Strengthening Islamic Values and Character of Elementary School Children through the Holiday Islamic Boarding School Program at the Muharrikunnajaah Islamic Education Center

Abstract

Strengthening Islamic values and character education for elementary school children is a crucial need, particularly during school holidays when religious education activities are often less structured. Community-based religious programs for children tend to be incidental and lack systematic design, resulting in limited value internalization. This community service activity aims to describe the planning and implementation of a Holiday Pesantren Program, identify the Islamic values and character traits fostered, and analyze program outcomes in strengthening children's religious and social attitudes. The study employed an educative-participatory approach involving 50 elementary school students participating in a three-day program. Data were collected using descriptive qualitative methods through observation, documentation, and activity reflection with behavioral indicators as measurement tools. The results indicate initial achievements, including increased participation in congregational worship, adherence to rules, improved time discipline, and more orderly social interactions during the program. The integration of Islamic learning, character habituation, and daily activities positions the holiday pesantren as a relevant non-formal education model for the community. These findings highlight the importance of holiday pesantren programs as an effective alternative for strengthening Islamic values and character education during school holidays.