MYNA Goes Rugged

This summer, MYNA broke new ground with MYNA Rugged, its first-ever all-boys backpacking expedition in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The trip was more than just an escape into the wild—it was a transformative journey that blended the physical challenges of nature with the spiritual depth of Islamic brotherhood. Against the backdrop of towering peaks and pristine lakes, participants embarked on a trek that tested their endurance and forged unbreakable bonds. Each day brought new challenges: steep ascents, rocky trails, and the unpredictability of mountain weather. But with every step, the young men discovered a newfound resilience, learning to lean on one another and on their faith.

Evenings were spent over warm meals, where the day's adventures were recounted, and reflections on spiritual growth were shared. It was in these quiet moments, under the starlit sky, that MYNA Rugged truly came to life—an experience that strengthened both body and soul.

"I was not expecting this much nature and beauty and I've honestly never seen anything like it,”camper Zakariya N. said. “It's completely different than regular MYNA camp. You're sharing everything. The sense of brotherhood I've gotten here is way more than anything I've ever experienced.”

Designed to cultivate leadership, self-reliance, and a deep connection to the natural world, MYNA Rugged wasn’t just a trip; it was a rite of passage. Participants returned home not just with memories of breathtaking landscapes but with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on life's challenges with the confidence and camaraderie that only a journey like this can instill.

"MYNA Rugged has been a dream for years, and witnessing these young men push themselves to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually was deeply inspiring,” founder and staffer Shayan Bawaney said. “With this foundation, MYNA Rugged is poised, Inshallah, to become a cornerstone program for years to come.”