Junior Youth Group

What is JYG?

 

The Islamic Center of Southern California's Junior Youth Group was created in 2014 to give middle school youth an Islamic enrichment program between the time they graduate New Horizon and enter into the Muslim Youth Group. The program has a relaxed atmosphere, one that allows the students to feel comfortable with sharing what they think and feel, and that also emphasizes how being Muslim is part of everyday life. The group meets on Sundays from 10am ~ 12pm on the 2nd floor.

 

JYG is a co-ed group, comprising of approximately 20 students. Generally, the group comprises of the same few components. For one, the students are asked to bring in a dua (supplication) and share with the class why they picked it, and how they think it can be integrated into their lives. This is usually followed by a presentation of a prophet, or of a key figure in the Muslim tradition. There are occasionally guest speakers; if not, the rest of the time is filled with team-building exercises, spirituality sessions (once or twice a month) and other presentations e.g. student activist projects by the JYGers. 

 

The students are then given a 15-min break before an optional Arabic class follows from 12-1pm in the same room.