MYNA Camp Resources, Policies, and FAQ
Safety
All campers will remain under visible supervision of a minimum of one adult counselor at all times, unless otherwise given explicit permission by their counselor to be accompanied by another camper, in which case the buddy system is enforced.
All campers will attend and actively engage in camp mandated lectures, sessions, required prayers and activities unless otherwise excused.
Any excused attendance must be approved by a counselor.
Campers must practice proper conduct at all times, obeying all safety rules and regulations.
Camp pranks, gags, or youth initiated activities which may result in the compromised safety or health of another individual, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc., will not be tolerated.
Campers are required to keep their cabin, self, and surroundings clean.
MYNA has a zero tolerance policy for bullying, intimidation, persecution, or deliberate meanness to others. This behavior is adversative to the theme of the camp and the overall mission of MYNA.
According to stopbullying.gov, in order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
The consequence of bullying is removal from the camp.
No camper may possess any items that can be detrimental to oneself or others. If a camper is suspected of having such items, their bags are subject to search by a YouthDev staff member or Staff Surrogate at camp. These items include but are not limited to:
Weapons
Any form of cutting instrument
Drugs (including legal drugs like cigarettes, jules, etc.)
Flammable materials
Materials brought for the purposes of pranking
Vandalism, damage to camp property and the property of others is prohibited.
Campers who have vehicles on-site will not be permitted to use them during the duration of camp. Keys will be collected upon arrival. At MYNA’s City Edition events, campers are also not allowed to trains, buses, or any metro services during the duration of the event.
Bullying, Weapons, and Vehicles
MYNA activities will be segregated by gender at all times. Non-purposeful, unsupervised, and/or excessive intermingling between genders will not be tolerated. MYNA has adopted the clear interaction policy of PPL when it comes to anyone having to interact with someone of the opposite gender. The acronym PPL stands for Public, Purposeful & Limited. And are explained further as.
Public: All co-ed interaction must be in a public setting. This means counselors, advisors, and other campers must be present, even though they are not engaged in the conversation or interaction. Under no circumstances is a youth or youths permitted to be unsupervised with anyone of the opposite gender or “meet up” in private, either at day or night. After lights out, no youth is permitted to go find or speak to someone of the other gender unless it is an extreme emergency that cannot wait, and in that case, the advisor or YouthDev Staff must accompany them. The YouthDev Staff has the authority to assume what is or is not an “extreme emergency.”
Purposeful: All interaction must not be without significant reason. The YouthDev Staff or MYC advisor must be in attendance to ensure boundaries are not crossed. The topic of discussion must be relevant and crucial to the event’s success. In essence, there must be a sound purpose and reason for the interaction.
Limited: Scheduled and non-scheduled meetings, conversations, or any other type of co-ed functions must be restricted to the topic of discussion, and no excessiveness is permitted.
Gender Relations (PPL)
Electronics and cell phones
Campers may not bring any kind of electronic device that does not add to the educational benefit of camp as deemed appropriate by the camp’s administrative counselors.
An example of an appropriate device would be a recorder used to record a lecture.
Cell phones, although not necessary for camp, are permitted. Please be advised however, that cell phone usage (texting, Tweeting, Facebooking, etc.) during unauthorized times or in violating another of MYNA’s policies (see rule #3 and rule # 8) will result in the immediate confiscation of that product. Exceptions exist for campers with specific permission from an adviser.
Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of camp and held with the counselor and will only be provided to the camper during designated times.
Cell phone usage will be limited to appropriate conversations between the campers’ parents/guardians and during pre-approved times only. If you are unsure about a rule or item you would like to bring to camp please contact camp@MYNA.org for further clarification.
Dress code
Campers must be well groomed and appropriately attired for the days’ activities
Males:
Shirts must be worn at all times
Shorts should be Islamically appropriate Must cover knees when bending.
Sleeping in boxer shorts is not permitted, bring pajamas.
Pants should cover undergarments at all times. Check that your undergarments will not show while bending during Salah
Recommended: Thobe for Fajr, pajamas are not allowed at prayer.
Females
Hijabs must be worn at all times
Shirts should be Islamically appropriate
Loose – fitting and long. Should cover the behind, even when bending or wearing a skirt
Sleeping in shorts is not permitted, bring pajamas
Keep the makeup neutral and to a minimum
Permitted items: Tinted moisturizers, Foundations, concealers, eyeliner/kohl, powder
Recommended: Abaya for Fajr, pajamas are not allowed at prayer
If you are unsure of appropriate attire please consult a counselor/advisor and the MYNA dress code policy for assistance before or/and during camp.
MORE FAQ
There is a lot of helpful information here and you will most likely find the answer to your question so please read it to the end!
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MYNA takes input from youth across North America to come up with themes for every camp cycle (spring, summer, winter). This theme that youth decide on will dictate the center of all the sessions, lectures, discussions, and workshops that will occur at the camp. Past themes included topics such as “End Oppression,” in which youth learned not just the traditional and nuance definitions of oppression, but also how we can be civically engaged members of the North American society. Another theme in the past was “Seasons of the Heart.” This 2015 winter camp theme aimed to teach our youth the importance of our hearts, the multitude of positions it can be in, and how to deal appropriately with the negative states our hearts might go to, may Allah protect us from them all. It is important that youth walk out of MYNA camps with a spiritual high, a love for their fellow members of society, and an embedding of the Sunnah we deploy to our youth through our themes.
