Week Two Recap: New Faces, New Creations, and Deeper Discoveries
Week Two of Kalimah’s 2025 STEAM & Culture Arabic Immersion Camp brought a fresh wave of energy as we launched at our new location in Vienna. With a mix of returning and new campers joining us, energy and enthusiasm were flowing. After welcoming all and starting with community-building songs, games, and conversations, we dived right into our ongoing exploration of Ibn Al-Haytham and his legacy.
We eased into the immersive Arabic environment with a set of measures and expectations for progression towards 100% Arabic proficiency by the end of the camps. Campers quickly jumped into the rhythm of the week, using Arabic to communicate, reflect, play, and explore. They started to connect and the character of Ibn Al-Haytham and his evolving camera.
Throughout the week, campers participated in a diverse range of activities that seamlessly integrated history, STEM, art, and hands-on learning. Guest artist Maricel led campers in a creative lamp craft. Campers experimented with form and design in this multi-sensory activity while discussing textures and colors in Arabic in light of Ibn Al-Haytham’s landmark contributions to the scientific understanding of light, vision, and more.
An outdoor nature walk and scavenger hunt activity encouraged campers to search for and collect natural objects of various colors, textures, sizes, etc., while practicing observation and descriptive language. They used collected objects to collaboratively create decorative art pieces. Later, they used clay to sculpt decorative pieces engraved with natural symbols and geometric patterns.
Engineering activities with Mechanical Engineer Sarah engaged everyone in fun collaborative challenges using the engineering design process and principles. Campers worked in teams on an egg drop challenge, designing innovative devices using limited materials to protect their eggs from cracking. They also built geometric towers using mini marshmallows and toothpicks, competing for the tallest towers that pass tests of strength, balance, and creativity.
As always, Ibn Al-Haytham remained at the heart of all we do. Campers were introduced to his camera obscura invention, laying the groundwork for our ongoing focus on photography, art, and innovation. Multiple forms of photography and videography are in the plans for the coming weeks.
Kalimah campers continue to use Arabic in every setting—from science labs and craft tables to nature trails, group games, and individual reflections. The energy in Vienna has been full of curiosity, laughter, and thoughtful discovery. We are looking forward to watching everyone grow their confidence in practicing and enhancing their Arabic language as they continue to enjoy all the fun and learning opportunities in the coming weeks.
