"I like finding answers to questions I have about my faith, and SUMMA teaches you to do that."
– Allie from Memphis, Tennessee
I am not a religious person and/or of the Episcopal Faith. Can i still apply to summa?
The answer is yes! SUMMA is, by definition and character, a “theological debate camp.” This means that our program–resolutions, lectures, seminars, readings, and debates–will focus on theological topics and controversies within the rich and inclusive context of the University of the South’s Episcopal identity, a key facet of our 2024-2030 Strategic Plan. Year after year, campers tell us that SUMMA marked a pivotal point in their lives by sparking their intellectual curiosity, preparing them for college, cultivating an appreciation for the art of rhetoric, and strengthening their appreciation for Christian faith traditions. While SUMMA participants need not be Episcopalian or identify as Christian to have a meaningful time, the program will investigate its subject matter from a Christian theological standpoint. This means that participants engaging in theological debate at SUMMA agree to research, appraise, and draw upon various sources of knowledge–both sacred and secular–to craft original, clear, and compelling arguments. The decision of how (and how best) to do so remains entirely within the purview of the participants; staff are here to guide and support them in that process.
What is worship like at SUMMA?
Worship is an important part of how we build community at SUMMA camp. Each morning begins and closes in Chapel of the Apostles with Compline, Scripture reading, singing, and prayer led by Father Warren. Staff and campers are invited as volunteers who also lead Compline. Camp also opens (July 14) and closes (July 21) with a Eucharist in beautiful All Saints' Chapel. Communion, or an optional blessing, are a part of the Eucharist; campers may choose how to engage in these parts of worship. Parents, guardians, and friends of campers are invited to join SUMMA for the closing Eucharist on July 21 at 4:00 p.m. in All Saints'.
"I very much enjoyed morning prayer and compline. i felt as if it was the perfect way to start and end each day."
– Kelcie from Jacksonville, Alabama
What are the theology lectures like?
For the first full five days of camp, SUMMA debaters will attend two lectures per day where there will be opportunity for instruction, dialogue, and debate. Theology lectures, led by the Rev. Warren Swenson, focus on how different religious traditions come to bear on the camp resolution, while tackling more broadly the question of "faith seeking understanding." Lectures are interactive and meant to help prepare participants not only for debating at SUMMA, but also for speaking effectively and ethically as engaged citizens in their homes, schools, congregations, and communities.
What are the theology seminars like?
Each camper participates in a small-group seminar to further discuss the material covered in the Theology Lectures. Seminars offer additional time and space to dig deeply into questions about the resolution and how different theological traditions come to bear on the resolution.
Who leads the seminars?
Seminar leaders bring different kinds of expertise and wisdom to a context where campers can continue exploring the theological aspects of the camp resolution. Past seminar leaders have included faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of the South, the School of Theology at The University of the South, church leaders, and visiting guests. Here are some recent seminar leaders:
- Faculty in the English Department at The University of the South: Dr. Virginia Craighill, Dr. Bill Engel, Dr. Ross MacDonald, and Dr. Lauryl Tucker
- Faculty in the Environmental Studies Department at The University of the South: Dr. Eric Ezell
- Faculty in the Politics Department at The University of the South: Dr. Amy Patterson
- Faculty in the Philosophy Department at The University of the South: Dr. Mark Hopwood
- Faculty in the Religious Studies Department at The University of the South: Dr. Eric Thurman
- Faculty and staff from the School of Theology at The University of the South: Walker Adams, Dr. Courtney Cowart, Dr. Robert MacSwain, Dr. Andy Thompson
- Faculty and staff from the Office of Civic Engagement and Dialogue Across Difference Programs: Dr. Lydia Reinig
- Clergy at All Saints' Chapel at The University of the South: Rev. Amanda Gott, Dr. Melissa Hartley
- Research Help Librarians at The University of the South: Linnea Minich and Dr. Romulus Stefanut
- Educational Consultants: Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton
- Clergy of the Episcopal Church: Rev. Ryan Currie, Rev. Duncan Gray, Rev. Bishop Gretchen Rehberg
