Al-Bustan Camp

Al-Bustan’s flagship program running every summer since 2002, provides a fun, welcoming, and enriching environment that brings together campers, artists, educators, and families, while fostering curiosity and creativity.

Open to children of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, “Al-Bustan”, Arabic for “The Garden”, encourages dialogue, respect, and understanding celebrating diversity in every facet.

Camp History

Al-Bustan Camp was launched in July of 2002 at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania–whose beautiful gardens inspired the name “Al-Bustan” (Arabic for “the garden”).

Each year, a different theme integrates the various program areas. Past themes have included learning about Egypt through the life and times of singer Umm Kulthum, the arts and culture of Lebanon and United Arab Emirates, the life of 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, Arab contributions to the sciences through the legacy of Ibn Al-Haytham, Palestinian arts and culture, Andalusia through the story of Ziryab, the Silk Route and traditional Arab souks, the folktale character Juha, and Kalila Wa Dimna stories.