Define360 Summer Camp Newsletter

Dear Define 360 Families, we hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the enriching experiences at Define 360 Summer Camp. This week, our theme was "Thrive with Compassion," centered around Emotional Intelligence and how we can embody the attribute of compassion in our daily lives.

Our learners began the week by exploring the essence of compassion, guided by the teachings of Islam. They discussed what compassion entails—seeing someone in need, caring deeply about their feelings, and taking tangible actions to demonstrate care. Drawing inspiration from Qur’anic verses highlighting Allah’s boundless compassion, students reflected on how they could emulate these qualities in their worship and interactions.

Throughout the week, students delved into the realm of emotional intelligence. They learned to recognize and label their emotions, an essential skill in understanding oneself and others. Using the 'Wheel of Emotions,' they explored the spectrum of feelings and practiced strategies for managing emotions effectively. This holistic approach fosters emotional resilience and cultivates empathy and compassion towards others.

In a culminating activity, students brainstormed practical ways to manifest compassion in their daily lives. From acts of kindness within their families to initiatives in their communities. They explored how each action contributes to earning Allah’s love and blessings. By internalizing these teachings, students not only developed their emotional intelligence but also nurtured a deeper connection with their faith.

This week, students embarked on a journey through the divine story of Prophet Yunus (AS), exploring the profound lessons embedded in his experience. They studied the significance of his heartfelt dua:

"La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin,"

A powerful supplication encapsulating the essence of repentance and humility before Allah. Through interactive discussions and storytelling sessions, learners grasped the transformative power of sincere dua in seeking Allah’s mercy and guidance.

Students engaged in reflective activities, contemplating how Prophet Yunus’s dua resonates in their own lives. They crafted heartfelt Dua cards, imbued with personal intentions and aspirations, reinforcing their connection to Allah through the art of supplication. This creative endeavor not only deepened their understanding of Islamic teachings but also empowered them to apply these spiritual insights to navigate their emotions and challenges with resilience and faith.

Ms. Umbreen integrated her DIY creative juices with this week’s lesson for our Middle School girls. They embraced the lesson on the beauty of modesty in Islam and had so much fun decorating hijabs with a hot press. (Special thanks to Elegance in Black Boutique for donating their high-quality hijabs for our girls’ activity).

The boys had a similar day and decorated and customized slap bracelets. The boys have also been learning about the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (SWS) and all the similar characteristics all the prophets of Allah share. The students also made candle holders for art out of clay and painted abstract art, expressing their emotions.

In Martial Arts over the past few classes, the Middle School girls have worked on how to take a fall without causing any injury. Afterward, they learned a couple of takedowns (strategic ways to get your opponent on the ground).

We discussed how the best decision in a self-defense situation is to find a window to get away from the situation when possible and get help. You create that window by using techniques that help you create distance between you and the attacker.

They learned how to choke someone to give themselves a few seconds to escape, as well as a few methods to get out of someone else’s choke.

Towards the end of class, we play a game that facilitates team building and requires strategies.

The class is ended with a quick reflection and dua.

Our enrichment days have been fun-filled for our campers! In place of outgoing field trips, we have the field trip come to us to make it easier for parents and transportation. This week our students couldn’t contain their excitement for our 25-animal petting zoo! There were goats, roosters, guinea pigs, sheep, ducks, a cow and donkey, and more. It tied well with our weekly theme of Compassion, and how Allah loves when we show care and compassion to all of His creations. Kids learned about animal safety and how to handle them with gentleness. They also learned good hygiene skills of washing hands thoroughly afterward.

This week's topic is Mercy to the world, so we made clay candle holders representing the light in each one of us. A reminder to be the light in someone else's life and to guard each other's light.

They will complete this project next week and decorate their candle holders.

In the STEAM track, students continued their exploration of compassion through the lens of science and nature. They embarked on a journey into the fascinating world of germination, uncovering the intricate process by which life emerges from a humble seed. Guided by the principles of compassion inherent in Islamic teachings, students learned how nurturing plants mirrors Allah’s mercy and sustenance for all creation.

Through hands-on activities, such as creating mini gardens using Ziploc bags, students witnessed the miracles of growth firsthand. They carefully planted seeds and observed the stages of germination, fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness between nature and spirituality. This experiential learning not only reinforced scientific concepts but also instilled a sense of responsibility toward caring for the environment and extending compassion to all living beings.

We encourage you to engage with your child about their enriching experiences this week. Explore together the lessons they learned about compassion, emotional intelligence, and the significance of dua in their spiritual journey. Support their continued growth by nurturing their Ziploc plants at home, encouraging them to observe and care for these symbols of growth and compassion.

As we conclude another inspiring week at Define 360 Summer Camp, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents for your invaluable support and encouragement. Together, we are nurturing compassionate leaders who embody the teachings of Islam with empathy, resilience, and kindness. Wishing all families a restful and enjoyable weekend ahead.

Warm regards,

Define 360 Summer Camp Leads

School Timings:

• The arrival time for camp begins at 10:15 AM and ends at 10:30 AM. Drop-off is from the CARPOOL LANE ONLY. We do not allow students to be dropped off early as the teachers are not available to watch them before 10:15 AM.
• After 10:30 AM, parents must park their car and walk their children to the doors.
• Please pick up your Car Tag from the front office after morning drop-off if you haven't already!
• Dismissal begins at 2:15 PM and ends at 2:30 PM. Effective next week, we will enforce a late fee if you arrive after 2:30 PM.
• Frequent tardiness and early dismissal interfere with the learning process and can be a distraction for other students, so we ask that it is kept to a minimum and communicated with the leadership team in advance at summer@define360.online
• Camp takes place from Monday to Thursday. We are closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Lunch:

• Please send your students with a healthy lunch, snack, and water bottle. Please do not send food that needs to be heated up, as we do not have microwaves available for students.
• Because of allergies, there is strictly no sharing of food permitted between students.

ClassDojo & Communication:

• All parents were sent invitations to join their ClassDojo section, which is our online platform utilized for daily updates and secure communication between our teaching staff and parents.
• Please click on the link sent to your email and register as a guardian for your child as soon as possible, as we will only be sending camp updates weekly via email.
• For any questions/issues with ClassDojo, please email summer@define360.online.