July 28th through August 1st, 2008
[Pdf version]

This summer, teens from all around the DC area will be coming together for an exciting and unique learning experience brought to you by the Reformed Institute.  The Summer Academy represents a new kind of offering for confirmed teenagers—an opportunity to reach beyond their knowledge from Sunday school and high school and delve deep into the heart of the Christian tradition.  Taught by highly acclaimed and experienced professors, the Academy will prove to be  a one-of-a-kind educational experience.  Teens will encounter new ways of thinking and begin to understand the real spirit of what it means to be “Reformed”.   Participants will be exposed to the best type of educational setting, in which they will grow their abilities to think critically, bridge their understanding of their church learning with their exposure to the history of religion in school, and be further prepared to take on even more challenging academic and faith oriented endeavors.  They will also, of course, get the chance to know fellow youth from the DC area, as well as have the opportunity to get to know our wonderful teachers.

The Program

Making Sense of God
Reformed Christians are monotheists—even radical monotheists.  What does that mean?  What are “gods”?  Why do people have them?  What is the basis of the belief that there is one true God?  Who holds that idea?  What are its implications?  What role has it played in the development of Protestant Christianity? Dr. R. Bruce Douglass, Professor at Georgetown University and Director of the Reformed Institute, will help participants think critically about these questions and more, focusing on theological reflection and the Reformation. 

Martin Luther Matters
A distressed and angry monk changed history five hundred years ago.  Why did Martin Luther and so many other Reformation era people care so much about religion?  Learn what Luther did, why he did it, and what difference his words and actions make to you.  Dr. Ann White, former teacher at the Edmund Burke School and member of the Reformed Institute’s “Company of Teachers,” will guide students through the fascinating times of the Protestant Reformation.

Drama and the Reformation
Accomplished actor and teacher Ann Timmons will bring an extra special dramatic approach to understanding faith and the Reformation.  Students will study themes of the Reformation through varied theatre games, improvisations, and exercises.  Students will further explore the content of their new historical and theological understandings through drama (developing scenes, characters, and more). 

A Day at the Academy

9:30-9:45            Morning Worship
9:50-11:45          Martin Luther Matters
11:45-12:15        Lunch
12:15-1:45          Drama and the Reformation
1:45-2:00            Snack Break
2:00-3:30            Making Sense of God
3:30                    Pickup

Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have completed the first year of high school and made their public profession of faith (“confirmation”) by the start of the program.  All applicants must have the endorsement of both a parent/guardian and their pastor or educator.  Please fill out and mail in the included application/nomination form with your $75 deposit no later than May 1st, 2008.  Space is limited—submit your application soon!!!

When:  July 28th-August 1st
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily
Where: National Presbyterian Church
             4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW
             Washington, D.C.
             Walking distance to the Tenleytown metro!
Cost:    $200 (Readings and lunch included)

Candidate Registration Form: Deadline May 1st
Mail with $75 deposit (made out to the Reformed Institute) to Casey FitzGerald, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA 22302.

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Name                                                   Birthday (M/D/Y)

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Street Address

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City                                          State                            Zip

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Telephone Number

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Parent/Guardian Name (Print)

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Parent/Guardian Signature                   Date

Please have Pastor/Educator fill out the following:

By July of 2008 will this candidate have finished the equivalent of a confirmation class and made his/her first public profession of faith?  Yes/No

In signing below, I hereby recommend  _________________
for the Summer Academy.

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Pastor/Educator’s Name

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Pastor/Educator’s Signature                          Date

Please make checks payable to the Reformed Institute and send to Casey FitzGerald, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302.