AL-BUSTAN CAMP was launched in July of 2002 at the Morris Arboretum of the Unviersity of Pennsylvania. This year we are celebrating our FIFTH YEAR of Camp! We are relocating to a new site at SPRINGSIDE SCHOOL in the Chestnut Hill area of Northwest Philadelphia - http://www.springside.org

In bringing together children and youth with various educators, artists, and professionals of different ages, ethnicities and religious faiths, AL-BUSTAN CAMP allows each participant to gain a speical experience through the unique social dynamics that develop over the three weeks of camp. The surrounding natural setting of the adjacent Wissahickon Creek Valley enhances and shapes the campers' sense of curiosity, playfulness, and cooperation, while allowing time for solitude and reflection in between collective activities.

Building on its successes of the past four summers, AL-BUSTAN CAMP provides campers with a fun and enriching experience, led by a team of teachers -- specialists in their respective fields of language instruction, and the environment, arts, storytelling, music, and dance of the Arab world -- along with a team of responsible and enthusiastic counselors. Each year a different theme integrates the various program areas. Past themes have included learning about the Silk Route and traditional Arab souks, the 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, the olive tree, the folktale character Juha, and Kalila Wa Dimna stories.