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The MYNA speaker pool is a multi-level-approved list. These are speakers that are not only familiar with MYNA but have an art of connecting with youth and leading them to a positive thought process, engagement, and outlook. Mufti Hussein Kamani, from Chicago, is a perfect example of a young, extremely knowledgeable scholar who helped youth have great fun learning how to make wudu without having them feel embarrassed for not knowing it. It was Habeeb Quadri, a school principal from Chicago, whose Jannah Money concept made youth remark afterwards on how they should look at their actions and the power of good deeds! Dr. Jawad Shah, neurosurgeon from Flint, gives youth a door to marvel at our faith with medical anecdotes, deep tafseer of ayahs, and scientific miracles of the Quran and sunnah that leave youth tugging him by the arms, asking for more stories during lunch. Sr. Zahra Billoo, CAIR Executive Director, has explained civil rights, what Muslims have given North America, and the key roles that we play in society, leaving youth with a sense of, “This is my country and I have a lot to offer it, so I will give back to it and make it a better place.” These are just a few examples. MYNA has a Personal Development (PD) committee that reviews, discusses, and approves all speakers that attend MYNA camps. These names are always available. Depending on response rates, we sometimes can’t always confirm speakers until the last minute, and don’t always have the specific list of speakers for a camp that far in advance. However, we do always know that they come from the same engaging list mentioned above.
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MYNA has been blessed with a counselor selection process that is steps up from even the Boy Scouts of America. For any given camp cycle we begin by forming the counselor selection committee or CSC by combining all of the various camps advisers plus the YPSD staff into this CSC. The CSC begins by reviewing the application and editing it as they see fit for the times. Counselor selection is a 4 step rigorous process:
Counselors must first fill in this detailed and case-study based Application
ISNA (our parent organization) performs a security background check on each applicant with different levels of law enforcement.
Each applicant, unless they have been a counselor at a camp in the past 12 months and have a pre-approval from a CSC member, is interviewed by at least 2 CSC members with questions aiming at ascertaining the following
How would the applicant deal with certain scenarios that can come up at camp
How they would deal with youth having various personalities, like introverts, extroverts, anger, disciplinary issues etc.
How the applicant envisions being a role model
Their plan for long term connection to the youth
What they can bring to the camp spiritually, socially, educationally, and civically.
Interview responses are then reviewed by a few CSC.
Then a decision is made based on interview responses and background check results.
Our counselor to camper ratio is in the top tier in the industry at average of 1:6 with 2 groups working and living together so there are more youth in a group and more adults for support.
And still prior to camp Counselors must go through a two-part (1 and half day) counselor training before camp which goes over MYNA’s
Rules and responsibilities
Youth protection policy
Health and safety awareness
Camper/counselor etiquette
Safety rules
And much more
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The most important concern MYNA and parents have! We take our youth and their safety very seriously. When it comes to camps and the current climate of Muslims and society we work hard with multiple levels of the local community where our camps are being held to do our very best in providing a safe environment for our youth to develop and grow. The actual steps we take prior and during each camp are the following:
Campsites are asked for details and implementation regarding safety measures and apparatus they have on site. This includes
Main entrance gates closed at nights
Overnight (cell phone based) staff contact
Campsite staff always visible throughout day
For MYNA to have a few of our adults with multiple walkie-talkies on channels for easy communication
Ask them to make contact with local law enforcement
We contact local law enforcement and let them know we will be there. Most Sheriff’s departments will drive by the campsite entrance at least once a night. And visit us once during camp to meet with youth.
We let the closest hospital to camp know which days we will be at camp and the approx. number of attendees. This is a practice we adopted from the Boy Scouts of America.
Camp policy does not allow firearms on premises.
Every camp will have 2 adults that are our owl staff. These 2 adults remain up all night and walk/view the campsite. They will help with lights out and Fajr Wake up. To youth they will be the 2 cool older adults making sure we are following the rules at night and to the parents and organizers they are our night safety staff.
Counselors will be trained on camp-specific safety procedures in events of situations arising.
Safety is not something that we want to be a viewable object or something that can change the environment of camp. Our security measures are present but we aim at having them be unaffecting to youth. MYNA has 30 years of camp programming experience behind it and will Insha’Allah do our best to ensure a safe, healthy, fun, uplifting environment for our Youth.
General
What is MYNA's registration cancellation policy?
If you register your child but can no longer make the event, please email us at operations@myna.org. 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.
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
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.
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 3-4 days before camp you will be emailed your cabin assignments from either the camp advisor or your camp counselor directly.
What is the ratio of counselors to children?
The ratio is usually 1 counselor for each 6-7 campers.
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.
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 for Covid-19 or if I’m sick before coming to camp?
If you test positive for COVID-19 or are sick and can’t come to camp, 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 or other medical specialists visiting us 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.
Valuables
Please leave valuable jewelry, or things of significant value at home, MYNA is not responsible for anything lost of that nature.