Kind Explorer though well accustomed to travel, they offer many packages including Umrah and Hajj trips, organised a retreat for the first this year. In collaboration with Vacations Maroc, Kind Explorer in Ramadan provided Ramadan FM a special promotional offer: discounted tickets on the Muslim Family Retreat 2018. Caught up the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the hubby and I did not book a holiday this year. Not abroad. Not in the UK. We therefore took full advantage of the opportunity to go on this retreat.

While the expectation was an adult environment that is child friendly, the reality was somewhat different. With an American high school style canteen and bunk beds, Grosvenor Hall definitely screams children’s summer camp. Private en suite rooms however were available by prior arrangement for couples. Rather than the wilderness, Grosvenor Hall is located not far from the Ashford shopping centre, with major supermarkets and plenty of restaurants in its proximity; we were not far from civilization and needn’t rely completely on the catering provided at Grosvenor Hall.

Our expectation had been somewhat subverted but we were not dissuaded. The weather was beautiful; a remarkable group of people from all over the UK came together for the treat; and there was a full agenda of speakers and activities ahead of us.

Speakers
The speakers included Sh.Mohamed Lockhart of the As-salaam – Peace Centre Mosque in Leicester, Dr. Saalim Al –Azhari, councillor Rashidah Ali of Rashidah TV on youtube, and Sulayman Munir of MEND. Sh. Mohammed Lockhart shared the trials and tribulations of being a minority Muslim group in a predominately white area in Leicester, and how the Food Back set by the mosque proved to be a source of much needed support for the local community and a form of dawah to Islam. Dr. Saalim Al-Azhari spoke on the oft discussed topic: purification of the heart. Rashidah Ali shared with the group the lessons of mannerisms and etiquettes in Surah al-Hujurat. Sulayman Munir helped tip the scales in the favour of Muslims by highlighting the immense strides made by Muslims both academically and professionally and the spending power of the Muslim in the UK.

Activities
The activities were varied and included sitting round campfire, archery, raft building, orienteering, segregated swimming sessions, and mini Olympics. The activities and speakers often took place simultaneously. This was possible because Grosvenor Hall is staffed with Activity Instructors from Kingswood who supervised children so parents had some much needed time alone to enjoy the talks. This was definitely appreciated. Much of the feedback was positive. Br Azam summed up the experience aptly: ‘You had an impossible task [of] appeasing so many people, you and Kingswood did an amazing job. We are all enriched by your mild manner and positive attitude and these activities really do make a difference’.

Our Take Away
Alhamdullilah – no other event has afforded the opportunity to interact with nature and other people, feel empowered and revived, all in one weekend as this retreat.

During Ramadan, my Facebook feed seems to go into overdrive, with charity projects, humanitarian injustices and the usual holiday questions from some of the holiday groups I am on. The first time I came across the Kind Explorer Event in my newsfeed, ‘The Muslim Family Retreat’, I thought to myself ‘This looks interesting’. Then I got called away by the kids and when I went to back to Facebook, the post had disappeared into the chasm of the newsfeed, under layers of newer posts about world affairs and the products that Facebook thinks I should be buying.

So when ‘The Muslim Family Retreat’ popped back into my newsfeed, I grabbed my mobile and phoned up. It wasn’t just the prospect of the ladies only swimming lessons, honestly, it was the whole concept that drove me to make that call in an instant. We all too often complain that there is nothing special for our kids for Eid, finding ourselves trying to convince our kids that Eid really can be just as exciting as Christmas. And whilst there are now so many events going on around the country, this one stood out. After that call, I had to line up an interview on Ramadan FM with the Brother at Kind Explorer. Other families needed to know about this.

The interview went swimmingly, which is to say it sparked the interest of the community. Whilst you can catch up on the interview on the Ramadan FM page (Travel Show 28^th May), here are the reasons I personally feel families should consider booking.

Firstly, it is offers exceptional value. At only £110 per adult for 2 nights accommodation, all your meals (halal of course) & activities. OK. So you won’t be staying at the Hilton, but it is not like you are camping out in a tent either. The halls offer basic accommodation, with shared facilities, bit like Uni halls. But it is only for two nights and I suspect with all the activities your family will be enjoying, you will literally only be crashing in your room to sleep.

The list of activities is impressive. So here’s the run down: fencing; archery; raft building; aeroball; laser quest; obstacle challenge; zip wire; climbing; abseiling; mini Olympics. In case I didn’t make it clear enough at the start, ladies only swimming. There really is something for all ages, with activities planned for under 5’s too. All of this set in the gorgeous Kent countryside. With speakers to help lift the spirits for those of us who suffer from the post-Ramadan blues, there is something for the body, mind & soul planned into this special, first of its kind, weekend getaway.

Tempted? In that case, let me seal the deal for you. When we do something out of the ordinary with our kids, it gets fused into their memories. So if you haven’t got plans for the weekend of the 22^nd July, make ‘The Muslim Family Retreat’ your plan. Make memories with your children this Eid, which they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Call 07961 777275 and book quoting ‘Ramadan FM’ and you will receive a special discount. Please don’t delay, as spaces on the retreat are filling up fast.

This post was written by Sharmeen Suleman, Founder of Ramadan FM, Milton Keynes & Vacations MAROC, a unique family travel platform.

www.ramadanfm.com

www.vacationsmaroc.co.uk