summer youth vocation seminar
june 25-29, 2005

Theme: Dream, Plan, Act, Believe=Supersize Your Life

Following on the success of a pilot program last summer with Christ Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, this year's seminar was an exciting and meaningful program aimed at providing high school youth with a chance to think about their vocation in the context of community and the resources of a college campus.

22 students participanted from four different congregations that minister in an urban and multi-cultural setting: All Peoples, Milwaukee; Bethel, Chicago, IL; Christ, St. Paul, MN; and Purna Jiwan Mission, Chicago, IL.

This summer, Prof. Jayme Nelson, Nursing, and Prof. Karla Suomala, Religion, led the program in coordination with Pastor David Vasquez and the Office for College Ministries at Luther.

During the nearly five days, they examined what vocation means in terms of living out our lives as the people of God. Within this framework they thought about educational, career and life goals, and the role of faith in discerning those goals. In addition, they talked about some the obstacles and challenges that present themselves to first generation and/or multi-cultural students as they look at their futures.

In thinking about these “big” ideas, they did a lot of hands-on, experiential learning. For example, they visited the Amish community in Harmony, Minnesota, to see how this distinct community lives out a calling grounded in their faith tradition. They also looked at vocational roles in preserving and caring for the environment with trips to a working farm and a trip to Seed Savers. Pictured are visits to a dairy farm and Seed Savers.

On campus, a series of interactive presentations were planned, where the students had the opportunity to talk to a representative from Admissions, the director of the Diversity Center, students and professors from the College, and the President of Luther College, Rick Torgerson.

A visit with President Torgerson

Part of the time was spent having fun with each other on campus and around Decorah. They went to the local movie theater, had a picnic in Phelps Park, weny bowling, and sampled cold treats at Decorah's local landmark, Whippy Dip.

For more information contact Vocation Program Secretary Connie Barclay at barcco01@luther.edu.

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