Muslim Youth of OttawaVolunteer-run · est. 1980s
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MYO LIT Camp 2026

Leadership begins long before anyone follows you. It begins with your character, your choices, your relationship with Allah, and your willingness to serve.

When
Jul 23–26, 2026
Where
Camp Smitty, Eganville, ON
Audience
All

Leadership begins long before anyone follows you. It begins with your character, your choices, your relationship with Allah, and your willingness to serve.

Some young people wait to be asked. Others step forward. The Qur'an calls them As-Sābiqūn: the forerunners, those who strive to be first in goodness, first in service, and first in answering the call of Allah. This summer, MYO is excited to introduce a new leadership experience for our older youth. Sabiqoon – Leadership in Training (LIT) Designed for youth who are ready to be challenged, Sabiqoon is more than just another week of camp. It is an immersive outdoor leadership experience where participants will learn, practice, and reflect through real challenges rather than classroom lectures. Throughout the week, they will work alongside other motivated Muslim youth and mentors while building the habits, character, and practical skills that form the foundation of effective leadership. Our goal isn't simply to teach leadership. We aim to help young Muslims begin becoming the kind of people others naturally trust, rely on, and look to for guidance. Important Dates Registration opens June 28 at 3 PM EST and closes July 19, at 3 PM. Camp starts on Thursday July 23, at 10 AM and ends Sunday July 26 at 12 PM What Participants Will Experience Throughout the week, participants will work on the fundamental skills upon which great leaders grow. Using outdoor adventures, practical challenges, group discussions, personal reflection, and service opportunities, participants will have opportunities to: Develop greater self-awareness by recognizing their strengths, limitations, values, and character. Increase their awareness of their surroundings, learning to identify the people, resources, opportunities, and needs around them. Learn how to set meaningful SMART goals and develop practical action plans to achieve them. Strengthen communication, teamwork, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Build resilience, initiative, resourcefulness, and self-reliance through unique outdoor challenges. Learn practical outdoor leadership and wilderness skills that require preparation, responsibility, and sound judgement. Grow in confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Deepen their relationship with Allah through reflection, worship, brotherhood/sisterhood, and sincere intention. Plan and contribute a meaningful project or experience that benefits the younger campers. Every challenge is designed with a purpose: to help participants grow in character, take initiative, and become people who step forward when something needs to be done. This Isn't for Everyone Sabiqoon is intentionally designed to stretch participants. There is no strict age requirement, but this program is generally intended for youth 15 years of age and older who demonstrate maturity, responsibility, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges. This isn't a walk in the park... It's a hike in the woods. Participants should expect moments that are physically active, mentally demanding, and personally reflective. Some activities will require perseverance, teamwork, and the courage to step beyond their comfort zone -all within a supportive environment where counsellors are there to encourage, mentor, and guide. How to Apply Step 1 – Register Complete the Sabiqoon LIT camp registration form. As part of the registration, you'll also complete a short Leadership in Training application, including a few questions about yourself and why you believe you're ready for this experience. Step 2 – Application Review Applications will be carefully reviewed by the MYO leadership team. Admission is based not only on age, but also on maturity, readiness, attitude, and a willingness to contribute positively to the group. Because this program is intentionally small and mentorship-focused, not all applicants may be accepted. Successful applicants will be notified once the review process has been completed. Important Dates Registration opens June 28 at 3 PM EST and closes July 19, at 3 PM. Camp starts on Thursday July 23, at 10 AM and ends Sunday July 26 at 12 PM Are You Ready to Step Forward? Leadership isn't about titles. It isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It begins with learning to lead yourself—your intentions, your actions, your relationships, and your response to the challenges Allah places before you. The Prophet ﷺ and his Companions demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in sincerity, humility, service, courage, and trust in Allah. If you're ready to challenge yourself, grow alongside other motivated Muslim youth, and strive to become among the Sabiqoon -the foremost in doing good- we invite you to apply. We look forward to seeing what this next generation can accomplish, in sha’a Allah.

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