking up your youth will be communicated to you by the advisors prior to camp. Your flight information can be put inside the registration form.
Can I pick up my camper early, or pick them up at night and drop them off in the morning?
At MYNA Camp, the safety, well-being, and positive experience of every participant are our top priorities. In order to ensure the smooth operation of our camp program and maintain a secure environment for all attendees, we have implemented the following policy regarding early pickup of campers by parents or guardians:
Policy Statement:
Parents or guardians are not permitted to pick up their children early from MYNA Camp except in cases of emergency or unavoidable circumstances approved by camp administration.
Rationale:
Safety and Security: MYNA Camp operates under a structured schedule with planned activities and supervision by trained staff members. Allowing early pickups disrupts the supervision and security protocols put in place to ensure the safety of our campers.
Disruption to Programming: Early pickups disrupt the flow of camp activities and may detract from the overall experience for both the departing camper and their fellow participants. It can also impact the planning and execution of scheduled activities and group dynamics.
Impact on Experience: As highlighted above, campers leaving camp early often miss out on key program components, impacting their overall experience and the spirit of MYNA camp.
Accountability: By adhering to a consistent policy on early pickups, we maintain accountability for the whereabouts of all campers at all times. This helps ensure that campers remain within the designated camp area and under the supervision of authorized staff members.
Exceptions:
Emergency Situations: In cases of emergency, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies, parents or guardians may request an early pickup. Camp administration will assess each situation on a case-by-case basis and grant approval if deemed necessary.
Pre-Approved Absences: If a camper has a pre-approved absence from camp activities, such as a medical appointment or family event, arrangements must be made in advance with camp administration. Early pickups for pre-approved absences will be coordinated to minimize disruption to the camp program.
Procedure for Early Pickup:
Contact Camp Administration: Parents or guardians requesting an early pickup must contact camp administration in advance to explain the reason for the request and obtain approval.
Sign-Out Process: Upon arrival for early pickup, parents or guardians must sign out their child at the designated camp office or check-in area. Camp staff will verify the identity of the individual picking up the camper and record the time of departure.
Notification of Staff: Camp staff members will be notified of any early pickups and instructed to assist in facilitating the departure of the camper while ensuring that all necessary belongings are collected.
Enforcement:
Failure to adhere to the MYNA Camp Early Pickup Policy may result in disciplinary action, including loss of camp privileges. Camp administration reserves the right to enforce this policy in the best interest of the camp community
Are the youth allowed to bring iPods, DVD/CD players, cell phones, etc.?
No electronic devices are allowed. We do allow cell phones; however, they are turned in to the counselor and may only be used during free times in order to contact parents.
How are the youth monitored and chaperoned? Are the girls interacting with the boys?
The youth are separated by gender and then by age groups. Each group is then assigned to a counselor who is with them at all times. In addition to the counselors there are at least 2 adult advisors present at the camp at all times.
