What and Where?
Backpacking is when you hike and camp over 2 or more days while carrying everything you need for your excursion on your back. For this trip, we are backpacking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along the scenic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Transportation for the backpackers to and from Dearborn, and accommodations for Wednesday will be provided. Food will also be provided and everything the group needs to carry with them will be split between all the members of each group.
We will be hiking along Michigan's beautiful Lake Superior. Some days will require 4-8 miles of hiking. One evening will involve an exciting excursion for sunset and stargazing, along with a midnight hike back to camp. Upon reaching the reserved campsite on the first day, hikers will set up camp for the next 3 nights. We will pitch our tents and prepare dinner, and drinking water will be sourced and filtered from Lake Superior.
We'll offer prayers in congregation, recite supplications, and engage in discussions on meaningful topics. There will also be plenty of downtime to take breaks, explore, and unwind.
When?
Wednesday, July 8th through Sunday, July 12th
Participants are expected to be at Bint Jebeil Cultural Center in Dearborn by 3pm on Wednesday, July 8th. Accommodations for Wednesday night will require hikers to sleep in their sleeping bags. Each person's gear will be prepared and packed on Wednesday afternoon, with the exception of the sleeping bag, which will be packed on Thursday morning before Fajr prayer. Backpackers will then help load the vehicles that will transport them. We will depart shortly after Fajr prayer on Thursday, July 9th, and return to Dearborn on the evening of Sunday, July 12th and will help organize gear before heading home.
Who?
Sisters who are 18 and older by July 8th are eligible to register for this trip, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. The hikers will be chaperoned by an Islamic scholar and an experienced outdoor enthusiast. Additional chaperones with experience hiking and camping will also be in attendance. Sayyidah Israa Safieddine and Sister Fatima Kobeissi will be leading the sisters.
Gear and Clothing
Although most of the gear and food will be provided, there are some items that each backpacker will need to bring themselves. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not overpack. you will be restricted on space for toiletries, trip leaders have veto power on anything excessive.
The list of items recommended is below:
- 2 Full Sets of Clothing: This includes a moisture wicking base layer, wool socks, light weight pants, and a shirt. Sisters should also bring 2 sets of hijabs. You will hike in the same set of clothes each day, and sleep in the second set of clothes each night.
- Warm Layer: This can be a sweatshirt or a coat that compresses down and doesn't take much space.
- An extra pair of socks and underwear
- An islamic swimsuit: There will be a lot of privacy, and there should be times where it is safe to enjoy the beach without hijab, but privacy cannot be guaranteed.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Waterproof Camp Shoes: Crocs or something similar are an excellent option.
- Deodorant: Keeping clean can be a challenge on the trail, deodorant can take the edge off for your groupmates :)
- Snacks: Although meals and snacks will be provided, packing a few simple and easy snacks that you enjoy, especially if you are a picky eater, can help keep you energized. Some good options are: granola bars, flavored tuna packets, chips, dried fruit, sandwiches, and other on-the-go foods not requiring refrigeration. Since one of the goals of this trip is to prioritize team work, each person will be required to carry a share of the group food and snacks regardless of whether they bring their own. When you're backpacking, every ounce of extra weight you carry works against you, so don't overdo it.
- Bug Spray: Sprays with a high percentage of DEET are most effective against mosquitos and biting flies that might be a prevalent in August.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and a personal small microfiber towel. These items will have to be stored with the food because they can attract animals to the campsite, so make sure they don't take much space. You must have a small bag to place all of these items in.
- Trekking Poles (Optional): You won't need them, but if you would prefer to have a set, they can be purchased for relatively cheap online.
- Sun Hat/Sunscreen (Optional): Some of the hiking on our route will be exposed, but there will usually be an adequate amount of shade during the hottest parts of the day.
What to Expect?
Relax! The toilet paper was staged for the picture! ;)
Backpacking for beginners can be intimidating. It is more difficult than regular hiking because of the weight of your backpack, however, people of average physical fitness can backpack successfully without much preparation. Although it might be physically challenging, you don't need any special technical skills to join. It will be an exercise in mental toughness more than it is physical, but the connection to nature and camaraderie you experience will be well worth the challenges.
With the guidance of the accompanying chaperones, backpackers will learn how to use the natural environment for both physical and spiritual purposes. They will be able to determine prayer times, perform wudhu, and spiritually engage with the world without using modern tools. In addition, they will rely on nature (and Allah of course!) to meet their daily physical needs such as finding clean water, safely storing food, and building a fire. To help foster privacy, presence, and enrich the experience of backpackers, phone use during the trip will be limited.