Thirty students from Qatar Foundation schools recently participated in an educational camp called ‘Discovery and Challenge’ in Doha, Qatar. The camp aimed at developing essential life skills, fostering cultural awareness, and enhancing teamwork through various activities. Held from May 3-17, the camp was a collaborative effort between Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and the Qatar Scouts and Guides Association. The unique setting at Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art provided a perfect backdrop for learning and exploration.
Abdulmajeed Alhashmi, Government Relations Coordinator in Student Affairs and Community Engagement at PUE, expressed the positive feedback received from students after the camp’s initial launch, hinting at the possibility of making it an annual event. The program aimed to sharpen the scouting abilities of young participants, improve their physical capabilities, and deepen their appreciation for Islamic heritage and history. Alhashmi emphasized the need for educational experiences outside traditional classroom environments to equip students with practical skills and real-world experiences necessary for engaging with the broader world.
One of the students, Ahmed Hamad Al Madahka from Qatar Academy Al Khor, described the camp as an enlightening experience that broadened his horizons significantly. He highlighted the valuable skills he learned, such as first aid training, military training emphasizing discipline and teamwork, and exploring Arabic calligraphy. Another student, Saeed Mohammed Al Nabit from Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), shared his positive experiences from previous camps and how they influenced his decision to participate in this one. Al Nabit emphasized the importance of life skills like patience, self-confidence, and perseverance, along with learning about Muslim inventions and acquiring new skills like fire extinguishing.
12-year-old Abdullah Faisal Al Dosari from QAD also found the camp transformative, teaching him the value of discipline, starting his day early, and enhancing his productivity and focus. Through the diverse activities and challenges, he developed new skills, a stronger sense of responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for teamwork and community service. Al Dosari also mentioned the meaningful friendships he built with students from other QF schools, highlighting the camp’s impact on fostering relationships and camaraderie among participants.
Overall, the ‘Discovery and Challenge’ camp provided participating students with a unique opportunity to develop essential life skills, foster cultural awareness, and enhance teamwork. The collaborative effort between Qatar Foundation, Internal Security Force, Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and Qatar Scouts and Guides Association ensured a well-rounded program aimed at providing practical skills and real-world experiences to students. From learning first aid and military training to exploring Arabic calligraphy and acquiring new skills like fire extinguishing, students left the camp with increased personal responsibility, physical health, and a richer connection to their religious values and Islamic heritage. The transformative experiences shared by participants highlight the positive impact of the camp on their personal growth, productivity, and appreciation for teamwork and community service. Overall, the camp was a successful initiative that left a lasting impression on the students who participated, setting the stage for potential future editions and continued development of essential life skills among youth in Qatar.
