D&T Rites: Firesong w/Islah LA

For men ages 13+.

All creeds welcome.

Adventure Score: 2

“And has the story of Moses come to you? When he saw a fire and said to his family: Stay here- indeed, I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I can bring you a torch or find at the fire some guidance.” (Q20:9-10)

This summer we are bringing the young men and male elders of Islah LA to Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness for a backpacking trip where we will search for guidance and meaning in the signs that God has placed therein.

When Moses sought the fire, may God’s peace be upon him, he was tasked with a mission to speak truth to power. He would have to face the despotic Pharaoh, but not alone. God gave him miracles, a shape-shifting staff, a blazing hand, but nothing more heartening to Moses than the blessing of his brother’s company.

There are oppressive forces at work within each of us and there are innumerable enemies without, all conspiring to divert us from the Straight Path, the path wherein we come to recognize the fullness of our responsibility before God. We are leaving our families behind for the mysteries and tribulation of the wilderness to seek the Fire’s Song, the inspiration that Moses found. And together, we will act on that inspiration in fraternity and without fear.

But we need your help.

We have 10 men signed up and ready to go. There are fathers and sons, men who were formerly incarcerated, and community leaders all banding together for a mystical expedition. But this is a community on the edge, where the demands of inner-city life siphon energy and resources to such an extent that it’s hard to prioritize a backpacking trip.

Dust and Tribe and Islah LA are committed, with God’s permission, to alleviating any financial or logistical barriers to participation. We are willing to absorb any and all costs associated with this adventure, but that is not a sustainable approach if we are to continue partnering with the communities that need the Fire’s Song the most.

In addition to the inspiration and fraternity that will come of spending time together in conifer forests surrounded by walls of granite, participants will learn essential wilderness skills putting them in touch with the legacy of our ancestors: basic navigating using the sun and stars, identifying wild edibles, clearing a campsite, purifying water, and the disposing of waste in a backcountry environment. All gear and food will be provided in addition to the support of two trip leaders, both of whom are certified Wilderness First Responders.

We are asking for those with the means to consider acting as patrons of the wild, Dust and Tribe sponsors willing to offset trip expenses.

God’s reward for a good intention is guaranteed by Him. In addition, your $300 patronage will deem you a D&T Clan Outlander with your own Clan Card, early access to events, massive discounts, and access to our gear library.

Already an Outlander? We’ll send you your choice of either a D&T copper-insulated water bottle or our quick-dry short-sleeve tech shirt.

7/25/2022 Update: Through God’s Grace and the overwhelming generosity of his believing folk, you have funded 9/10 participants so far, masha Allah!

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COVID-19: We are committed to keeping all participants healthy through smaller groups and the implementation of rigorous medical pre-screening. Once gathered, social distancing and the wearing of masks will neither be enforced nor discouraged.

Questions? Send us a message through our Contact Page