Our Emotional Intelligence Focus For 2026
At the heart of Camp ONEder is a thoughtful integration of emotional intelligence and Islamic learning. Each experience is carefully designed to nurture not only what children can do, but who they are becoming.
Throughout the camp this year, our attendees will be introduced to the beautiful Names of Allah — Al-Khaliq, Al-Bari, and Al-Musawwir — using them as a foundation to build a healthy, God-centred sense of self.
From this, we explore a powerful and grounding theme: self-esteem and confidence rooted in faith. Children are guided to understand that their value does not come from comparison, but from their identity as creations of Allah (SWT) fostering a sense of inner confidence alongside respect, empathy, and kindness towards others.
Camp ONEder is more than a series of workshops – it is a space where children build skills, strengthen their identity, and grow into confident, thoughtful individuals, whilst building their own community of friends.
Monday 10th August: Spotlight & Stagecraft
With Khayaal Theatre
Give your child the confidence to speak, stand, and express themselves with clarity through powerful storytelling rooted in the life of Prophet Musa (AS) and the strength of Lady Aasiya. Guided by experienced theatre practitioners, children don’t just “perform,” they build real self-belief, presence, and identity grounded in faith. This is structured, purposeful drama and stagecraft with lasting impact far beyond the stage.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Prophet Musa (AS) & Lady Aasiya
Our participants will work through key moments – from his infancy to his journey away from Egypt using techniques such as mime, tableaux, and guided role play. They will explore the specific roles (Musa (AS), his mother, his sister, and Aasiya) to understand character, perspective, and emotion in a clear and practical way.
Alongside performance, there is a focused exploration of self-confidence: how to speak, stand, and present with clarity, and how a strong sense of identity is rooted in trust in Allah (SWT).
The session also includes a practical prop and costume workshop, introducing children to the wider production process and the different roles involved in bringing a performance together.
- Clear verbal and non-verbal expression
- Structured storytelling and character understanding
- Confidence in presenting in front of others
- Focus, posture, and physical awareness
- Teamwork and shared performance discipline
- Practical design skills through props and costume work
Tuesday 11th August: Design & Boxing Lab
With Mittika & Coach Mary
A uniquely powerful day combining creative design thinking with physical confidence and discipline. Children learn to take ideas from concept to creation, while also developing strength, coordination, and self-control through structured, age-appropriate boxing and sports. Every activity is intentionally designed to build resilience, responsibility (amanah), and a strong sense of self.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from contemporary Muslim creatives such as Sumayya Vally.
This session develops creative and critical thinking through a structured design process, our designers will explore how existing materials can be reworked, layered, and transformed into new purposeful designs
- Design Development – Our Novice Designers will take an idea from concept to finished outcome, learning how to test, refine, and improve their work. The focus is not just on making, but on how ideas develop, understanding structure, process, and intention (niyyah) behind each stage of creation.
- Creative Expression & Hands On Practical Making Skills – Using a variety of techniques such as decoupage and upcycling, they will transform everyday items into functional or decorative pieces. This introduces practical decision-making: choosing materials, adapting designs, and solving problems as they arise. They will then develop hands-on ability through cutting, assembling, layering, and finishing, with care and attention to detail as part of amanah (responsibility).
- Self-confidence: Intertwined in this is the understanding of individuality, different talents and purpose, which builds into our theme around Self-confidence, respecting and appreciating our own individual strengths, learning and respecting one another. There is also an emphasis on responsibility – understanding materials, reducing waste, and recognising care for resources as part of their role as stewards (amanah).
- Critical Thinking – Analyse ideas, make considered design choices, and reflect on how to improve outcomes through iteration and refinement, developing a mindset of ihsan (striving for excellence).
- Problem Solving – Adapt materials and approaches when challenges arise, building resilience and learning to respond with patience (sabr) and perseverance.
- Creative Expression – Explore techniques such as decoupage and upcycling to produce meaningful, personalised work that reflects both creativity and purpose.
- Practical Making Skills – Develop hands-on ability through cutting, assembling, layering, and finishing, with care and attention to detail as part of amanah (responsibility).
- Sustainability Awareness – Learn to see value in existing materials, reducing waste and recognising the responsibility to care for Allah SWT’s creation.
Independence & Ownership – Take responsibility for individual projects, building confidence, accountability, and pride in producing a completed piece of work.
