Updated 1 August 2012
Summer Quran Camp 2012 concludes as the Holy Month of Ramadhan Begins
Twenty four children attended the Second Annual Quran Camp organized by the Ladies’ Committee at the Jaffari Community Centre in Toronto.
The camp focused on two suwer: Surah ad-Dhuha and Surah al-Inshirah. Time was allocated for memorization of the suwer, as well as explanation of the ayaat using stories, poems, pictures and videos. The children all made fantastic progress during the two weeks; several of them memorized both the suwer and many of them completed the first surah, Surah ad-Dhuha.
Once again, the ‘listen and learn’ method proved to be an excellent technique for teaching memorization: teachers and parents at the camp will testify to this.
Some kids could pick up as many as 5 ayaat with a specific recitation by a Qari in one sitting, simply by listening to the CD and repeating after it. The tone of the recitation, makhraj and speed was emphasized by teachers and they ensured that the children would not progress onto further verses until having completely mastered the previous ones. Working with children as young as 4 years old means that reading from the Qur’an involves different, more complex teaching methods: the ‘listen and learn’ method is a fantastic, quick way for younger and older kids alike to see their own progress in a matter of just a few days. This, in turn, greatly encourages them!
The morning welcome included circle time where the children practiced the rhyme ‘Aa is for Allah’ (Yusuf Islam), which many of the kids mastered by the end of the two weeks (Camp was held Mon-Thurs 10-2 p.m.) The kids enjoyed different craft activities daily, from decorating their own Qur’an Camp tote bags, creating family trees, dua magnets and a mini Masjid-un-Nabawi box. The campers even made fresh lemonade to sell to parents one afternoon. This lemonade was made with fresh lemons squeezed by a team of campers. The lemonade sale raised an astounding $130 for orphans in Iraq, mashA!
Gym time was an integral part of each day at Camp and something that the kids really looked forward to. Activities included obstacle courses, soccer, bowling, skipping and the infamous Parachute Game. Post-lunch activities comprised of a recap of the ayaat learnt during the day and recitation of Adhaan with beauty and grace!
May All-h grant the organizers the tawfiq to continue organizing and conducting camps such as these, and we pray that our children can gain the most benefit from them, in this world and the hereafter.
By: Zaahida Kassamali-One of the Quran Camp Teachers