CONFIDENT IN
BUILDING FAITH
SUMMA is a banner program of the Beecken
Center of the School of Theology at the University
of the South, founded in the confidence that
knowledge and reason are foundational to faith.
SUMMA Theological Debate Camp offers high
school students the opportunity to build their
faith through intellectual channels.
Through Intellect
Knowledge Reason
THEOLOGICAL DEBATE
SUMMER
CAMP
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
Students are freed from the grips of
fashionable thinking by learning how to
question claims, ask for evidence, and
examine warrants.
SEWANEE, TENNESSEE
Held at the School of Theology at the
University of the South—one of the most
beautiful college campuses in the United
States—SUMMA Camp offers a rich, uniquely
meaningful experience which includes:
•TOOLS for thinking;
As a program of the University of the South
(owned by 28 dioceses of The Episcopal
Church), SUMMA is grounded in the Anglican
tradition.
•KNOWLEDGE of the Christian
theological tradition;
•SKILLS in public speaking and debate;
•ENGAGEMENT with cutting-edge topics
such as religion and science, social ethics,
and interfaith relations.
Its approach, however, is ecumenical and
open to students of any faith (including
“none”), who would like to understand and
better articulate the Christian faith.
“Speak the truth in love.”
335 Tennessee Ave.
Sewanee, TN 37383
EPHESIANS 4:15
No prior theological study or debate
experience is needed.
CHALLENGING
Debate Discussion
Faith, Hope Love
O
n the first day of camp, a resolution is
introduced, which is the focus of study and
debate during the week.
SUMMA can be an exhilarating and eye-opening
experience for any young person who wants to build
his or her faith intellectually.
Some of the propositions SUMMA campers
have debated in the past include:
High school students from across the country gather
for one week each summer and learn four spiritually
important skills:
RESOLVED: Euthanasia is morally justified.
RESOLVED: Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus.
Outside the church, there is no
salvation.
RESOLVED: Christian marriage is a solemn
and public covenant between
a man and a woman in the
presence of God.
(The Book of Common Prayer)
RESOLVED: Christians, Muslims, and Jews
all worship the same God.
• How to THINK carefully,
imaginatively, and fluidly;
FRIENDSHIP
Deeper Faith
SUMMA’s atmosphere is college-like with challenging
lectures and stimulating seminar discussions, but
camp is not all work! There is plenty of time for
sports, games, movies, music, and even bowling!
Each day begins and ends with prayer and
contemplative reflection in the beautiful Chapel of the
Apostles, framing work and play.
With SUMMA, we strive toward deeper understanding
of the Christian faith by probing and debating
questions with skill and intellectual distinction.
“Speaking the truth in love,” as St. Paul admonished
the Ephesians, is a practice followed throughout camp.
• How to EXPRESS oneself clearly;
• How to EXPLORE faith in relation to
science, history, and philosophy;
• How to ARGUE lovingly.
In SUMMA, debate is taught because debating leads
to clearer and careful thinking, and clearer thinking
opens pathways deeper into faith, hope, and love.
Cost Application
JULY 18–26, 2017
Open to high school students entering
grades 9–12 in the fall of 2017
APPLY ONLINE
summa.sewanee.edu
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 1, 2017
$750
Includes room, all meals, and materials
Students with a demonstrated financial need may apply for a
limited number of partial and full scholarships.
There are no fees to apply. Upon admission, students must
secure a place in the program with a $100, non-refundable
registration fee. All camp fees must be paid by June 15, 2017.
Applications are considered when fully completed (including
recommendations) in the order they are received. Beyond the
enrollment limit, qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
The cost of registration for every student attending SUMMA is
partially defrayed through donations, grants, and an endowment.
MORE INFORMATION
The Rev. Cindy Fribourgh, Program Director
501.580.9066 • [email protected]
Walker Adams, Recruitment Specialist
913.832.6434 • [email protected]