Frequently Asked Questions
When will Embark take place?
Camp One will be held June 4th through June 11th. Staff will be required to be onsite from May 30th through June 14th.
Camp Two will be held June 18th through June 25th. Staff will be required to be onsite from June 13th through June 27th.
How can I apply to Embark? Applications for the 2026 camp season are now closed.
What is the application deadline for campers? Camper Applications close on February 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.
How many campers will be accepted? Each camp will accept approximately 80 campers per session.
Who can apply to Embark? All Ismaili youth (including those from multi-faith families) who will be entering 7th to 9th grades in Fall 2026, and have not previously attended Embark or Camp Middle School are eligible to apply.
How much does the program cost? The program cost is $1,550 per camper. The program cost includes accommodations, meals, and all program supplies. The cost does not include travel to and from camp.
Is there financial assistance available? Yes! Financial assistance is available for the program fee and travel costs such as airfare. Campers should indicate need on their application for camp. Financial assistance decisions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a team separate from the Embark team. Applying for financial aid 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 affect your admission to the program. If you have confidential questions about financial aid, please do not hesitate to contact us and send us a message!
How will my child get to camp? Campers will be required to fly into a New York airport. Embark will work with families to discuss transportation and additional logistical questions regarding travel at the time of acceptance to camp. Please do not book any air travel until you have received confirmation that your child is accepted to Embark and you receive instructions on travel from us.
Where is Embark located? Both 2026 Embark Camps will be held at Camp Jewell YMCA in Colebrook, Connecticut.
Will medical facilities be accessible? Medical professionals arranged through the Aga Khan Health Board for USA will be present on site 24 hours a day throughout camp. Additionally, in case of emergencies, our local camp team is aware of the local urgent cares and hospitals nearby for emergencies.
How will room assignments be arranged? At each camp, males and females will be living in separate lodges (i.e. cabins). Campers will sleep in bunk beds in a shared room with five other campers. Embark staff will stay in the same lodges as the campers so that they can monitor the campers during wash-up, as activities take place, and overnight. Only Embark staff will have keys to enter the space. No other individuals except for Campus Security or Camp Administration would be able to enter the space.
How often will campers be able to communicate with their families back home? Campers will have the opportunity to call home once during the program. Call home dates and times will be provided to campers and their families before the start of the program.
Will students be going to Jamatkhana every day? There will be a prayer space created on campus. Morning and evening services will be held daily.
What experience do you hope each participant will leave with? Embark aims to challenge individuals and inspire transformation through adventure and moments in nature to build leaders with lifelong skills. We recognize that each participant’s experience at Embark will be different, but our hope is that every camper leaves having built lasting friendships, strengthened their connection to their faith, and developed a deeper appreciation for Allah’s creation through immersive time in nature. Through trying new activities and stepping outside their comfort zones in age-appropriate, guided ways, participants build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a sense of personal growth.
How were the activities for Embark chosen? Embark activities are chosen by educators to ensure a rigorous and thought-provoking experience that balances hands-on learning, intellectual engagement, and exciting activities. Classes and workshops will be led by faculty, and guest lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. The hope is for participants to leave with new perspectives and skills that they can use in their own communities and schools upon their return home.