MYC can best be described by reading our mission statement: "The Muslim Youth Camp brings Muslim families and individuals of diverse backgrounds together for a fun-filled week of Islamic living, learning and inspirational experiences in nature. By encouraging camaraderie, personal spiritual exploration and respect for diversity of Islamic practice, MYC seeks to be a strong catalyst in the creation of American Muslim identities."

The Muslim Youth Camp has been a place for unique living and learning experiences since 1962. What started then with a small group of young Muslim families is now a yearly event reflecting the changing face of American Muslim society. Every year for one week the camp aims to create a living Muslim community. From the Fajr adhan to the late night campfire, the MYC schedule includes a diversity of activities. Set in a natural rustic environment, an MYC day includes:

the daily prayers in congregation swimming and group sports group and individual counseling teamwork cooking and cleaning classes on Islam and Muslims in America campfire humor and reflection free time

(2002 logo by Salma Mojaddidi, MYC 2001)

There's also a camp store (run by our Junior High campers to learn basic management skills), where you can buy snacks and the now-traditional MYC T-shirt designed by a fellow camper. Click here for the winning designs this year!

Of course, no Muslim Youth Camp would be complete without our traditional competition dinners and award ceremony where calligraphed MYC banners are awarded to campers for prayer, fasting, Quranic reading, and memorization of the shahada.



"Nourishing the Soul: laha ma kasabat wa 'alayha ma 'ktasabat" (To it, what it earns, and against it, what it incurs)

A seed will thrive when planted in fertile soil, with clean water, sunshine and ample room to spread its roots and limbs. Its health, beauty and aroma, are then inherently part of its cells, infusing it with strength to withstand a storm.  The same is true for the soul is inherently strong when its actions and intentions are pure.  It doesn't acquire, it becomes, it inheres the attributes of the actions it takes on. 

This summer MYC will reflect upon verse 2:286, especially the central Islamic teaching that each soul grows in wisdom by contemplating the intention and outcome of one's choices.  The soul is nourished by its own deeds, receiving every good that it earns, and enduring every ill that it earns.  Classes and activities will deepen understanding of ourselves and broaden our possibilities for emotional and spiritual growth.


At Muslim Youth Camp, we have a broad definition of "youth." No one is too young or too old to attend, and we encourage whole families to experience an MYC week together, each finding their own "inner youth." When families arrive at MYC together, each family member can find camaraderie with campers of his or her own peer group -- whether in the craft cabin with other 7-year-olds, or in postgraduate classes with other parents.

We place a unique emphasis on counseling. Many former campers have commented that it was an MYC counselor who answered an embarrassing question or offered that bit of support crucial to their young, developing Muslim identity.

MYC is also known for bringing together young Muslims from not only all over the United States and Canada, but the entire world. An MYC camper is just as likely to make a new friend who lives just across town as one who lives halfway across the globe.

What you take away from a week at MYC depends upon what you put into it. Most campers find that the most lasting rewards of an MYC week are the friendships they find there. The teamwork and trust which keeps MYC running creates relationships which are cultivated over many years. Friendships built here do not break easily.


This year we return to Camp Teresita Pines in Wrightwood, located in the Angeles National Forest. This campsite features a pool, lots of hiking trails, archery, and other activities! Plus, the cabins are great!

As always, registration is going to be on a first-come, first-served basis - and we always sell out. Your registration will be accepted if there is space in your cabin group.

Marghoob Quraishi (1931-2005) His legacy will live on through MYC, inshallah We at the Muslim Youth camp have lost a dear friend, mentor, and inspiration. Read some reflections by Dr. Aslam Abdullah to learn more about Mr. Quraishi has meant to us. "Mr. Q" passed into the next life on January 26th, but by then he had already passed the baton to the next generation of organizers who are determined to fulfill his dying wish: to insure the permanence of MYC and to continue its mission. Planning is already underway for MYC 2005, and there's always room for you to join in and help us with immediate needs for MYC, as well as our long-term capital fundraising project to build a permanent home for MYC in the beautiful mountains of California. Donations in Marghoob's name to the MYC General Fund are welcome and appreciated, as well as your prayers and thoughts for the Quraishi family at this difficult time.