Alhamdulillah! This past weekend’s event was one of those special days that reminds us why we do what we do.

The Islamic Center of Boulder buzzed with the energy of children learning, creating, and discovering what it means to live Islamic values—not just hear about them.

Our youngest learners built a "Tree of Sadaqah" and learned that everyone in our community should be doing acts of kindness to maintain a healthy, successful community.

Boys connected Islamic principles to soccer rules, then cooked their own winter squash dessert.

Girls created vision boards for their futures, decorated pumpkins with Arabic calligraphy, and baked pumpkin muffins.

But here's what made it truly special: the incredible volunteers who gave their time and hearts—including Sister Lule, a young mom with a 4-month-old at home, who left mama duty to serve our girls.

This is what community looks like. → [Read the full story]

From Tree to Table: Our Olive Explorers Event Brings Ancient Traditions to Life

Our recent Olive Explorers event transformed learning about cultural heritage into a hands-on adventure that delighted children and families alike. What started as an educational program about the significance of olives in Islamic and Middle Eastern traditions became an immersive experience that engaged all the senses and created lasting memories.

Hands in the Harvest

The highlight of the day proved to be the olive pressing activity – an authentic experience that connected our young explorers directly to centuries-old traditions. Children eagerly gathered olives from the ground, filling wicker baskets with the care and attention of seasoned farmers. The excitement was palpable as they transported their harvest and witnessed the transformation from whole olives to oil through the pressing process.

But the learning didn't stop there. Our participants also discovered the art of preparing olives for brining, understanding the full journey from tree to table. The tactile experience of touching and smelling fresh olives gave children a connection to this blessed fruit that no textbook could provide.

Stories That Mirror and Window

Author Safa Suleiman joined us to share her beautiful book about olive harvest, creating a bridge between literature and lived experience. Her presence sparked meaningful conversations about the power of storytelling – how sharing our stories opens windows for others to peer into our world while providing mirrors for children in our community to see themselves reflected in literature.

Families had the opportunity to take home copies of Suleiman's book, extending the day's learning beyond the event and into their personal libraries. These stories become part of the fabric of cultural transmission, ensuring that traditions and values continue to resonate with the next generation.

Creating and Sharing Together

The day concluded with children preparing and enjoying snacks that incorporated their newfound olive knowledge. This wasn't just about eating – it was about understanding how food connects us to culture, tradition, and community. As they prepared their snacks, children experienced firsthand how the olives they had just harvested and processed become part of daily sustenance and celebration.

Roots and Growth

Events like Olive Explorers demonstrate the power of experiential learning in cultural education. When children can touch, smell, taste, and actively participate in traditional practices, they develop a deeper appreciation for their heritage that extends far beyond memorization or passive observation.

The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed reminded us why hands-on cultural programming matters. These young explorers didn't just learn about olive traditions – they lived them, creating personal connections to practices that have sustained communities for generations.

As we reflect on the success of this event, we're already planning future opportunities to bring cultural traditions to life through immersive, multi-sensory experiences. After all, the best way to preserve and honor our heritage is to make it meaningful and accessible to the hearts and hands of our children.

Blossoming Trees to Empower Communities continues to serve the Muslim and Arab Communities of Colorado through educational programming that celebrates heritage, builds community, and empowers youth.

Muslim Mothers in Aurora Share their experience with the Arabic Incredible Years Program

Blog Post: A Joy-Filled Sunday of Movement, Art, and Islamic Values at the Islamic Center of Boulder
Posted on February 24, 2025

This past Sunday, February 23rd, the Islamic Center of Boulder was filled with energy, laughter, and creativity as nearly 70 children ages 3–15 joined us for a memorable event combining physical movement, Islamic storytelling, and art!

A Day of Fun and Community: Our Muslim Kids & Youth Event Recap

Alhamdulillah! What an incredible day we had at the Islamic Center of Boulder’s Muslim Kids & Youth Event this past Sunday, April 20th. With 60 enthusiastic participants, 10 dedicated volunteers, and over 50 parents enjoying a well-deserved self-care break, the afternoon was filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit.

Making A Lebanese Suhur with Author Hannah Alkadi