“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)
There is little physical training to do for most people, and a little more for mums on the full challenge. This section helps you prepare the girls, the mums and your team in body and spirit.
A little walking
The day includes a trek of several miles, so a bit of regular walking helps. Suggest it to families without making it a test.
| Week | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Walk 20 minutes, two or three times |
| 2 | Walk 30 minutes, two or three times |
| 3 | One longer walk of about an hour, at an easy pace |
| 4 | Rest, with short walks only |
This plan is optional. A mum or daughter who walks little can still take part. Tell the families to wear their day shoes on a few walks, so nothing rubs on the day.
Suggest that anyone with a health concern see their GP. For mums, this can be framed as a general check before a full day out.
For mums taking the full challenge
Mums who choose the full challenge face a firmer day, so a little more preparation helps. This is a suggestion, not a test. Mums who choose the supported standard need only the walking plan above.
Suggest that they:
- practise press-ups and squats, in any version that suits them, since these may be the penalty;
- practise getting up from the ground and climbing in their abaya and day shoes;
- add one longer walk each week, if they wish;
- talk to their GP about the effort, the cold and the wet before they decide.
Preparing hearts
The aim is not only to complete a course. It is to feel something real and to grow from it. Encourage everyone to prepare in simple ways:
- make a dua for refugees every day;
- give a little in charity, even a small amount;
- read or listen to one refugee story;
- talk together about what the day is for.
Training your team
Your leaders are the backbone of the day. Hold a short meeting a week or two ahead and make sure each person knows:
- what their role is and who they report to;
- the timetable, the safety plan and the stop signs;
- how the surprise works, and who knows what;
- the two standards, the two safe words and the T signal;
- what to do if the surprise slips;
- how to lead the conversation after the meal;
- who to ask if anything is unclear.
The final week
A week before, run through the checklist below. It keeps the day calm.
- Confirm numbers, with the venue and the minibus
- Send a short reminder to families about times, shoes and the bag
- Check the weather and agree what to do if it turns
- Print the register, medical sheet and emergency numbers
- Prepare certificates, awards and small prizes
- Arrange the meal, drinks and prayer space
- Hold a short call with all leaders
By now you are ready. Next comes the day itself.