ATTENDEE INFO
You can find all the information you need for the retreat on this page.
Please thoroughly review the gear and packing list, complete your liability waiver, and let us know if you have any questions!
Monet is a lifelong educator with a passion for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences. Known for a calm, encouraging teaching style, Monet believes that growth happens when learners feel both challenged and supported.
Emmett is a detail-oriented instructor who’s spent the past decade helping people develop new tools, habits, and mindsets. Their approach is clear, practical, and always infused with curiosity and care.
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your base price covers: Halaqas with Imam Yaseen Mahmoud, guided wilderness trekking, backcountry camp permits, all meals Friday through Sunday (Halal), and roundtrip group shuttle from the Bay Area.
You still need to take care of you -
Ibrahim Twist is your Wilderness Guide — he handles all logistics, route planning, safety, and operations. He has extensive backpacking experience in the Sierra Nevada and knows this terrain well.
Imam Yaseen leads the Islamic programming — a morning halaqa before we hit the trail each day and an evening halaqa at camp. The spiritual dimension of this trip is intentional, structured, and led by someone with real knowledge and presence.
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MCC Masjid, Bay Area. 2:30 PM sharp on Friday July 17 — no exceptions. Returns to MCC by Sunday evening. Exact destination is not disclosed publicly — it's part of the experience.
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Young adult men, above 18 to mid-30s. Outside that range but feel called to this? Reach out and we'll talk.
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We've got you covered. Added to your base price, you can rent the gear you don’t already have:
Sleeping bag + sleeping pad — $48
Backpacking tent — $45
Backpacking pack — $50
Book asap — gear cannot be guaranteed for late bookings.
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No — but you need to be in reasonable shape. Saturday is a full day on trail with a loaded pack through Sierra Nevada terrain. If you can walk 3–7 miles comfortably, you can do this. Ibrahim sets a pace the whole group can sustain. Unsure if you're ready? Reach out before booking — we'd rather have that conversation upfront.
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Yes. The Emigrant Wilderness has established trails and no technical terrain. A wilderness first aid kit is on trail at all times. July is peak Sierra season — long days, stable weather, no snow. Ibrahim plans every route with the group's ability in mind.
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A full packing list is on the Gear & Packing List Page.
Remember only bring what you need, every pound matters when backpacking. -
Yes. All food on this trip is halal. Friday dinner and Sunday trailhead lunch are fully cooked meals. Saturday meals on trail are high-quality dehydrated meals — just add boiling water. If you have dietary needs or allergies, let us know at booking.
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No. One shuttle, one group, one departure time. There is no individual transport option. If a genuine emergency comes up, reach out and we'll work through it.
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All five prayers are observed as a group, led by Imam Yaseen on the trail and at camp. The Sierra Nevada has rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the route — clean water for wudu is accessible. Tayammum applies when water is not. Any fiqh questions on the trail — Imam Yaseen handles it.
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You'll have complete privacy.
We understand this can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable if it's your first time, so we prioritize cleanliness above all. We'll provide:
A small trowel/shovel for digging
Toilet paper (please pack it out — don't bury it)
Bidet bottles for istinja
You're also welcome to bring your own supplies if that helps you feel more comfortable — whatever makes the experience easier for you.
The method is simple: step away from trail, water, and camp, dig a small hole, and bury your waste when finished. It sounds like a bigger deal than it is — most people find that once they've done it once, it's really easy and simple.
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Ibrahim has a clear emergency protocol — stabilize, assess, and contact Tuolumne County Search and Rescue if evacuation is needed. Emergency contacts are collected from every participant at booking. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, let us know confidentially in advance so we can be prepared.
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Full payment is required at booking — no deposits, no holds. Spots are limited to 13 and all logistics are built around confirmed headcount. If something comes up, reach out as early as possible. The closer to the trip date, the harder it is to offer a refund as costs are already locked in