The second half of this day is all about impact and includes:
- Boxing Drills: Fun and age-appropriate boxing basics (no sparring), including stance, footwork, combinations, and pad work. These activities improve hand-eye coordination, core strength, and confidence while reinforcing self-control and discipline (adab).
- Flexibility & Strength Training: Stretching routines, bodyweight exercises, and partner challenges help increase mobility and functional strength. Children learn to take care of their physical well-being, a trust (amana) from Allah.
- A Range of Sports may be incorporated for both boys and girls: Football, netball, tennis, rounders and even badminton. Our sports camp boasts a variety like no other, to give our girls a chance to try something new. These sessions encourage cooperation, communication, and fair play—key traits of akhlaq (good character).Boys and Girls will be segregated for these sessions to ensure a comfortable experience for all.
- Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation: Breathing exercises, guided visualisations, and short moments of reflection are woven into every session. These teach children how to manage their emotions, stay focused, and find inner calm, linking back to concepts like sabr (patience) and tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
- Each session is held in a nurturing, inclusive environment that welcomes children of all abilities and backgrounds. Our goal is not just to build athletes, but to nurture strong, mindful, and compassionate young Muslims who carry the values of their faith into every area of life.
- Physical Confidence: Improved strength, balance, and fitness in a way that’s engaging and non-intimidating.
- Self-Discipline & Respect: Learning to follow instructions, stay calm under pressure, and treat others with kindness—mirroring the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Leadership & Team Spirit: Taking turns, supporting teammates, and showing humility in victory or defeat.
Spiritual Awareness: Encouraged to reflect on intentions (niyyah), gratitude (shukr), and perseverance (istiqamah) in their efforts.
Wednesday 12th August: Culinary Artistry
with Chef Sarah
This is far more than a cooking class – it’s a structured life-skills experience rooted in Islamic values of gratitude (shukr), care, and responsibility. Our chefs will confidently prepare real dishes from start to finish while developing patience, focus, and independence in the kitchen. They leave not only with practical skills, an understanding of flavour and recipe development, but with a deeper understanding of food as nourishment, trust, and worship.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from the past through the culinary scholarship of Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq, to the present with current Muslim chefs and bakers like Nadiya Hussain.
Food Creation & Practical Cooking: Our culinary artists will prepare at least three dishes, including one bake, following clear step-by-step processes from preparation to completion. Emphasis is placed on intention (niyyah), focus, and doing each task with ihsan. Excitingly, they will also have the opportunity to develop their own recipe for one of the tasks, learning about flavour, encouraging ownership, creativity and responsibility for outcomes.
Food, Faith & Responsibility: Ingredients mentioned in the Qur’an are used to anchor reflection on nourishment and gratitude (shukr) and benefits. Children explore the concept of the body as an amanah, learning that caring for what Allah (SWT) has entrusted to us is part of worship in action.
Emotional Intelligence & Islamic Character: Children are guided to develop patience (sabr), focus, and emotional regulation when tasks become challenging or require repetition. Mistakes are reframed as part of learning and improvement, building resilience and humility. Confidence is developed through competence – understanding that Allah SWT has entrusted each person with abilities to be developed through effort, discipline, and reflection.
- Knife Skills – Safe, controlled handling of tools with awareness and responsibility (amanah).
- Baking Fundamentals – Following structured processes with patience (sabr) and accuracy.
- Creative Presentation – Developing ihsan through care, detail, and pride in outcome.
- Independence in the Kitchen – Completing full processes with responsibility and intention (niyyah).
- Emotional Regulation – Managing frustration, staying present, and persisting through challenge.
- Self-Confidence Through Effort – Building belief in ability through disciplined practice and completion.
Thursday 13th August: Astronomy & Wonder
with Farah from Brain Bites – Food For Thought
Spark your child’s curiosity about the universe through an inspiring blend of cutting-edge science and reflection on the Qur’an. Led by an expert educator, children explore space, light, and future missions while building critical thinking and confidence through hands-on experiments. This is meaningful learning that connects knowledge with awe, purpose, and faith.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Ibn al-Haytham – The Scientist Who Helped Us Understand Light and Optics
Join us for an exciting, interactive experience, blending the awe of astronomy with the miraculous insights of the Holy Qur’an!
