Summer Theology Institute: You Bet Your Life!
Does your life matter?
Have you thought about who you are and how you can make a difference?
Or is a meaningful and fulfilling life like a lottery ticket–just a matter of luck?
To help you explore these questions as you prepare to enter college, Furman University’s Center for Theological Exploration of Vocation has created a fun and inspiring 12-day residential conference for incoming Furman freshmen. We gather a group of thoughtful, mature and open-minded students who want to be stretched beyond their individual comfort zones. Guided by experienced Furman teachers and mentors and stimulated by new friends of different backgrounds, participants become more appreciative of their own “life stories” and what they have to teach about our vocation to become authentic and unique human beings.
Program Description
You Bet Your Life offers four primary resources for exploring vocation:
The resource of faith,
The resource of creative expression,
The resource of personal assessment, and
The resource of community service.
Each participant is challenged to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially through a variety of classroom, individual, small group and community activities. A morning theology class led by Dr. Bryan Bibb, Religion faculty, helps students identify, examine, and work within the beliefs of their own faith traditions. During the 12 days, students have the opportunity to explore vocation through the study of theology and scripture, personal narratives and movies, art, and music. A significant community service project brings classroom and personal learning to life as participants consider what it means to include others in the journey to vocational discernment.
Previous participants have described You Bet Your Life as a truly different kind of “summer camp” experience–both fun and deeply fulfilling, with lasting impact. An additional bonus for entering freshmen is that You Bet Your Life provides a ready-made group of friends and mentors at Furman!
Click here to check out photos from the ‘07 camp!
Costs
Program costs (food, lodging, materials, tuition) are covered in full by Furman University and a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements and costs to and from Furman.
Application Process
An online application follows. This year’s program is from June 15-27, 2008 and applications will be reviewed beginning on Monday, March 10, 2008. Note that a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher is required. The number of available spaces is limited to 24 and selection will be based on evidence of a serious interest in the topic. Applications for Early Decision Students will begin March 10. Spaces will saved for Regular Decision applicants. Applications will be accepted until all slots are filled. As an introduction to the program, you will be expected to read an assigned book about vocation. We will send each participant a copy to read prior to the conference.
For more information, contact:
Ann Quattlebaum
Lilly Center Coordinator
864-294-2511
Ann.Quattlebaum@furman.edu
Staff
Bryan Bibb, Religion faculty
David Bost, MLL faculty; Lilly Center Co-Director
Elaine Nocks, Psychology faculty; Lilly Center Director
Ann Quattlebaum, Lilly Center Coordinator
Greg Dover, B.A., Furman University, 2005
Karen Guth, B.A., Furman University, 2001
Emma Lake, B.A., Furman University, 2008
Mark Storslee, B.A., Furman University, 2005
Elaine Wilder, B.A., Furman University, 2004
The program is Christian in orientation but nonsectarian, and we welcome participants of any faith perspective. No attempt is made to indoctrinate or change beliefs. Students are simply offered ways to use their beliefs in discovery and analysis of their individual life’s goals and meanings.
Application:
