Frequently Asked Questions
Please read below for any questions you may have about camp!
General
For any applicable refunds
/
credits, please refer to the Camp
/
Event Refund Policy below.
What is MYNA's registration cancellation policy?
If you register your child but can no longer make the event, please let us know in writing that you can no longer attend.
For any applicable refunds
/
credits, please refer to the Camp
/
Event Refund Policy below.
Will I fit in if I've never been to a MYNA Camp before?
First of all, we are very excited that you are choosing to become a part of the MYNA Nation! Our hope is that through the camp that you will be attending that you will benefit in at least four ways - grow closer to your deen, make amazing memories, learn valuable leadership skills, and create lifelong friendships with other youth from your community and around North America. The MYNA community works hard to make sure that the environment at camp is accepting and that everyone fits in! What makes MYNA camp so memorable is that every camp, there are tons of new faces from many different backgrounds! Just remember that no matter what you may be struggling with at camp, whether its making new friends, putting on your hijab, or making wudu' and praying, all MYNA counselors are trained and screened beforehand and will do everything to help you out. You can always ask a counselor, advisor, or and organizer for assistance, and they will help you out!
What ages can attend MYNA Camp?
All youth from 12 until 19 are encouraged to become MYNA campers! Not sure if you are just old enough? Birthdays are calculated from the last day of camp, so as long as you turn 12 by the last day of camp, you're set! The same rule applies for older campers, as long as you are 19 on the last day of camp, you are still eligible to be a camper! The only exception is for 11 year olds! If you are 11 by the last day of camp, then you can register, however you will be put on a waiting list to see if there if enough space. If by 2 weeks before camp we have space we will confirm your registration. If we have filled up, then we will send you an email saying that we have filled up and will process a full refund for your registration fees.
What if I'm older than 19?
We need your support to keep MYNA thriving and to continue providing such a high quality of services to youth around the North America. Dedicate your time for a weekend or weeklong camp by applying to become a counselor! Some additional information regarding counselor roles can be found below, and counselor applications can be found here. Interested in giving extra time? Visit our Get Involved page and see how you can contribute your time on a more regular basis throughout the year!
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.
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.
A parent
/
guardian must submit a cancellation in writing to admin@myna.org and will be subject to the following rules: Only if a parent
/
guardian cancels within 24 hours of completing the registration they get a full refund or equivalent value credit towards a future event. If the cancellation request is submitted up until 30 days before the event begins, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $100 for every cancelled registrant, the remaining balance will either be refunded or placed towards an event registration credit. If a parent
/
guardian cancels within 30 days of the event, there is no option for refund. As stated, refunds may be in the form of an event registration credit.
Camp/Event Refund Policy
A parent
/
guardian must submit a cancellation in writing to admin@myna.org and will be subject to the following rules: Only if a parent
/
guardian cancels within 24 hours of completing the registration they get a full refund or equivalent value credit towards a future event. If the cancellation request is submitted up until 30 days before the event begins, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $100 for every cancelled registrant, the remaining balance will either be refunded or placed towards an event registration credit. If a parent
/
guardian cancels within 30 days of the event, there is no option for refund. As stated, refunds may be in the form of an event registration credit.
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.
Counselors
For more information on MYNAs safety procedures, please click here to see the MYNA Camp Safety Doc
How can I be sure that my/my child's counselor is qualified?
Here at MYNA, we believe that every counselor should be a role model to our youth, and as such should exemplify strength in character as well as a fundamental knowledge of Islam. All of our counselors are adult volunteers who are deemed to meet MYNA's high standards and expectations after going through a rigorous application and interview process. Each counselor then goes through a background check by law enforcement agencies and an extensive training in order to ensure that they are adequately equipped for all situations that may arise at camp.
For more information on MYNAs safety procedures, please click here to see the MYNA Camp Safety Doc
What does my/my child's counselor do at camp?
Once at camp, your/your child's counselor will act as your camper's guardian and mentor . They stay with them throughout the day, as well as sleep in the same cabin at night. Throughout the course of the camp the counselor will make sure that they stay safe, are actively participating in lectures and workshops, as well as making friends! Whether you/your child needs college advice, help dealing with peer pressure, or anything else, their counselor is there to provide them guidance. Most all of our counselors are college or graduate school students who have grown up in North America, and faced many of the same struggles that many Muslim children go through, so we hope that every camper takes advantage of the amazing counselors we bring out to camp!.
When will I know who my/my child's counselor is?
About 4 days before camp you will be emailed your cabin assignments from either the camp advisor or your camp counselor directly.
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.
Camp Environment
What kind of activities do we do all day, do we just listen to lectures?
