the spiritual climate on campus c h r i s t i a n u n i o n : : t h e m a g a z i n e
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DA R TM O U TH | On Campus
Summer Christian Fellowship
DARTMOUTH SOPHOMORES SEEK GOD IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS By Madeline Killen , Dartmouth ’ 18
The required Sophomore Summer term at Dartmouth College enables students to enjoy various outdoor activities in scenic Hanover , New Hampshire and the surrounding area as they take a typical course load of three classes .
During this season , the Dartmouth Summer Christian Fellowship is seeking to integrate this outdoor tradition with various worship and fellowship activities . Summer Christian Fellowship ( SCF ) is a fusion of all the ministries on campus , brought together by the need for community among the summer term ’ s smaller student body . Students from different ethnic and theological backgrounds are united , sharing traditions and sparking lively debate .
Summer Christian Fellowship hosts large group meetings with special guest speakers , book studies , and prayer meetings throughout the term . One of the book studies this summer is focusing on You Are What You Love : The Spiritual Power of Habit , by philosopher and Calvin College Professor James K . A . Smith .
The leadership of SCF emphasized outdoor activities as an important means of fostering community in a more diverse body . Outings spent hiking , swimming ,
Summer Christian Fellowship provides a place for worship , Bible study , and recreation for Dartmouth students .
Jessica Heine ‘ 19 , Colleen O ’ Connor ‘ 19 , Katie Wee ‘ 19 , and Amber Zimmerman ‘ 19 were members of Dartmouth Summer Christian Fellowship .
paddling , or climbing connect the group to shared identities as Dartmouth sophomores and children of a Creator God .
Amber Zimmerman ’ 19 is spearheading SCF ’ s outing activities , hoping the time spent in nature will build relationships within the class of 2019 .
“ Spending time together outdoors , away from academic and social pressures , could help strengthen the Christian community and bring the ’ 19s closer together as a class and family ,” she said .
India Perdue ’ 19 , a leader on SCF ’ s executive team , is optimistic about opportunities to increase involvement among students who have lighter extracurricular commitments and time for reflection .
“[ Sophomore Summer ] is just about the half way point in our Dartmouth careers , so everyone is evaluating how they ’ ve spent their time at Dartmouth thus far , and starting to decide what ’ s really important to them ,” she said .
Active social outings are also intended to welcome sophomores ( rising juniors ) who have been less involved with campus ministries , or are exploring their faith . Dartmouth students are often looking for ways to capitalize on the warm weather and fulfill their summer bucket list . By sponsoring traditional summer activities , SCF hopes to engage students who may be intimated by the large group meetings , book studies , or prayer meetings .
Above all , SCF leadership hopes to encourage strong relationships with God through the beauty of His creation . Starlit prayer nights ,