A three-day camp for Muslim girls at Woodman Point in Coogee has been described as a “resounding success” by West Australian Football Commission Multicultural Officer Pinar Komur.
More than a dozen girls aged between 13-16 years of age participated in the camp, which focussed on physical activity, health, and well-being.
The program aims to build confidence for Muslim women in sport, the workplace, and society, while promoting community role models and a sense of belonging.
Komur was delighted with how the group embraced the challenges put before them.
“The girls participated in team-building activities, engaged in workshops on goal setting and time management, sports sessions like archery and footy drills, and creative endeavours including art sessions,” Komur said.
"The girls also had the opportunity to connect virtually with Bachar Houli who sent a message specifically for them.
"In addition, the girls actively contributed to social change by packing food hampers for the MWSC of WA.
“Generously supported by WAFC staff, this initiative allowed the participants to experience the importance of giving back to the community,” she said.
One of the key challenges of the camp was the “Escape from Quarantine” activity.
“Team-building exercises like these can be engaging and impactful, and it provided opportunities for the girls to develop essential skills while having fun.
“By engaging in challenges that require teamwork and collaboration, the girls not only built stronger relationships and communication skills but also experienced the power of collective problem-solving and the satisfaction of achieving shared goals.”
Cold winter nights also taught the group a valuable lesson.
“We experienced three days and two nights without heating, including one of the coldest nights in July.
“However, this experience turned into a positive with the girls facing this hardship together, gaining a profound appreciation for the warmth and comfort that heating provides.
“Through this shared experience, they developed a deeper understanding of cherishing the everyday comforts and blessings in their lives,” she said.
Komur had nothing but praise for the results of the camp.
"The BH State Girls Leadership Camp was a transformative experience that united individual participants and fostered a strong sense of unity and teamwork.
“As they embarked on the program the girls arrived as individuals, each with their unique strengths and aspirations.
“Throughout the camp, they engaged in team-building activities, collaborative challenges, and shared experiences that showed the power of teamwork.
“By the end of the program, the girls were left with the invaluable knowledge and skills to move and work together harmoniously as a team.