Here are our upcoming sessions.
We have a new online registration system!
Or you can still register with a toll-free call: 1-800-894-9716
Please note: program details are subject to change.
Bahá’í Studies
presented in Persian and English
Almost Full! Please contact registrar for availability information.
July 3 – 8
Music with Ava
The Writings of the Báb
Nader Saiedi
This course studies the writings of the Báb with emphasis on the message and the worldview that are contained in them. The amazing complexity and depth of the writings of the Báb is the most well-kept secret in our modern history. This course is an invitation to unlock the gate of the heart.
Bahá’u’lláh and the Transforming Power of His Creative Word
Sateh Bayat
We will study the creative power of Baha'u'llah's Revelation through stories that demonstrate the creative energies dwelling within this Revelation, a Revelation which will, through Divine power, ultimately transform this disillusioned human society into a united world community that is destined to attain the long-awaited Kingdom of God on earth.
The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
Ghasem Bayat
During this session we will provide a list of the most well-known Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and then present a brief introduction to some, such as The Hidden Words, The Seven and Four Valleys, Book of Certitude, Proclamation Tablets, Tablet to Christians, Kitáb-i Badi, and the Tablet to the Shaykh. As part of the course, time will be set aside for questions and answers.
A dynamic educational program for children and junior youth is included.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
Youth Eagle Summer Institute
July 10 – 15
Carlos Arboleda, Jamal De Gruy, Michelle Ernst, Vahid Rowhani, Joannie Yuille, Ruhiyyih Yuille, Jonathan Kamrava, and David Douglas
Very popular last year, this session includes a variety of options for study and arts. Courses for study and inspiration will include Ruhi Books 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, as well as The Advent of Divine Justice. Art options will include drama, music, creative writing, poetry, spoken word, photography and visual art.
Youth ages 15 –18... $385
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Spiritual Empowerment for Junior Youth:
Shoghi Effendi, the Sign of God on Earth
Almost Full! Please contact registrar for availability information.
July 17 – 22
Melodie Yates, Barbara Qualls, Kim Isherwood, David Douglas, Eileen Lozen- Kowalski, Vahid Rowhani, Michelle Ernst, Dick Yates, Joannie Yuille, and Ruhiyyih Yuille
Junior youth, ages 12–14, strengthen their spirit of joy and happiness, deepen their spiritual strength to face and overcome challenges, and build lasting friendships with diverse youth from many places. This session
offers study of Shoghi Effendi, as well as music, fellowship,
devotions and fun! Bring your seekers and friends.
Juior Youth ages 12 – 14 ... $385
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This session is almost full! Call us for current capacity information. |
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Family & Friends I
July 24 – 29
Music with Sacred Flame
Effectively Responding to Challenging Questions
with Dale Eng
The Universal House of Justice says believers must, “with patience and humility, respond to challenging or skeptical questions while unfolding the purposes” of Bahá’u’lláh’s universal Teachings. This interactive session offers opportunities for believers new and old to enhance teaching skills covered in Ruhi Books 2 and 6.
Sharing the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with Christians with Russell Ballew
This course cultivates capabilities that empower believers to confidently share their Faith and relay the Covenant of God in a manner that resonates with the hearts of Christians.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
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Spiritual Parenting: The Joys and Challenges
July 24– 29
Joannie and James Yuille
Let’s face it, parenting is hard work. The Yuilles, experienced parents and parenting trainers, return with this session you will find informative, engaging, enlightening and empowering.
$20 materials fee.
Adults ... $385
Children ... $165
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Friends & Family II
July 31 – August 5
Music with Cara Williams
Two Calls of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with Shannon Javid
This course will delve into the “progress of the material world” and the “soul-stirring call of God”; the Faith’s vision of the future and the progressive stages of its unfolding role in society; the increasing receptivity and breakdown occurring in society and our need to develop capacity to respond, as part of our step by step, plan by plan, unfolding role in the society at large.
The Global Effort to Edify the Souls of Men with Michael and Kathy Penn
According to the world’s wisdom traditions, the prosperity of humankind depends upon the protection, development and refinement of the human spirit. This course will draw upon a range of sacred Tablets and Epistles in order to examine the relationship between spiritual literacy and human development.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
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Fostering a Spiritual Family
July 31 – August 5
Hoda and David Kemp
Creating an environment that fosters spiritual growth for every member of the family is an ongoing task. This course provides practice in encouraging, guiding, training and educating children within a loving spiritual environment and explores practical tools that can be used in everyday family situations including the skills of reflection, consultation and problem solving so vital to the health of our families at this crucial time.
