Y9: ILIAS Camp

The Islamic Leadership and Integrated Arabic Studies (ILIAS) Camp at Billabong Ranch offered Year 9 students a spiritually enriching and transformative experience. Departing after their final school exams, students travelled through scenic countryside, bonding along the way. 

Upon arrival, they settled into their rooms and performed Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr prayers before completing their final exam of the term - a unique blend of academic commitment and spiritual discipline. That night, students shared dinner, prayers, a bushwalk under starlit skies, and fireside reflections, establishing a beautiful rhythm of companionship and reflection.

Day 2 began early with Fajr and Qur’ān ḥalaqah, followed by Salāt al-Ḍuḥā and morning adhkār. Students then engaged in archery and horse riding, practising the Sunnah with enthusiasm. A tafsīr session on Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, group Qur’an revision, and a moving lecture on the Hereafter grounded their hearts in Islamic learning. The day ended with meaningful questions, delicious meals, and teamwork in preparing breakfast dough - highlighting leadership and service.

Day 3 began with sunrise reflections and a homemade manāqīsh breakfast. Students made notable Qur’anic progress, before tackling more horse riding and obstacle courses, building resilience and teamwork. The day concluded with a captivating horse show, a final tafsīr lesson, and peaceful prayer and downtime.

The ILIAS Camp exemplified purposeful learning, blending worship, Qur’an, physical activity, and character-building - leaving students spiritually uplifted and deeply connected to their faith.