Every day is a new day, new experience! There is a balance of fun and learning - camp programs are made up of a variety of interactive workshops, recreation, planned activities and more. There are lectures, but they are strategically placed into the camp program, and MYNA approved speakers are all among some of the best, so they make lectures engaging for everyone. Remember, MYNA is special because it is planned by youth for youth, and they put in months of effort to ensure that everyone goes home after a super fun, interactive, and Islamic camp! Sample program is available on the helpful resources page.
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 snack bar at camp with items available for purchase.
What is the ratio of counselors to children?
The ratio is usually 1 counselor for each 6-7 campers.
Since this is a mixed camp, how are gender interactions limited and monitored?
As mentioned earlier, adult counselors remain with their campers all day. Cabins are separated by gender and are typically on opposite sides of the campsite to provide the most comfort to all of our campers. While most lectures, with a few exceptions, are mixed, male and female campers sit separately, and regular recreation is separated by gender. There are some workshops and leadership activities that require group work, during which time the campers groups are monitored by trained counselors.
Are campers allowed to call home during camp?
Absolutely! However, campers turn over their phones and personal electronic devices to their counselors at the beginning of camp. They will be allowed to call home during free time or recreation, depending on scheduled activities, so please keep in mind that there will be some days where it is difficult for the camper to call. Do not be concerned if you do not hear from your youth, if any serious situation were to arise regarding your camper, an adult from MYNA would contact you immediately. You will receive emergency contact numbers that you are free to call if needed, but please understand that MYNA advisors are involved in the program as well, and might be unavailable to pick up or respond immediately during certain times. There are times when cell phone reception may not work as well, as our campsites are in more remote areas, please leave a message and we will return the call as soon as we can.
What should I bring to camp?
A recommended packing list can be found on our Helfpul Resources page.
Why do I have to wear a hijab at camp, I don't wear one regularly?
Especially in the post-9/11 world, hijab has become somewhat of a vilified subject in American media. We want to provide every girl the opportunity to wear a hijab, a beautiful aspect of our religion, in an environment that is safe and accepting. Because we are in a gathering of all Muslims, we try to make MYNA camp a period of time where we can aim to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, praying all of our prayers on time and in jamaa', adhering to Islamic dress code, and being on our best behavior.
Allergies and Medication
What if I/my child will have prescription or allergy medications?
When you register your child for camp, please make sure to list all medications and dosages. While campers are not be allowed to keep any prescription or allergy medication on them, their individual counselor will be notified of all medical needs and will keep all medications on their person at all times. This rule applies for all over-the-counter and prescription medications, including preloaded autoinject Epi-Pens. Rest assured that medical assistance is always available, since campers stay with their counselors at all times, and that the campground staff, all adult advisors, and counselors will be informed of allergies and medical needs before camp.
What happens if I test positive before coming to camp?
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.
Will care be taken to make allergen-free food?
When you register your child for camp, please make sure you list all food and other allergies. This will allow us to relay any food allergies to whoever will be preparing the food - whether it is campground staff or MYNA volunteers. We will also notify all adult advisors and counselors, in order to provide the safest camp experience for your camper. However, as a precaution, if your camper has a severe allergic reaction, please pack their preloaded autoinject Epi-Pens, so that we may be best prepared for any situation which may arise.
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.
Food, Transport, and Accomodations
Is all food and meat served at camp Zabiha/Halal?
Meals at camp are either prepared by the campground staff or by MYNA volunteers. In the instance that the camp staff will be preparing the meals, the MYNA Camp Administrator will work with the staff to ensure that all staff are aware of what ingredients are Halal and that only those ingredients and Zabiha meat is served. All food prepared by MYNA volunteers, is purchased directly by MYNA and is Zabiha/Halal. Marshmallows for s'mores at all camp bonfires are purchased at specialty International/Muslim grocery stores.
Can I/my child be in the same cabin as a friend or relative?
Cabin groups are separated first by gender and then by age. If they are close in age, then there is a possibility that they will have the same counselor or be in the same group. We do not move campers around so that they can be with friends or relatives, your camper will be able to interact with them throughout the day, and is only required to spend designated group times - such as being in the cabin at night - completely with the members of his or her own group/cabin.
What type of accomodations are typically provided?
All of our retreats are hosted at campgrounds with air conditioned/heated cabins and attached bathrooms. Usually beds in the cabins are bunk-style and come with mattresses, campers will normally need to bring either a sleeping bag or sheets and a pillow. (See packing list under helpful resources)
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.
Will MYNA arrange transportation to camp?
Each camper is responsible for arranging his or her own transportation to and from camp. In the instance that you/your camper will be flying into a local airport for camp, MYNA will help arrange for transportation between the airport and campsite before and after camp once we receive a travel itinerary. In some instances, communities choose to charter transportation to take large groups of local campers to and from camp, in which case we will send out information to registered campers as well as post sign-ups under Registration. MYNA does not sponsor any local chartered transportation.
Do you have food? Who makes it? Is it good? Can I bring snacks?
Yes! We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. 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 snack bar at camp with items available for purchase.