Week One Recap: Light, Discovery, and Imagination

Week one of Kalimah’s 2025 STEAM & Culture Arabic Immersion Camp brought our theme to life through hands-on projects, full Arabic immersion, and joyful cultural exploration. Campers stepped into the world of Ibn Al-Haytham, whose groundbreaking work with light and vision continues to inspire the way we see, record, and understand the world.

A major focus this week was on photography and filming, honoring Ibn Al-Haytham’s foundational role in the evolution of the camera. Campers explored how light travels, how images form, and how storytelling through visuals connects science with creativity. This theme ran through many of the week’s activities and set the stage for deeper exploration in the weeks ahead.

Through immersive, play-based learning, campers:

• Played a variety of Arabic language games, using movement and group challenges to reinforce vocabulary

• Crafted bead stars to represent Ibn Al-Haytham’s observations of the night sky

• Built wheel spinners to explore color theory and motion

• Created hologram viewers using reflection and transparency

• Participated in VR experiences simulating sailing and space exploration

• Learned the basics of visual storytelling through photos and short videos

• Practiced oral storytelling and co-creating original stories with the hakawati, Ammo Khaled. As an experienced educator from the Sham region, he led an interactive cultural experience encouraging campers to combine interpretive listening, presentational speaking, and interpersonal communication in Arabic at varying levels of proficiency. He ended the session with some more dabke practice and a homework for campers to find out the Arabic name of a favorite pet.

The cultural aspect of camp expanded each day. While continuing to explore Basrah, we began learning about Cairo and Algeria as well. Campers were introduced to:

• Songs and games from North Africa

• Traditional movement through Dabke and rhythm with tabla, guided by a professional instructor

• Arabic calligraphy and identity expression through painted name plaques

• Culinary traditions by preparing chicken and cheese burak from scratch

The week ended with reflection, journaling, and excitement for what’s next. In Week Two, we’ll go further into the histories and cultural practices of Basrah, Cairo, and Algiers—deepening our understanding through new projects, music, and storytelling.

The creativity, curiosity, and focus campers brought this week were inspiring. We can’t wait to build on it.