Planning a nighttime walk after madrasah on a chilly November evening might sound like an unusual idea, but it’s a brilliant way to get students engaged, teach important life lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With the right planning and supervision, it can be a safe and meaningful adventure that brings the whole group closer together—both to one another and to their faith.
The logistics: A walk to remember
Here are some key steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:
Route planning
- Choose a local, familiar area, like a nearby park, nature trail, or countryside path.
- Ensure the route is safe but challenging enough to be exciting—include some muddy paths and puddles for added fun!
- Plan a circular route so you return to the madrasah without backtracking.
- Test the route beforehand to check for potential hazards like deep ditches, overgrown areas, or steep inclines.
Supervision and group management
- Recruit volunteer parents or older siblings as supervisors.
- Have adults walk at the front, middle, and rear of the group to keep everyone together.
- Provide adults with torches or headlamps to light the path and keep track of the group.
- Assign students into small groups, each supervised by an adult, to ensure no one gets left behind.
Staying organised
- Have a clear headcount at the start, during the walk, and at the end.
- Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes or wellies, warm layers, and waterproofs.
- Ask students to wear old clothes under their jilbabs, as mud will definitely happen!
The muddy activities: Let the adventure begin
A nighttime walk isn’t just about walking—it’s about making the journey fun and meaningful. Here are some muddy, adventurous activities to include:
- Puddle walking: Encourage the girls to stomp through muddy puddles. There’s something oddly freeing about getting your shoes dirty on purpose.
- Woodland exploration: Walk through a wooded area where the girls can navigate the uneven, muddy terrain. It’s like an obstacle course in nature!
- Torch-lit games: If it’s safe, pause in a clearing for a short, torch-lit game like “follow the leader” through the mud.
- Story sharing: Pause midway to share stories or lessons from the Seerah about resilience, patience, or perseverance.
Returning to madrasah: Practical tips
After the walk, you’ll want to ensure the madrasah stays clean and comfortable for everyone. Here’s how:
- Muddy clothes management:
- Lay plastic sheeting or old mats near the entrance for students to stand on while they remove muddy shoes.
- Provide a stash of bin bags for muddy clothing and shoes.
- Warm drinks and snacks:
- Offer hot chocolate, tea, or even warm milk to help the students warm up.
- Provide simple snacks like biscuits or samosas for a quick energy boost.
- Post-walk talk:
- Arrange for a short talk by a teacher, parent, or guest speaker to tie the experience to Islamic teachings.
Why is this trek valuable?
A nighttime walk isn’t just a physical activity—it’s an opportunity to teach resilience, gratitude, and connection to nature, all of which are deeply rooted in Islamic values.
Religious lessons
- Gratitude: Walking through the cold and mud helps students appreciate the comfort and blessings of home. It’s a chance to say Alhamdulillah for warmth, shelter, and clean clothes.
- Empathy: Experiencing discomfort helps students empathise with those who face far greater hardships, such as refugees or those in poverty.
- Tawakkul (reliance on Allah): Overcoming challenges reminds students that Allah (SWT) is always with them, guiding them through life’s difficulties.
A lesson in resilience
By the end of the evening, the students will have faced the cold, embraced the mud, and enjoyed the adventure. They’ll return to madrasah with dirty shoes, flushed cheeks, and maybe a few stories to share.
This isn’t just a walk; it’s a journey of growth. It’s about showing the students that life isn’t always clean and easy, but with the right mindset, it can be full of joy and lessons. And who knows? They might even start looking forward to a bit of mud next time!