Arabic: Al-Wāḥa
Welcome to Al-Wāḥa!
Experience the richness and diversity of classical and colloquial Arabic dialects and cultures. This Village is for young people who love the mystery and history of northern Africa and the Middle East. We recreate visits to colorful markets, cafes where you dine on heaping trays of falafel and figs, and special meals served to you as you sit on authentic rugs.
Al-Wāḥa is truly a learning oasis complete with a swimming beach for hot summer days and plenty of cool shady forests for hikes with friends. Learn to read and write modern standard Arabic and meet counselors and friends who will teach you the Arabic of their everyday conversations, tailored for your age and your generation!
Summer Village for Ages 7-18
When you arrive at Al-Wāḥa and walk through “customs,” you will enter another zone, where you’re surrounded by Arabic sounds, sights, and flavors, and flooded with opportunities to learn and practice new language skills.
First, you’ll choose a new Arabic name and exchange your American dollars for danaaniir. Then you’ll find your cabin and meet your new friends. The whole time, the counselors will use an energetic combination of gestures, repetition, and visual cues to help you learn the words and phrases you need to talk to your new cabin mates, ask them where they’re from, and figure out where to go next.
While you’re here, you will be with other kids your own age who also have an interest in learning Arabic, making new friends, and trying new things. You will play sports and games, learn how to cook, and explore your artistic side. Your Arabic immersion experience will be different from every classroom experience you’ve ever had.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to choose from a wide variety of activities. You can try soccer, canoeing, swimming, backgammon, chess or belly dancing. Make bracelets or try a cooking activity. Tie dye a t-shirt or try out a new craft like wood-burning. You’ll also enjoy traditional festivities as we celebrate Adonese Ashtarut and Eid. At Al-Wāḥa there are always a lot of new things to try, as well as familiar favorites.
Al-Wāḥa offers these summer overnight programs for young people:
· One- and Two-week summer sessions for ages 7-18
· Four-week high school credit sessions for students entering grades 9 through 12
Thanks to generous donations to the Passport Fund from our supporters, scholarships are available.
Want to know more about Al-Wāḥa?
· Visit our Village Production Page to see pictures of last year’s villagers and camp activities.
· Read about the delicious food at Al-Wāḥa.
· Learn about lodging and accommodations.
