Week Five Recap: Nourishment, Expression, and Celebration
Week Five of Kalimah’s 2025 STEAM & Culture Arabic Immersion Camp brought together creativity, wellness, and performance as campers explored what it means to nourish both the body and the spirit—all while continuing their full Arabic immersion journey.
Campers learned about health and nutrition, exploring food groups, balanced meals, and how to make thoughtful food choices. With guidance from Mrs. Souhila, they engaged in interactive discussions about healthy vs. unhealthy foods and what our bodies need to thrive.
In the kitchen, campers prepared lentil soup and qamar deen, practicing Arabic vocabulary for ingredients, tools, and steps in the cooking process. These comforting, traditional recipes tied together culture, language, and community.
Campers also had the opportunity to explore self-expression through art and movement:
In photography sessions with Mrs. Halima, they learned how to capture stories through images—experimenting with composition, light, and perspective
During music and Dabke sessions with Mr. Michael, campers explored rhythm, movement, and traditional dance styles that connect generations and regions across the Arab world
The week culminated in a mini showcase where campers shared skits, songs, and short performances in Arabic for parents and staff—highlighting their growth, creativity, and teamwork
With one more week of camp ahead in Germantown, the summer is far from over—but Week Five was a clear reminder of how much our campers have learned and accomplished. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the final week as our newest group joins the Kalimah community.
Week Four Recap: Expression, Innovation, and Community Impact
Week Four of Kalimah’s 2025 STEAM & Culture Arabic Immersion Camp was all about applying everything campers have learned—through creative expression, hands-on innovation, and meaningful connection with the broader community.
Campers deepened their skills and confidence in Arabic through a wide range of immersive activities. They explored design through sewing crafts with Maricelle and created vibrant greeting cards using mosaic patterns and Arabic calligraphy stencils. Their artistic energy also came through in their custom tie-dye shirts and new clay medallions featuring Arabic country names—crafted as part of their Souq preparation.
In the kitchen, campers cooked kabobs, burgers, and fresh salad, using Arabic instructions and practicing teamwork in the process. In engineering sessions with guest instructor Sarah, they took on exciting challenges like building bridges from household materials and creating DIY lava lamps, blending science, creativity, and hands-on experimentation.
Midweek, campers visited Planet Word Museum in DC, where they explored the power of language and storytelling across cultures—an experience that beautifully connected to their work at camp.
The week culminated in two major events: a mini-showcase where campers presented their Arabic skits and songs to families, and the long-awaited Souq, where they sold their handmade goods to the community to raise funds for a nonprofit benefiting children. Campers took full ownership—setting up, pricing, marketing, and engaging with guests entirely in Arabic. It was a proud and empowering moment, and a perfect celebration of everything they’ve worked toward.
Week Four was a powerful reminder of what can happen when language, creativity, and purpose come together. Our campers continue to amaze us with their growth, and we’re excited for what the final week has in store.
