camp arafah
Shia youth retreat
Four-day retreat featuring activities, sports, bonfires, community-building, and workshops with Islamic scholars, for brothers & sisters ages 16-35 across North America and beyond.
know yourself, know your lord
September 4-7, 2026
MISSION: To cultivate a space where Shia Youth in the West can renew the spirit of their faith — collaboratively with each other and with the guidance of our Islamic scholars — through knowledge, reflection, transformation, and action. Inspired by the Land of Arafah.
Activities
Beach volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Private indoor gymnasium for sisters
Rock climbing
1/10 mile pier, lake, & beach
Bonfire
Ping pong
Kayaking
& more!
Logistics
When: Labor Day Weekend - Friday September 4 (4pm) - Monday September 7 (12pm)
Where: Camp Wabanna (Edgewater, MD) — approx. 60 mins from DCA & IAD airports
Target Audience: Brothers & Sisters Ages 16-35 from North America & beyond.
Lodging:
Dorm-style (segregated)
Private room (couples)
Registration
DEADLINE & FEES:
Standard: $375
Children 0-3: $60
Private Room Request: $75/person
INCLUDES:
Breakfast, lunch, & dinner (8 meals)
Lodging
Camp Arafah Shirt
Activities & scholar workshops
Registration closes 8/1 or when tickets are sold out!
Invest in Shia Youth Spaces. Whether it's your local youth group, private community school, or Shia-initiative — be a contributor to grow and strengthen the Shia Youth identity. It’s on all of us.
Arafah’s programming takes you from your comfort zone to a place where you are challenged to understand your beliefs and develop habits to enhance your actions.
We are grassroots and youth-led. Islamic Scholars are involved intimately with the vision, execution, and advising of Arafah programming to ensure our programs fulfill the spiritual needs of today's youth. Our brothers/sisters-focused sessions ensure a tailored approach to each person's lived experiences.
Help us build infrastructure that fills the gaps, serves the needs of our youth, connects them to scholars, and creates inclusive & accessible spaces where we can learn our faith and strengthen our identity in a practical lens.
Arafah, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3).
Arafah, Inc is authorized to collect Khums by the office of Grand Ayatullah Sistani.
Email CampArafah@gmail.com to contribute Khums.
SPONSOR A STUDENT: Financial restrictions should never be a barrier to getting access to Islamic scholarship and the Camp Arafah Team aims to support anyone who demonstrates a financial need to attend the retreat. Interested in sponsoring such attendees? Email us!
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS: Interesting in showcasing or promoting your company, clinical/legal practice, start-up, merch or art at the retreat? Email CampArafah@gmail.com to learn about sponsorships (including a full group presentation) & tabling opportunities!
notes:
Information regarding allergies & dietary restrictions, young children, PRIVATE ROOMS FOR COUPLES, AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION, single-day passes, students & those who require financial aid assistance, and volunteering is on the Logistics & FAQs Tab.
Attendees are required to bring their own bedding supplies and encouraged to bring any snacks they may want to enjoy during the retreat.
For additional questions/info not available on the FAQ Tab, please email CampArafah@gmail.com.
من عرف نفسه فقد عرف ربه
He who knows himself knows his Lord
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