Black Holes & The Extreme Universe
Enter a world where gravity is so powerful that even light cannot escape. Explore strange and fascinating ideas like white holes and wormholes, and discover how scientists use light to reveal the hidden universe.
The Artemis Mission – The Future of Space Exploration
Explore NASA’s mission to return humans to the Moon…and beyond! Learn what it takes to live and work in space, and how scientists are preparing for future missions to Mars.
Throughout the day, children will reflect on how the Holy Qur’an encourages us to explore and think about Allah SWT’s creation, linking these ideas to the work of a great Muslim scholar.
Delivered as part of Brain Bites’ ‘Astronomy in the Qur’an’ workshops, the day combines science with hands-on learning, where children build, experiment and present their own ideas in a fun and engaging way.
- Explore Qur’anic verses that hint at the wonders of the universe
- Take part in hands-on STEAM activities: building, experimenting and discovering
- Learn about current space exploration & NASA’s discoveries
- Develop a sense of awe, wonder and appreciation for Allah SWT’s magnificent universe
- Build confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills through expert-led learning.
- Develop critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world.
- Gain practical skills, scientific insight, and meaningful faith-based reflection.
- Strengthen problem-solving, communication, and independent thinking.
Farah Ebrahim delivers engaging and interactive Astronomy in the Qur’an workshops both online and in-person, combining space exploration with hands-on learning. A key feature of her sessions is linking modern-day scientific ideas to reflections from the Holy Qur’an, encouraging children to explore the universe in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. Her workshops are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and make complex ideas accessible and enjoyable for children.
Friday 14th August: The Mic Room
With Shelina Janmohamed
Your child will work directly with an acclaimed Muslim author to find their voice, structure their thoughts, and confidently share their own story. From idea to written script to recorded performance, this is a complete journey in communication, self-expression, and confidence-building. A rare opportunity to develop skills that will benefit them for life – in school, leadership, and beyond.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from acclaimed contemporary communicators such as Shelina Janmohamed and Mehdi Hasan, alongside a long tradition of storytelling and narration within Islamic scholarship.
Our Writers and Storytellers will explore how confidence begins with clarity of thought and the ability to express ideas with purpose.
This immersive experience is designed to help children develop genuine confidence in their own voice – learning how to turn personal ideas and experiences into a structured story they can confidently write, refine, and ultimately perform.
Working with a real-life published and acclaimed author from the Muslim community, children are guided through a creative journey that begins with self-reflection and ends with a finished podcast-style recording of their own story.
They begin by exploring identity and self-awareness, building an understanding of what makes them unique and how to express that clearly. From there, they are supported in organising their thoughts into their very own story map, learning how to shape real-life experiences into a coherent story with flow, meaning, and intention.
Once their story is developed, children refine it into a written piece that becomes their personal story book. This step builds clarity of expression, sequencing skills, and confidence in putting thoughts into words.
The experience concludes with children bringing their story to life through a recorded podcast, focusing on communication, voice, presence, and confidence – helping children understand how preparation and structure translate into powerful self-expression.
By the end of the day, each child has created, written, and performed their own personal story – a complete journey from thought to expression to confident delivery.
- Self-Confidence & Identity – Developing a strong sense of self through reflection and structured expression.
- Structured Thinking & Organisation – Turning ideas and experiences into a clear, logical narrative.
- Written Communication – Building fluency, clarity, and expression through guided storytelling.
- Public Speaking & Vocal Confidence – Developing clarity, presence, and confidence in spoken delivery.
- Emotional Awareness – Learning to recognise, organise, and express personal experiences appropriately.
- Creative Ownership – Taking a personal idea from concept through to finished, performed outcome.
Monday 17th August: Lab Legends: Science
With Saif Science
A hands-on science experience where children actively experiment, test, and discover – not just watch. Inspired by great Muslim scientists, they learn how to think critically, understand cause and effect, and build confidence through real scientific success. It’s engaging, structured, and designed to turn curiosity into capability.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Jabir ibn Hayyan commonly known as the ‘Father of Arab Chemistry‘, his contributions to chemistry include the findings of several chemical compounds and techniques, such as distillation, which are still widely used today.
This is a practical science day built around experimentation.
Children will carry out a series of controlled experiments, including chemical reactions, colour changes, and material transformations. Each activity is designed to demonstrate a clear scientific principle.
