Jummah Activity: Learning, Craft, and Reflection at Gateway Summer Camp
Children at Gateway Summer Camp learned the value of Jummah through hands-on crafts, dua recitations, and joyful group activities that deepened their connection to faith.
At Gateway International School’s Summer Camp, education goes beyond academics—it’s about nurturing values, identity, and a love for learning rooted in culture and faith. This past Friday, our young learners celebrated Jummah with a special classroom activity designed to help them understand the beauty and importance of this sacred day in Islam.
The session was filled with hands-on craft activities, heartfelt dua recitations, and guided reflections—all tailored for young children to connect with the significance of Jummah in an age-appropriate and joyful way.
A Fun and Faith-Inspired Craft
The highlight of the day was a creative craft activity where children made paper hands and practiced the Sunnah of cleanliness by “cutting nails” drawn on them. This symbolic yet effective craft helped even the youngest campers understand how personal hygiene is an act of worship on Fridays. Teachers guided students through each step, using the opportunity to discuss the importance of grooming, cleanliness, and preparation for Jumm’ah prayers.
With bright paper, kid-friendly scissors, and eager hands, the classroom was filled with laughter, focus, and the joy of creating something meaningful. As one of the children proudly said, “My hand looks like mine—and now it’s clean for Jummah!”
Learning Through Duas and Discussions
The craft session was followed by a group recitation of simple duas and short surahs commonly associated with Jummah. Children practiced saying “Allahumma inni as’aluka al-huda wat-tuqa” and Surah Al-Kahf, among others, with support from their teachers. This was not only a great way to memorize and understand important supplications, but also to build confidence in using their voices in worship.
To deepen their understanding, teachers led a short discussion tailored to the children’s level. They explained that Jummah is a weekly celebration for Muslims, a time when families come together, the masjid is full of prayer, and rewards from Allah are multiplied.
Children were encouraged to share what they already knew about Jumm’ah, and their responses were as diverse as they were heartwarming—“We wear nice clothes!” “Papa takes us to the masjid!” “We eat biryani after Jummah!”
Faith-Based Learning at Its Best
At Gateway, faith-based learning is embedded in our approach, and summer camp is no exception. Activities like these not only teach Islamic values in a gentle, fun, and age-appropriate way, but also encourage children to take pride in their identity.
By using play and creativity, teachers make spiritual lessons tangible and memorable. Instead of simply telling children what is expected on Jumm’ah, they’re shown how to prepare, reflect, and celebrate in a way that engages both their hearts and minds.
This multi-sensory approach—combining art, oral repetition, movement, and group discussion—ensures that each child connects with the material in a way that makes sense for them. Whether they’re visual learners, talkers, doers, or quiet thinkers, there was a space for everyone to contribute and grow.
Building Lifelong Habits
These early lessons in faith lay the foundation for lifelong habits of mindfulness, gratitude, and spirituality. When children learn about Jummah in this engaging way, it doesn’t feel like a rule—they embrace it as something joyful and special.
The day ended with big smiles, finished crafts, and hearts full of meaning. Our little learners walked away not just with a paper hand, but with a deeper understanding of what makes Fridays such a blessed day in their week.
At Gateway International School, we believe that faith, fun, and foundational learning go hand in hand—and this Jummah activity was a beautiful example of that.
Gateway International School: Where every child’s day is a story worth sharing.