$20 materials fee.
Adult ... $385
Children ... $165
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Family & Friends III
August 7 – 12
Music with Kay Yoder and Candice Yoder Salmon
A Posture of Learning, the Culture of Growth, and Coherence with Muin Afnani and June Thomas
Examine the growth of the Bahá’í community since the beginning of the 20th century and the world wide learning that lead to the present set of Plans. The Baha’i community is beginning to learn about creating coherence between the processes of expansion and consolidation and two new fields of activities, Social Action and Advancing Discourses of Society.
Transformation and the Word of God with Brett Gamboa
Learning to depend on the power of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, to transform ourselves through the Word God into a new race of spiritual warriors, able to articulate and offer the beauty of God’s Revelation, and translate it to balm for the sores and upliftment from the sadnesses that afflict humanity, can be elusive. This course will focus on what it means to “quaff the Mystic Wine of everlasting life.”
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
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Who Said We Couldn't Give “Anna's Presentation”
With Music?
August 7 – 12
Van Gilmer
Music is a ladder for the soul. Why not use it to lift spirits while teaching the fundamental verities of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh? Learn the appropriate music and develop the presentation to go with it. This is an interactive program that will include your input and will require you to be familiar with all aspects of Anna’s presentation.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
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Family & Friends IV
August 14 – 19
Music with Karen McCord and Scott Lee
Building Spiritual Communities
with Solomon Atkins, Nasrin Shadman-Atkins, and John Woodall
Come to a living experience of the love of God and celebrate the appearance of Bahá’u’lláh as the fulfillment of that love. We will examine the need for spiritual community and the value of the core activities as a revolutionary and dynamic way to express that love through community, and how the power of the Word of God expressed in community assists us to mine those gems of divine virtue within to transform our lives, our families, our communities and our world..
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $385
Children ... $165
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Pioneer Orientation Program
August 14 – 16
Office of International Pioneering
The Universal House of Justice has asked the U.S. community to provide the lion’s share of pioneers to the world during this Plan. Prepare yourself to serve in the international field at this Pioneer Orientation Program, whether you plan to leave in a month or sometime within the coming year. This Program features study of the writings, cross-cultural simulation activities, interaction with veteran pioneers, and assistance with the practical aspects of effective pioneering. Please see www.pioneer.usbnc.org and contact the Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center (Pioneer@usbnc.org; 847-733-3511)
$20 Materials Fee
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $154
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Homecoming 2009:
Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on World Peace
September 4 – 7 
Music with Vernell Crumbaugh
Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on World Peace
Sovaida Maani Ewing, Nader Saeidi
Peace is the central value and the ultimate goal of the Bahá’í Faith. The world is now recognizing the urgency and necessity of peace as the most challenging issue of our time. Investigate different theories of war and peace and compare them with Bahá’u’lláh’s multidimensional approach to realizing a permanent and universal peace, and focus on the relevance of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to solving pressing global problems with practical actionable solutions. Join us for an uplifting extended weekend of learning and discussion.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $231
Children ... $99
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Bahá’í Participation on the Internet
September 18 – 20 
Glen Fullmer, Office of Communications
Matt Weinberg, Program Director of Bahá’í Internet Agency, Bahá’í World Center
A weekend for webmasters, bloggers, Public Information Officers, or just individuals interested in Communications and the Internet. Led by the staff of the Baha'i National Center's Office of Communications, this session will review recent guidance from the Bahá'í World Center pertaining to Bahá'í activity on the Internet and examine case studies and best practices for local community websites; teaching online; and blogs, social networking and other forms of individual initiative online.
Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $154
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SNEAK PEEK! – Fall/Winter Highlights 2009
All programs subject to change.
| September 18 – 20 | Death, The Door to the Mansions of Heaven |
| September 18 – 20 | Bahá’í Participation on the Internet |
| September 23 – 27 | Bahá’í Association for Mental Health |
| October 9 – 12 | Írfán Colloquium |
| October 23 – 25 | The Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh |
| October 23 – 25 | Spiritual Empowerment for Junior Youth |
| Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 | College Students’ Weekend: Studies, Service, and Social Action |
| Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 | America’s Spiritual Destiny |
| November 6 – 8 | Thrilling Opportunities! |
| November 13 – 15 | A Coherent Approach to Growth |
| November 20 – 22 | Characterized by an Abiding Sense of Joy |
| Dec. 27 – Jan. 1 | Family Winter School |