Rather than passive observation, children are actively involved in setting up, testing, and observing outcomes – understanding cause and effect through direct experience.
The session introduces basic scientific method: prediction, testing, and observation.
Our young scientists will explore a range of different experiments including:-
- Explosive Reaction Experiments – dramatic chemical reactions that show instant change: Oxygen generation using potassium permanganate
“Elephant Toothpaste” foam eruption (rapid decomposition reaction creating a foaming explosion)
- Colour Change Chemistry – Children explore how chemicals react to create visible change: Rainbow test tubes using pH indicators. Acid vs alkali colour change experiments
- Density & Liquid Layering Experiments – investigate how different liquids behave when combined: Creating layered density columns using liquids of different weights. Observing how liquids float, sink, or stay separate
- Slime & Materials Science Lab: Making different types of slime (stretchy, runny, cloud textures). Adjusting ingredients to change structure and consistency
Children don’t just “do experiments” – they learn how scientists think, build confidence through hands-on success, and develop curiosity, focus, and problem-solving skills that go far beyond science.
- Understanding cause and effect in experiments
- Following and carrying out practical instructions
- Observation and recording of results
- Curiosity and willingness to test ideas
- Confidence in handling scientific materials (safely)
Tuesday 18th August: Engineers’ Playground
With Saif Science
Give your child the mindset of a real problem-solver – designing, building, and testing working models inspired by great Muslim engineers like Al-Jazari. This is hands-on, structured learning where children don’t just follow instructions, but think, refine, and improve their ideas with purpose. They leave with stronger logic, resilience, and the confidence to tackle challenges independently.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Inspired by the engineering innovation and mechanical mastery of Al-Jazari, children explore how ideas are transformed into working systems through design, testing, and iteration.
This is a practical engineering day where children move beyond theory and into real construction, experimentation, and problem-solving.
Children will build a series of working models that demonstrate how real-world engineering principles function. Each activity is carefully structured so that children can see how simple mechanisms are used to solve problems and create functioning systems.
The focus is on learning through building. Children are encouraged to test their ideas, see what works, refine their designs, and improve their outcomes. This process builds resilience, patience, and logical thinking – showing that strong designs are developed through iteration rather than instant success.
Every concept is experienced physically, giving children a tangible understanding of how engineering shapes the world around them.
- Engineering Thinking – Understanding how systems are designed, built, and made to work.
- Problem Solving – Testing ideas, identifying issues, and improving designs.
- Practical Construction Skills – Building and assembling simple working models.
- Logical Reasoning – Understanding cause, effect, and mechanical principles.
- Resilience & Iteration – Learning that improvement comes through testing and refinement.
Pinhole Camera – Children explore how light can be used to create images by building a simple working pinhole camera. They discover how vision and light travel, and how early scientific ideas shaped modern photography.
Water Clock — Children design and construct a working water clock, exploring how early engineers measured time using movement, flow, and balance.
Air Pressure Challenges – Children experiment with air power to create movement and lift. They explore how air can be used to influence objects, creating surprising and engaging physical effects.
Balance & Anti-Gravity Style Challenges – Children design structures and systems that test balance, stability, and movement. They experiment with ideas that appear to “defy gravity,” learning through trial, adjustment, and teamwork.
Wednesday 19th August: Pottery Studio
with the team from Mittika
A calming, focused experience where children learn to shape, control, and create with intention – grounded in the Islamic understanding of clay as our origin. Guided by skilled practitioners, they develop patience, precision, and pride in producing their own finished pieces using real pottery techniques. This is more than art – it’s character-building through craft, discipline, and reflection.
Great Muslim Inspiration: Islamic ceramic traditions (Abbasid period)
This session introduces pottery through both context and practice.
Linking to our own purpose: It begins with a short exploration of the historical and spiritual significance of clay, including its mention in the Qur’an. Children are then introduced to the material itself and how it behaves.
Pottery Specific Skills: Our potters will learn and apply three core techniques: pinch pot, coil building, and slab work, before having the opportunity to try the pottery wheel.
Emotional Intelligence & Character Development: The focus is on control, patience, and process — understanding how small adjustments affect the final outcome.
- Basic pottery techniques (pinch, coil, slab, wheel)
- Hand control and coordination
- Patience and attention to process
- Understanding material properties
- Creating and finishing a physical object