Wasat Family Retreat: Into the Wild

August 15–17, 2025 | Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center

This year’s retreat explores themes of connecting to nature with our senses. Open to individuals and families of all backgrounds! Located 45 minutes away from the center of Seattle.

What to Expect:

Group prayer & spiritual reflections in nature

Bonfire, Poems and songs & s’mores

Shared cabins or BYO tent

Halal meals

Kid-friendly activities

Afternoon recreational activities

Evening community building

Program sessions early in the morning

Morning: Education & Spirituality

• 4:30 AM: Fajr Prayer + Dhikr 

• 6:30 AM: Nature Walk / Run

  7:00 AM: Breakfast

  8:30 AM – 12:20 PM: Sessions for Adults + Youth

  • 8:30–9:30 AM: Session 1 with Ustadh Mohamad Chakaki

  • 9:40–10:40 AM: Session 2 with Imam Adéyínká Mendes

  • 10:50–12:20 PM: Session 3 with Imam Sharief Yusuf

  • 8:30-12:20PM Youth program with Yousaf Seyal

Afternoon: Arts & Movement

• 12:20 PM-1:20PM: Lunch

• 1:30 PM: Dhuhr Prayer + Group Photo

• 2:30–4:30 PM: Creative Exploration Workshops (choose one):

• Poetry + Painting near the stream

• Gentle movement + body awareness outdoors 

• Sisters & Youth Swim time

• Breakout Male and Female Sessions

Evening: Joyful Community Gathering

• 5:30 PM: Asr Prayer

• 6:00 PM: Dinner 

• 7:30–9:00 PM: Evening Session Mawlid with Jaminah Shannon, Yousaf Seyal and Raef MiniMuslims

• 9:15 PM: Maghrib Prayer + Community Du'a

• 11:15 PM: Isha Prayer

Why Attend?

This retreat is designed to foster suhba—meaning deep companionship—through a mix of spiritual education and social connection. Whether you’re new to Islam, a lifelong learner, or simply looking to recharge in nature, this is for you.

What Attendees Said Last Year:

“The perfect mix of intimacy, connection, and natural beauty. Loved the river and hike access!”

“I appreciated how uplifting it felt as a woman. The energy was respectful and welcoming.”

“I came back more committed to my prayers and faith. I’m still carrying that peace with me. Alhamdulillah.”

Meet Our Retreat Speakers & Guides

Imam Adéyínká Mendes

Senior Scholar at Wasat | Founder of Marhama Village | Author

Imam Mendes returns to the retreat to lead heart-opening spiritual sessions rooted in Qur’anic reflection, sacred storytelling, and the healing traditions of Black Muslim sages. A lifelong student of Islamic spirituality and teacher of rites of passage, his presence brings both gentleness and depth. His teachings remind us that connecting to the land and one another is an act of worship and a path to sacred companionship (suhba).

Mohamad Chakaki

Environmental Educator | Poet | Facilitator

Mohamad Chakaki brings a soulful, interdisciplinary approach to the retreat, guiding us in reconnecting with nature as a source of insight and renewal. With roots on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula and in the forests of the eastern U.S., Mohamad works at the intersection of ecology, community, and reflection. His sessions will help us explore the wisdom of the natural world and how we can meet today’s ecological and spiritual challenges with clarity, compassion, and creativity.

Yousaf Seyal

Spiritual Educator | Nature Enthusiast

Yousaf Seyal will guide us in sessions that invite presence and gratitude through nature-based reflection and prayer. His thoughtful approach encourages spiritual grounding in the outdoors and a deeper awareness of our connection to the earth, to each other, and to the Creator. His calm presence and warm teaching style support an environment of stillness and collective growth.

Jaminah Shannon

Holistic Life Coach | Singer-Songwriter | Sacred Space Facilitator

Jaminah Shannon will lead us in soulful sessions that weave together remembrance (dhikr), sacred songwriting, and embodied healing. Through her work in holistic coaching and spiritual care, Jaminah invites us to connect deeply with our hearts, voices, and purpose. Whether around the bonfire or during a quiet moment of reflection, her offerings bring beauty, creativity, and healing to our retreat journey.

Raef

Songwriter | Educator | Creator of MiniMuslims

Raef brings his signature warmth and creativity to the retreat, offering sessions that uplift the spirit through music and meaningful storytelling. As a beloved songwriter and the founder of MiniMuslims, a global children’s media platform, Raef’s work inspires young hearts and families alike. His songs—shaped by faith, wonder, and cultural exploration—have reached audiences worldwide. At the retreat, Raef will lead musical moments designed to foster joy, reflection, and togetherness for all ages.

Imam Sharief Yusuf

Director of Religious & Spiritual Education at Wasat | Hafidh of Qur'an | Martial Artist

With a love for both the Qur’an and the outdoors, Imam Sharief brings a unique blend of Islamic scholarship and embodied practice. At the retreat, he’ll guide reflections on discipline, devotion, and presence—through both traditional teaching and interactive workshops. His sessions aim to reconnect us to revelation through nature and strengthen our inner and outer resilience.

Chaplain Yasin Ahmed

Executive Director of Wasat | Community Leader | Spiritual Care Educator

Yasin Ahmed brings a decade of chaplaincy and community-building experience to the retreat. His sessions will focus on intentional companionship, prophetic character, and cultivating sacred presence in our families and friendships. With warmth and wisdom, he invites us to build trust in ourselves and in our Creator, especially in the midst of life’s transitions and wilderness moments.