A summer camp sponsored by an Islamic charity accused of backing Iran could expose children as young as nine to extreme views, it has been claimed.
Camp Wilayah, which is run by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) charity, offers activities including archery and abseiling, as well as lectures and discussions.
The four-day camp in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire is described as a ‘unique opportunity’ for children aged nine to 14 to build on their Islamic values.
According to the charity’s website, girls who attend must wear a hijab and loose clothing.
They will also be separated from the boys for the duration of the camp, except for daily prayers, talks and a team photo.
Camp Wilayah costs £180 per child to attend and has been run by Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission for a number of years.
The Islamic organisation which is based in Cricklewood, north-west London, has been accused of backing Iran’s theocratic regime.
In posts on social media, the charity has repeatedly praised Tehran’s leader Ayatollah Khamenei – and even described his books as a ‘great read’.
Picture advertising the camp shows children taking part in archery as one of the activities
According to the charity’s website, girls who attend must wear a hijab and loose clothing
The organisation has also refused to condemn the terror group Hamas and said in the wake of the October 7 attacks that ‘Zionists brought this disaster upon themselves’.
Meanwhile in another post on Instagram from last year, young children can be seen drawing and colouring in Palestinian flags and watermelon symbols.
Legal lobby group UK Lawyers for Israel has criticised the planned activities at the camp – saying they could incite hatred towards Jewish people.
It said in a comment to The Telegraph: ‘AIM’s deep ideological alignment with the Iranian regime and its record of extremist propaganda presents an unacceptable risk to children.
‘We hope the local authority and other agencies will act decisively to protect vulnerable young people from exposure to harmful and radicalising content.’
UK lawyers for Israel has written to Brentwood Council in London and Hertfordshire Council asking for Camp Wilayah to be banned.
The group warned councillors: ‘There is compelling reason to believe that the event may be used as a platform to radicalise children, incite hatred or violence, and glorify terrorist ideology.’
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick also raised concerns that children should be allowed to attend camps run by ‘supporters of the Iranian regime’
Pictured: An advert for this year’s camp on the charity’s website
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick also raised concerns that children should be allowed to attend camps run by ‘supporters of the Iranian regime’.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: ‘We are aware of concerns around this planned activity camp, and we are working with partners to understand the situation and whether it raises any safeguarding issues.’
MailOnline has contacted AIM for comment.
There is no evidence the charity poses a risk to children and in a statement on their website it says its goal is to ‘promote peace’ and ‘create a better world for everyone’.
It reads: ‘We at AIM are committed in our efforts to spread peace, tolerance and co-existence; and to promote social harmony as contained in our rich and abundant Islamic heritage.
‘AIM believes that the continual pursuit of its objectives will create a better world for everyone.’
Aim also described the camp as an ‘amazing place to enjoy the outdoors, make new friends, learn and build on Islamic values’.
