How MYNA Camp Made Me a Better Person
In December of 2018, I entered the MYNA Winter camp not knowing what to expect.
I’ll admit it, I was scared. This was probably the first time I had been away from the rest of my family for an extended period of time. But MYNA really made me feel like part of a family and cultivated an environment that nurtured Islamic learning but also allowed us to have fun with our peers.
The very first day my mood was completely down the drain.
I look back on it and question why the bad mood kicked in so soon, but it just did. I felt extremely homesick and I didn’t want to participate in any of the activities. After all, I hadn’t been away from my family for this long. I spent most of the day in bed, wishing I could see my mom or just hug her.
Then a MYNA volunteer came to the cabin I was staying in and talked with me. He let me know that everyone at MYNA was there for a good time and that if I immersed myself in the day’s activities and made myself busy I wouldn’t miss my family as much. He did also allow me to call my parents, which was what brightened my mood and turned the day around.
From then on, I was equipped with the knowledge that everyone was there to make friends, build bonds, and have a good time. You might think that this is about to sound like a Disney type of happy ending. You’re right to an extent about that.
I genuinely committed myself to participate in the activities and make friends. I found myself having fun and the time flying by.
Did I miss my family? Of course, I still did.
However, the main difference now was that I was spending a lot less time thinking about them and a lot more time playing sports, or talking to some newly made friends.
That winter, I left the MYNA Camp a lot more confident in my abilities to socialize with people and a lot more comfortable in stepping out of my comfort zone. Spending a week away from your family for the first time ever will do that to you.
I forgot to include the best part, I got to learn a lot more about Islam as my knowledge increased a lot from the informative and interesting lectures. I enjoyed it so much that I came back to MYNA Camps whenever I could!
All in all, coming to camps is an amazing way to meet new people, learn new things, and generally have a great time with other Muslim youth.
I can’t wait to meet you at the 2021 MYNA Winter Camp, it’s gonna be a blast!
