Below is a short list of common questions.
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REGISTRATION
Early Registration discounts will end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. All registrations completed after that time will increase by $50 per person.
Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 22. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be received in full to guarantee registration.
All cancellations must be completed prior to Tuesday, September 10 in order to receive a full refund. Any cancellations made after September 10 will forfeit payment.
No, all registration must be completed online by Sunday, September 22. If you need help registering, please contact us at register@thezawiyah.org.
A limited number of reduced cost and full scholarships are available for attendees facing financial barriers. To inquire/apply, please email at register@thezawiyah.org.
RETREAT SCHEDULE & ACTIVITIES
Friday, October 11 will primarily consist of: arrival, brief orientation, dinner and a welcome session. Saturday and Sunday will each include approximately 5 hours of instruction punctuated by meals, prayer times, breaks and optional activities. Monday, October 14 will consist of breakfast and a closing session. A full detailed schedule will be provided soon.
We will get the first look at Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah’s upcoming book: First Teaching of the Last Religion: Knowledge of God, The Prophets, and the Unseen. We will embark upon a wide range of discourse and practical training that will cover foundational theology: divinity, Prophethood and the afterlife.
Classes will be recorded, but not available for public distribution. Any personal audio or visual recording is strictly prohibited.
The Zawiyah aims to create a personal, intimate space with our scholars; as such there are many opportunities outside of class to enjoy Dr. Umar's presence. We will do our best to accommodate short private sessions. Apppointments will be available on a first come, first served basis, as the program permits. Please be on the lookout for communications regarding this ahead of the retreat date, and/or express your interest to the Retreat Director upon arrival.
There will be special programming for children ages 3-14 years old that runs parallel with the adult sessions. Children will also explore the grounds, have ample opportunity for outdoor play, and engage in creative workshops.
Available on-site and at no additional cost will be: walking/hiking trails, basketball court, soccer field, baseball diamond, volleyball nets, martial arts studio, fitness room (including free weights), tennis courts (rackets not provided), evening campfire, and lakeside hammocks. Additional paid activities will be available on-site as well. Activity options will be sent to participants prior to the retreat. There will be designated leisure time to enjoy activities on the grounds. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes, per the suggested packing list below.
TRANSPORTATION
The retreat is at Camp Zeke in Lakewood, Pennsylvania (31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439). It is within driving distance of most cities in the US mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, as well as Southeast Canada. Visit Getting There for more information.
Binghamton, NY (BGM): Approximately 1 hour by car. Direct flights from Detroit, MI available.
Scranton, PA (AVP): Approximately 1 hour by car. Direct flights from Chicago, IL available.
Newark, NJ (EWR): Approximately 2.5 hours by car. Direct flights from most major US cities and international destinations, often with lower ticket prices. Please note, we recommend utilizing EWR for flights as a group shuttle will be arranged for transport to/from the retreat site. (Roundtrip shuttle service is $50 per person. Add to Cart.)
Arrival: Retreat check-in will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 11. The group shuttle will be departing Newark Airport between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., EST on Friday, October 11 (pending majority arrival times). Please be sure to plan your travel accordingly.
Departure: The retreat will conclude by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 14, with collective departure by no later than 11 a.m. The group shuttle will be departing Camp Zeke for EWR on Monday, October 14 at 11 a.m. EST. Please be sure to plan your travel accordingly.
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
Accommodations include cabin-style housing with lake views, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Individual participants can select accommodations with two to a room or three-four to a room. Family registration can accommodate up to 8 people (if you have more than 8 people in your family, please contact us at register@thezawiyah.org and we will be happy to arrange). Single room accommodations will not be available.
Should you require any of the following accommodations, please complete the Participant Form:
Should you require any of the following special accommodations, please complete the Participant Form:
While we encourage participants to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and limit non-necessary technology use, Wi-Fi will be available in select areas of the campsite. Cell service is limited overall.
There will be a variety of foods at each meal, including, but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, gluten-free and vegan options. Ingredients for each dish will be available upon request. Meat and chicken served during meals are certified kosher. Please note, Camp Zeke’s program hall, dining hall, and kitchen are strictly nut-free facilities. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please complete the Participant Form.
REGISTRATION
When does “Early Registration” end?
Early Registration discounts will end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. All registrations completed after that time will increase by $50 per person.
When is the final registration deadline?
Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 22. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be received in full to guarantee registration.
What if I have to cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be completed prior to Tuesday, September 10 in order to receive a full refund. Any cancellations made after September 10 will forfeit payment.
Will on-site registration be available?
No, all registration must be completed online by Sunday, September 22. If you need help registering, please contact us at register@thezawiyah.org.
Does The Zawiyah offer scholarships or discounts to attend the retreat?
A limited number of reduced cost and full scholarships are available for attendees facing financial barriers. To inquire/apply, please email at register@thezawiyah.org.
RETREAT SCHEDULE & ACTIVITIES
What sort of schedule can we expect at the retreat?
