Alhamedellah there is no better way to develop leadership in an applied way than performing an umrah. The umrah program is developed for teens ages 16-21 to inculcate Islamic concepts and to practice attributes of a Muslim young man. It is a mix of worship, recreational and educational activities. Over a week during spring break your teen will be immersed into an experience of a life-time. Why spend over $5000 on an ambassador’s leadership development program in Paris, or Tokyo, when we have the two jewels of Makkah and Madinah.
Value
Inshaa Allah 
Your teen will develop tremendous skills, experience and maturity upon completing this program. From getting exposed to a world of experiences and activities to learning about the prophets and messengers of the past your teen will connect with his Muslim character. The program is designed to completely transform your child’s daily activities from the routine of a young Muslim man in the US during a school break, to a focused and intensive format with a diversity of activities such as spending time learning from a scholar at the Masjid Al-Haram, to praying jummah with tens of thousands in front of the Kaaba, to visiting orphan kids in Jeddah, to getting exposed to a different culture, to visiting the battle fields of the past, and reading Quran foot steps away from the Kaaba and in the Rowda Al-Sharifa.
Duration
9-day Program
Departure from DC/Baltimore area on Thursday April 1st at night, return Sunday April 11th.
Location
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah
Itinerary
Details provided later
Activities
Worship, history, recreation, social, teambuilding, patience
Local Transportation
Transportation between Madinah and Makkah will be inshaa Allah by air. Local transportation within cities and urban area is by bus or taxi. Travel between Jeddah and Makkah is by bus.
Hotels
Hotels will be 4 stars in Makkah and Madinah inshaa Allah .
Food
Program fees include two meals and light snack.
Eligibility & Restrictions
- Program is open to youth ages 16+.
- Teens participating in the program must provide two recommendation forms, and write a short letter of interest (250 words – limited to one page).
- Parents may join the group if there are available spaces.
- Participants must sign a form to abide by all trip rules and regulations.
- Parental consent forms are required.
Group
Program is limited to 12 youth. The ratio of chaperone to youth is 1:5, which is twice the national industry standard of 1:10.
Safety
A CPR and first aid chaperon certified by the American Red Cross will be available on trip inshaa Allah , our ratio is 1 chaperon per 5 kids, the program is developed by professionals educated and trained in leadership. Chaperons have experience in youth programs, and have conducted out-door programs at for several years including trips and other off-site programs.
Material & Supplies
All required informational material, booklets and handouts will be provided and are approved by the ILIA board of trustees, a board of scholars who advise ILIA program directors on shariyah issues. The current board of trustees is led by Dr. Salah As-Sawy.
Reservations
Interested parties must complete a registration application online and mail a check for $200 payable to ILIA, no later than 3/1/2010. Fee will refunded in case your teen is not selected, your child has an emergency or trip canceled, and is non-refundable for any other purpose. No refunds of the deposit are possible after the full payment due date. Full payment will be required no later than 3/15/2010.
Fees
Exact fees will be determined in a few weeks once group size is determined and feedback is received from the travel agent and Saudi embassy. Fees are expected to be approx. $1600 (estimate, actual price might be less or more) + visa fees.
Recommendation Letters
Applicants should follow these guiding points:
- Each participant needs to submit two recommendation letters, one is preferably from a school teacher.
- Letters are accepted from teachers, coaches, Masjid Imam or employer.
- Letters should reflect the recommender’s opinion on the applicant’s level in the following areas: (1) leadership, (2) teamwork (3) listening skills, (4) maturity, (5) motivation and initiative level (6) attitude and flexibility and (7) articulation.
- Letter should indicate the relationship of the recommender to the applicant.
- Letters should be sent to ILIA via email at info@islamicleadership.org or via postal service to Attn: Leadership for the Heart, PO Box 726, Clarksville, MD 21029, no later than Feb 15th, 2010
Participant Interest Letter
The interest letter should be no more than a single page, and no less than 250 words. The letter should reflect the reason the participant believes it is important to join the trip/program, the benefits that the participant strives to acquire and how the program will benefit the participant in his life and hereafter.
About ILIA
The beloved Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said in one hadith “All of you are shepherds, and each of you is responsible of his or her flock”. The Islamic Leadership Institute of America is based on this advice of the Prophet. Our programs instill leadership skills and traits into the participants.
For more information about the Islamic Leadership Institute of America email us at info@islamicleadership.org or visit the website at http://www.islamicleadership.org
To register click here: http://leadershipforheart.eventbrite.com/