Programs for Everyone
You can now register with a toll-free call: 1.800.894.9716
There’s still room for YOU at these upcoming sessions!
Please note: program details are subject to change.
Initial and Advanced Animator Training
July 4 – 9, 2008
Aaron Brungardt, in Collaboration with the
Central States Regional Training Institute
Giving life to junior youth groups is a most significant act of service to humanity. Animators arise to assist local junior youth, ages 12–15, to build spiritual and intellectual capacities, encourage and prepare them to make a positive impact on their homes, their neighborhoods, and their overall community. The pre-requisites for this course are Ruhi Books 1, 2, 3 and 4. This course is for young adults and older youth who are committed to starting a junior youth group in their communities; 16– and 17–year-old youth will also be considered for admission to this program. All those who have already advanced the process of entry by troops by starting a junior youth program are also welcome to come and share learning and experiences.
This program will be offered to all youth attending the Persian American session.
Persian American Bahá’í Studies
July 4 – 9, 2008
Louhelen Accommodations are FULL. Accepting day students only. Call for alternative lodging options.
The Secret of Divine Civilization
with Behrooz Sabet
From the Twin Manifestations
to the Five Year Plan
with Jena Khadem Khodadad and Manuchehr Khodadad
Musician: Ava
This session is organized around two themes: First, a richly stirring expansion of our understanding of the Twin Manifestations, considering historical events and sacred writings relating to the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, and continuing with the Center of Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and The Tablets of the Divine Plan, as they inspire and provide the framework of the current Five Year Plan. The second theme considers The Secret of Divine Civilization, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visionary contribution to the reorganization of civilization, especially as it provides perspective and insights required for sustainable progress in the current stages of rapid community development being advanced by the processes of the Five Year Plan. The session includes music for an uplifting, joyful atmosphere and spiritual education for all ages.
Youth Eagle Summer Institute
July 11 – 16, 2008
Ruhiyyih Yuille, Joannie Yuille, and others
Work with a dynamic team of artists, positive community activists, and Ruhi tutors to express the spiritual message of Bahá’u’lláh through study, outreach, and service through the arts. Bring your friends and study Ruhi Book 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6. Whether you’re just beginning to learn about Bahá’u’lláh or you’ve already completed your sequence of Ruhi courses, this session is for you! If you’re a youth age 15–21, come to build bonds of true friendship and stretch your body, mind, and soul.
Spiritual Empowerment for Junior Youth
July 18 – 23, 2008
Sorry, this session is FILLED to capacity!
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Master Teacher
Melodie Yates, Barb Qualls, Nita Nicholie, Kim Isherwood, David Douglas, Omeed Badkoobeh, Nancy Scott, Joannie Yuille, and Ruhiyyih Yuille
Build a vibrant Bahá’í community in which junior youth, ages 12–14, support each other through prayer, recreation, fellow-ship, and fun. Study about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and discover self-confi-dence, a deepened reliance on God, profound love for humani-ty, eagerness to teach and serve, and abundant happiness. Bring your friends and learn to be as you truly want to be!
Family and Friends Session I
Cultivating Inner Vision
July 25 – 30, 2008
Louhelen Accommodations are FILLED to capacity! Accepting day students only. Call for alternative lodging options.
Linda Kavelin Popov and Dan Popov
Musicians: Helen Oney and Tangela Stanley
How do we discern our spiri-tual needs at each season of life and cultivate what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called “inner vision?” How can we be led by our souls instead of driven by our egos? This course focuses on the Bahá’í teach-ings regarding our inner life and private character and explores the spiritual tasks and opportunities of adult-hood. The session includes a spiritual education program for children and junior youth, service, family activities, and music to feed the soul.
Family and Friends Session II
August 1 – 6, 2008
Louhelen Accommodations are FILLED to capacity! Accepting day students only. Call for alternative lodging options.
