UNIDA Gontor – The English Language Teaching (ELT) Department of the Faculty of Tarbiyah, Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Class A, successfully conducted an English Camp through an outing class program at Wana Wisata Grape, Dungus, Madiun. The two-day program was held from Wednesday to Thursday, 9–10 July 2025, and was joined by 49 ELT students accompanied by four lecturers.
The primary aim of this English Camp was to enhance students’ English proficiency while fostering team spirit, character development, and spiritual awareness through outdoor-based learning activities. This initiative also aligns with the Key Performance Indicators (IKU) in the national higher education system, particularly in promoting experiential learning environments beyond the classroom.
During the opening session, Head of Department Ustadz Aries Fachriza, M.Pd., emphasized the importance of English as a vital skill for global engagement. He encouraged students to participate wholeheartedly, in line with the mission of UNIDA Gontor as the Best Islamic University that harmonizes Islamic values with modern knowledge.
The program featured interactive language games such as vocabulary challenges (“Eat Bulaga”), public speaking tasks, creative writing sessions, and peer-led discussion forums. These activities were designed to improve the four core English skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—while creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.
To nurture the spiritual side of the students, morning and evening Qur’an memorization sessions were integrated into the camp. Moreover, students took part in nature trekking, river walks, and outbound games, which strengthened their physical endurance and teamwork abilities.
The highlight of the evening was a vibrant campfire event filled with English drama performances, poetry recitations, songs, and comedy sketches. This was followed by a gift exchange and an English quiz to further foster camaraderie and joy among the students.
As the event came to a close with prayers and reflections, the participants expressed deep appreciation for the unforgettable experience. Through this program, the English Language Teaching Department has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering innovative, holistic, and character-building education at one of Indonesia’s Best Islamic Universities.
Author: Ivan Anugrah and Khairul Umam
Editor: Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
