The Dawn-Breakers Challenge

Fri Dec 12 4:00pm - Sun 14th 4:00pm

Ready to turn your Christmas break into an adventure through time? The Dawn-Breakers Challenge isn't just reading—it's a week-long expedition into one of history's most extraordinary spiritual revolutions.

THE EXPERIENCE

Dive deep into the riveting 650-page narrative of the Bábí and Bahá'í revelations—a story of courage, sacrifice, and transformation that will leave you forever changed. This isn't your typical reading group:

• Uncover hidden stories and connections you've never heard before
• Engage in dynamic discussions that bring history to life
• Experience the narrative through immersive storytelling techniques
• Build lifelong bonds with fellow adventurers on this journey
• Christmas Day start means half-priced airline tickets (practicality meets inspiration!)
  

As Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, emphasized: this text is essential for Bahá'ís to master—especially youth. There's no better time than now to accept this challenge!

FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

While adults embark on the full Dawn-Breakers journey, young people (ages 8+) will participate in a parallel creative exploration:

• Extract and dramatize key stories from the Dawn-Breakers
• Create stunning props and scenery through graphic arts workshops
• Collaborate on a captivating performance to close the week
• No memorization required—just enthusiasm and creativity!

This special youth track is guided by Jim Schechter, who transforms historical narratives into unforgettable artistic experiences.

PREPARE FOR YOUR JOURNEY

Before arriving, explore our curated study resources at bahai-education.org/the-dawn-breakers-resources-for-the-study-of-nabils-narrative, including:

• Pronunciation guides to master those "interminable accents"
• Printable maps of 19th century Persia
• Historical context primers
• Timelines to track key events and characters
• Access to Ocean 2.0—a digital reader with narrated audio

As Shoghi Effendi wrote: "No one can read 'The Dawn-Breakers' and remain cold and unreceptive. The deeds of those heroic souls are bound to stir the reader and win his support."

YOUR GUIDE

Chad Jones — A typical Alaskan fisherman who eventually tired of the mud, rain and fresh air of Alaska and decided to explore the rest of the world. Twenty years later, he had witnessed the last days of the Romanian revolution, the home of Genghis Khan in Mongolia and the birthplace of Krishna in Mathura.

He married his Punjabi princess in a Moghul castle in Rajasthan. He traveled by camel to the pyramids of Giza, trekked the Annapurna Range in Nepal, retraced Lawrence of Arabia's famous route to Aqaba and hoisted a watermelon to the highest peak of Wadi Rum to feast while observing the planet's most glorious sunset.

His software projects include "Ocean" and "Ocean 2.0 Reader" — an immersive interfaith library.

Event Schedule:

Thursday, Dec 25th - (Arrival and Welcome)

- 4:00-6:00 PM - Registration

- 6:00-7:00 PM - Christmas Banquet

- 7:00-8:00 PM - Orientation and Introduction

Friday, Dec 26th - Wednesday, Dec 31st - (Six days of Intense Study)

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

Thursday, Jan 1st - (Departure)

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Light Breakfast

Introduction to Desert Rose Winter and Spring Programs:

Our winter and spring retreats at Desert Rose focus on the in-depth study of core spiritual literature and historical texts. Set in the serene desert environment of Arizona, we enjoy a perfect winter retreat environment. These programs provide ain ideal opportunity for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Fees, Prerequisites, and Materials:

Attendees are required to register in advance, with fees covering all sessions, meals, and materials. Specific prerequisites for participation and a list of materials to be studied will be provided upon registration.

Registration:

Registration includes 6 meals, materials and accommodations in our dormitory. If you would prefer to rent a private apartment, these can be booked separately using the link bit.ly/drbi-rentals. Apartments fill up quickly and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so book quickly.

If apartments are full and you prefer not to stay in the dormitory, here is a list of nearby hotels.

Alternatively, we have boondocking-style RV parking for guests and volunteers at no additional cost. These have no power or hookups, just a water and dump station.

Transportation:

DRBI does not yet own a shuttle van but numerous shuttle and Uber options exist from the Phoenix airport only 45 minutes away.

Donations:

Support for our programs is greatly appreciated, and additional donations can be made to help us continue offering these enriching experiences. https://givebutter.com/drbiffa