Friday, October 11 will primarily consist of: arrival, brief orientation, dinner and a welcome session. Saturday and Sunday will each include approximately 5 hours of instruction punctuated by meals, prayer times, breaks and optional activities. Monday, October 14 will consist of breakfast and a closing session. A full detailed schedule will be provided soon.
What are the topics of study?
We will get the first look at Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah’s upcoming book: First Teaching of the Last Religion: Knowledge of God, The Prophets, and the Unseen. We will embark upon a wide range of discourse and practical training that will cover foundational theology: divinity, Prophethood and the afterlife.
Will the classes be recorded? Can I use a personal recording device?
Classes will be recorded, but not available for public distribution. Any personal audio or visual recording is strictly prohibited.
Will we have personal time with Dr. Umar?
The Zawiyah aims to create a personal, intimate space with our scholars; as such there are many opportunities outside of class to enjoy Dr. Umar's presence. We will do our best to accommodate short private sessions. Apppointments will be available on a first come, first served basis, as the program permits. Please be on the lookout for communications regarding this ahead of the retreat date, and/or express your interest to the Retreat Director upon arrival.
Will there be activities for children?
There will be special programming for children ages 3-14 years old that runs parallel with the adult sessions. Children will also explore the grounds, have ample opportunity for outdoor play, and engage in creative workshops.
Will there be activities for adults?
Available on-site and at no additional cost will be: walking/hiking trails, basketball court, soccer field, baseball diamond, volleyball nets, martial arts studio, fitness room (including free weights), tennis courts (rackets not provided), evening campfire, and lakeside hammocks. Additional paid activities will be available on-site as well. Activity options will be sent to participants prior to the retreat. There will be designated leisure time to enjoy activities on the grounds. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes, per the suggested packing list below.
What should we pack?
- Comfortable, layered clothing (t-shirts, full sleeve shirts, and sweaters) for changes in temperature throughout the day.
- Fleece jacket or sweater for cool evening weather
- Activewear
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers and/or hiking shoes
- Sandals and/or flip flops
- Extra towels or bedding (optional, as we will be provided with the essentials)
- Basic toiletries
- Hat
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Writing/note-taking materials (notebook, pens/pencils, electronic device, etc)
TRANSPORTATION
Where is the retreat located?
The retreat is at Camp Zeke in Lakewood, Pennsylvania (31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439). It is within driving distance of most cities in the US mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, as well as Southeast Canada. Visit Getting There for more information.
What are the nearest airports to the retreat site?
Binghamton, NY (BGM): Approximately 1 hour by car. Direct flights from Detroit, MI available.
Scranton, PA (AVP): Approximately 1 hour by car. Direct flights from Chicago, IL available.
Newark, NJ (EWR): Approximately 2.5 hours by car. Direct flights from most major US cities and international destinations, often with lower ticket prices. Please note, we recommend utilizing EWR for flights as a group shuttle will be arranged for transport to/from the retreat site. (Roundtrip shuttle service is $50 per person. Add to Cart.)
What are the dates we should travel?
Arrival: Retreat check-in will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 11. The group shuttle will be departing Newark Airport between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., EST on Friday, October 11 (pending majority arrival times). Please be sure to plan your travel accordingly.
Departure: The retreat will conclude by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 14, with collective departure by no later than 11 a.m. The group shuttle will be departing Camp Zeke for EWR on Monday, October 14 at 11 a.m. EST. Please be sure to plan your travel accordingly.
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
What types of accommodations are available?
Accommodations include cabin-style housing with lake views, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. Individual participants can select accommodations with two to a room or three-four to a room. Family registration can accommodate up to 8 people (if you have more than 8 people in your family, please contact us at register@thezawiyah.org and we will be happy to arrange). Single room accommodations will not be available.
Should you require any of the following accommodations, please complete the Participant Form:
- Housing preferences (i.e. preferences regarding a specific registrant desired as a roommate) or needs
- Food allergies or restrictions
- ADA-accessible rooms
- A limited number of baby cribs are available onsite at no charge
- Communal refrigerator space will be available at no charge. Limited private rentals available for a nominal fee ($5/day).
Do you accommodate any special needs?
Should you require any of the following special accommodations, please complete the Participant Form:
- Housing preferences (i.e. preferences regarding a specific registrant desired as a roommate) or needs
- Food allergies or restrictions
- ADA-accessible rooms
- A limited number of baby cribs are available onsite at no charge
- Communal refrigerator space will be available at no charge. Limited private rentals available for a nominal fee ($5/day).
Is Wi-Fi available on-site?
While we encourage participants to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and limit non-necessary technology use, Wi-Fi will be available in select areas of the campsite. Cell service is limited overall.
If I have food allergies or restrictions, will an alternate meal be available?
There will be a variety of foods at each meal, including, but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, gluten-free and vegan options. Ingredients for each dish will be available upon request. Meat and chicken served during meals are certified kosher. Please note, Camp Zeke’s program hall, dining hall, and kitchen are strictly nut-free facilities. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please complete the Participant Form.