The Manifestations of God
with John Hatcher
One Common Faith: Shifting Our World View
with Fereshteh Bethel
Musicians: Ernestine Atkins, Karen McCord, and Kay Yoder
Organized in two complementary parts, this session offers both profound and practical insights into the nature of a true culture of learning, change, and growth. Part One provides a vital glimpse into the extent of the Powers, Capacities, and Teaching Techniques of God’s Messengers—the Manifestations of God. A better understanding and appreciation of God’s educational plan for humanity allows us to appreciate how the sacrifices of these Messengers assist us individually and, as we align our actions with Their Divine Covenant, empowers humanity to progress. Part Two explores the dynamic connection between Bahá'u'lláh’s teaching of the oneness of all religions and the need to shift our worldview and behavior from an inward-looking orientation toward an outward-looking perspective. Participants will use the booklet “One Common Faith.” The session includes a spiritual education program for children and junior youth, service, family activities, and music to feed the soul.
Gospel Music Workshop
We're sorry, this session has been cancelled. Please attend one of our other sessions.
Spiritual Parenting, Part Two
August 1 – 6, 2008
Joannie and James Yuille
This course provides a process for parents to cultivate their children’s innate talents and capacities and guide them to con-tribute to the betterment of the human world. In addition, the course fosters an understanding of the importance of commu-nity life for raising children to become enthusiastic, contributing members of society. The session includes a spiritual education program for children and junior youth, service, family activities, and music to feed the soul.
Limited enrollment. $20 Materials Fee.
Spiritual Parenting, Part One
August 8 – 13, 2008
Hoda and David Kemp
This lively session engages participants in the joys and challenges of parenting through prayerful reflection, interactive learning, and opportunities to apply Bahá’í teachings to family life. This course provides practice in encouraging, guiding, training, and education of children within a loving spiritual environment. The session includes a spiritual education program for children and junior youth, service, family activities, and music to feed the soul.
Limited enrollment. $20 Materials Fee
Family and Friends Session III
August 8 – 13, 2008
Louhelen Accommodations are FILLED to capacity! Accepting day students only. Call for alternative lodging options.
Fostering a Climate of Encouragement
with Erica Toussaint
African Americans in the Bahá’í Faith
with Gwen Etter Lewis and Richard Thomas
Musicians: Ernestine Atkins and Kay Yoder
Two complementary strands explore the spiritual challenges people face in times of rapid change. One strand explores the history of African-American contributions to the growth of the Bahá’í Faith and the related spiritual challenges and changes. The other offers a deeply text-based, lively, laughter-filled workshop designed to assist participants to refine their understanding of the framework for action of the Five Year Plan and strengthen their skills to foster a climate of encouragement in their everyday lives. Study will focus on practical, daily applications of spiritual principles for creating unified, loving interactions in our families, communities, places of work, and society. The session includes a spiritual education program for children and junior youth, service, family activities, and music to feed the soul.
Pioneering Institute / SITA
August 15 – 17, 2008
Office of International Pioneering
In the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá outlines the “grand design for the spiritual conquest of the planet” and calls the believers to promulgate the Cause of God throughout the world. The Pioneer Training Program features study of the writings, a cross-cultural simulation activity, interaction with veteran pioneers, and assistance with the practical aspects of effective pioneering.
Please contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center for application materials.
$20 Materials Fee
Homecoming Weekend
August 29 – September 1, 2008
Don Rogers
Musicians: Lucy Shropshire and Bob Simms
A renowned artist, drawing on ideas from his forthcoming book, explores the process of creating art as a metaphor for the creative dynamics experienced in the process of entry by troops. Viewing the cluster as a compositional unit—as a paint-ing, so to speak—the Bahá’ís and the wider community of friends of the Faith become better “artists” as they become more spiritually conscious and learn to advance their “art” through spiritual conversations. The Homecoming weekend features heart-stirring music, spiritual education for children and junior youth, fellowship opportunities, and “home cookin’ for the soul!”
SNEAK PEEK! – Fall 2008
All programs subject to change.
| September 18 – 21 | Bahá’í Association for Mental Health Professionals |
| September 26 – 28 | Dorothy Marcic Presents |
| October 10 – 13 | Irfán Colloquium and Seminar |
| October 17 – 19 | Junior Youth Fall Session |
| October 30 – Nov. 2 | BNASAA |
| November TBD | Writers' Weekend |
| November 7 – 9 | Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Family Weekend |
| December 27 – Jan. 1 | Winter School Family Session |
