This month, I found myself on the bottom bunk for the first time in 17 years.
I had the honor and privilege of serving as a Team Leader for the 22nd Annual Florida Session of Kamp Khalil in Paisley, FL. Kamp Khalil was founded by Imam Hanif and Sister Baiyina Khalil in 2003. The mission of Kamp Khalil is to empower Muslim youth aged 12-17 and shape them into leaders who bring about positive change in business, education, politics, and culture. When I received the news that I’d be a Team Leader, I was excited, albeit nervous. I prayed that I would be a supportive and uplifting mentor for the young women on my team.
Soon, I, along with my sister (a Kamp Khalil volunteer), and my nephew and nieces, were on a plane to Florida.
This year, Kamp Khalil’s theme was “Conscious Living for Collective Progress: Building Systematic Strategies for Sustainable Success”. During sessions, “Kampers” discussed various geopolitical issues, including poverty, the rise of AI in technology, and human trafficking. The youth were tasked with brainstorming systematic solutions to these issues through an Islamic lens. Ustadha Aneesah Dawan led the sessions, offering guidance and perspective that deeply enriched their experience.
When they weren’t in sessions, all campers, team leaders, and volunteers prayed in congregation and attended Jummah on Friday. During post-Fajr Halaqas and Friday Khutbah, Imam Hanif shared stories of the prophets, drawing powerful parallels between their journeys and our lives. The campers also participated in dodgeball, kickball, basketball, canoeing, single-gender swimming, and game night. All the fun led up to Khalil Khaos, a high-energy field day packed with team competitions—both physical and mental.
One of the most exciting parts of the weekend was Kamp Khalil’s talent show, which was better than any play production I’ve seen. Kampers were asked to develop performances for the show with their cabin-mates, and each group delivered. Campers recited Qur an, performed skits, and captured the audience with powerful spoken word. One cabin even wrote a Nasheed and led the group in song. The room was vibrant, and the enthusiasm was palpable.
Amidst the heat, the ambivalent Florida weather, and the creatures that inhabit the retreat center, I could feel that Kamp Khalil was truly blessed. Alhamdulillah. As I watched the young women and men build new friendships, laugh, share ideas, and work together, I recognized how important it is for young African-American Muslims to gather. In a world where our mere existence is threatened, Kamp Khalil allows youth—and adults—to thrive, to experience joy, to feel, to be. A space where youth can comfortably be Muslim and African-American is a rarity – it’s something I longed for when I was younger. I’m so thankful to Allah that our community’s next generation has Kamp Khalil to help them blossom into leaders and changemakers.
It was a privilege to watch these youth thrive, and I’m excited to return next year, Inshallah. For that experience, I’ll take the bottom bunk any day.
Kamp Khalil is hosting its 23rd annual Florida session on July 15 – 19, 2026, in Paisley, FL, Inshallah. You can find more details and invest by visiting kampkhalil.org. Follow their Instagram @kampkhalil for more. You can become a sponsor @ tinyurl.com/kampkhalilinvest.
Photos from Kamp Khalil
Malika is MANA's Network Coordinator and a faclitator for the ITSFAAM Youth and Young Adult cohorts.
