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Camp Z for teens (9th-12th Graders)Dates: July 13-17th, 2023 Location: Camp R-C, Payson, AZ Registration Fee: $389 (Registration ends July 3rd) Foster lasting friendships with diverse teens from across the country, learn about your faith, explore the Quran, and join in on fun activities like sports, arts & crafts, campfires, rifle shootings, hiking and more! Camp Z is a safe space where teens can delve into foundational topics like gender relations, mental health, God's love and mercy, prayer, confidence in faith, and social peer pressure.
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Throughout this camp, we will explore the beautiful signs God shows us to answer your questions and doubts about God and Islam. In reading and reflecting upon God’s own words, teens will have the opportunity to acquire the tools to build a fulfilling and dynamic personal relationship with Him. Through the guidance of the Quran & Good Tree Chairman Dr. Nadia Katrangi, who has 20+ years of teaching experience, teens will be able to learn the tools to overcome everyday pressures, stand firm in their values, embrace their identity and learn to be confident, self-assured young individuals.
Shared Experiences |
The Good Tree youth camps are marvelous and individuals such as myself have enjoyed fun times with the mentors. But most importantly is the people that attend and it is definitely more diverse. When others connect with each other, they learn new things about their culture. That importantly makes the difference between the good and the great institutions."
— Waseem Sarrar
Since we first discovered Good Tree, we have noticed a difference in our family’s understanding of the Quran and our religion. My youngest daughter has attended two youth camps and regularly attends the monthly youth groups. We feel very fortunate to have Good Tree Institute in our community and to be able to benefit from their services."
—Chris
Meet the Team
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Dr. Nadia Katrangi received multiple certifications by renowned scholars in Damascus, Syria. Her training in the Islamic Sciences included The Biography of The Prophet Mohammad, Quranic Sciences and Interpretation, Islamic History, Islamic Jurisprudence and the Sciences of Hadith (the legacy and tradition of the prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him). Dr. Katrangi also received a certification of memorization and “tajweed” recitation (Ijaza) in Quran from the esteemed scholar, Sheikh Hasan Al-Kurdi. Today, she prides herself on finding beauty in the Quran, provoking thoughtful and nurturing conversations and encouraging an open space for all who attend Good Tree retreats, classes or camps. The most rewarding thing she sees time and again? When someone connects to themselves, those around them and to their Creator. “One of the biggest things you can do is recognizing who God is for you,” Nadia says. “There is so much love in the Divine. When you live your life from that place, you have that on your side."
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Imam Omar Tawil serves as the Imam at the Islamic Community Center of Tempe, AZ and a University Chaplain for Muslim Students at Arizona State University. Imam Omar Tawil is a graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor's in Religious Studies and is currently pursuing an MA in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations from the Hartford Seminary. He has pursued his traditional study of the Islamic sciences with scholars in the Middle East and in the United States. He and his family moved to the Phoenix Valley 5 years ago and he joined the Good Tree camp team in 2018 and our youth are blessed to have him. Ask him about his love of Bamboo and wood carving - and matters of faith as well.
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Archimedes (Archie) Aquino is a licensed professional counselor with 18 years of experience in community mental health, specializing in domestic violence counseling with 14 years working with Native American communities. He was born in the Philippines, was raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has been in Arizona since 1995. He graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in psychology, and a masters degree in counseling. He Joined Good Tree Camps as one of the camp Elders (AKA youth counselor) in 2018 and he has been an essential team member ever since. He also is a current board member of ICC. He give thanks to Allah (SWT) for continuing to put him in places where he has amazing opportunities to grow and help others in new ways.
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List of Current Mentors & Staff:
Aimen Bacha, Amy Aboalum, Ahmed Khalil, Heba Elsaad, Huda Elsaad, Hanan Aboalum, Manal Chughtai, Mariam Ewais, Mira Aiche, Mae Aboalum, Mahdiyya Oke, Marci Hadley-Mairel, Nada Elzayyat, Shan Khan, Shahd Abdelkarim, Aseel Atalla.
Location Pictures
FAQ's
Do I have to live in Arizona to attend camp?
No, we have had students fly in from other states to attend camp before. Students will need to arrive by 3pm Arizona time on Thursday, July 13th to catch the bus in time. For departure they will need to leave NO earlier than 4pm on Monday, July 17th. Please message us at campz@goodtreeinstitute.com to arrange pick up information.
Is the food Halal?
Yes, we have requested all the meat be Halal.
Important facts about camp:
Will there be transportation to camp?
Yes, we will be providing buses to and from camp for all campers.
What activities will we be doing at camp?
Over the years, we've had activities like volleyball, soccer, zip lining, rock climbing, painting, hiking, board games, and more.
Do you offer scholarships for families in financial need?
Yes, we do! Alhumdulillah, we want to make sure any teen who wants to attend is able to. Please apply here.
No, we have had students fly in from other states to attend camp before. Students will need to arrive by 3pm Arizona time on Thursday, July 13th to catch the bus in time. For departure they will need to leave NO earlier than 4pm on Monday, July 17th. Please message us at campz@goodtreeinstitute.com to arrange pick up information.
Is the food Halal?
Yes, we have requested all the meat be Halal.
Important facts about camp:
- On-site licensed counselor and Islamic scholars Imam Omar Tawil and Dr. Nadia Katrangi.
- Our mentors/staff are background checked and go through many hours of training.
- Our campers and staff/mentors are wonderfully diverse. In previous camps, we had foreign exchange students from France, Indonesia, Egypt and Palestine. Many of our campers and mentors over the years have been South Asian, Hispanic, African American, African and Arab.
- Our staff works for 6 months to plan each camp so that each one is unique and special for the campers.
Will there be transportation to camp?
Yes, we will be providing buses to and from camp for all campers.
What activities will we be doing at camp?
Over the years, we've had activities like volleyball, soccer, zip lining, rock climbing, painting, hiking, board games, and more.
Do you offer scholarships for families in financial need?
Yes, we do! Alhumdulillah, we want to make sure any teen who wants to attend is able to. Please apply here.
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Camp Preparation:
Camp Life:
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refund policy
30 days prior to event you will receive a 80% refund
29-15 days prior to event you will receive a 40% refund
14 days prior to event no refunds will be issued.
29-15 days prior to event you will receive a 40% refund
14 days prior to event no refunds will be issued.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: campz@goodtreeinstitute.com