Summer Schools in the United Kingdom
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Summer schools offer an environment of learning, companionship, sharing and service. Shoghi Effendi wrote in October 1947: “Summer school is, indeed, a wonderful experience, for at the present time it is the only institution that affords the Bahá’ís…an opportunity of all living together, for however short time, as a community, and this and the spirit it engenders, has a very inspiring affect.”
And in May 1932, the Guardian wrote: “How wonderful it would be if all the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools and take an active part in their development.”
Click here to find out more and register for this year’s schools in the United Kingdom.
Southern England
Registration is now open for the Southern England Summer School. The school takes place from 12-17 August at Ardingly College in West Sussex. This year the theme is A Period of Special Potency, highly appropriate for this special time between the two bicentennial celebrations of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and the Birth of the Báb and the spiritual impetus it brings to all that we do.
Dr. Penny Walker from the United States, a former Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, and Dr. David Walker, will be offering a number of insightful and inspiring sessions during the second half of the school.
Summer School courses include The Life and Ministry of the Báb; The Dawn-breakers; The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; The Kitáb-i-Íqán; The Individual, the Institutions and the Community; and This Human Life. Institute courses will also run. The evening programme will include performances by The Turbans, Geoff and Michaela Smith, a film and a dramatic presentation.
Northern England
Also themed A Period of Special Potency, the setting for this Summer School, from 10-15 August, is Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate, York. Dr. Penny Walker and Dr. David Walker will also be offering sessions in the first half of the school. Courses include Letters to the Kings; The Dawn-breakers; The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; Wealth and Prosperity; The Kitáb-i-Íqán. Institute courses are also on offer.
Northern Ireland
Registration is now open for the 2018 Northern Ireland Bahá’í Summer School, 16-20 August at Lorne House, Craigavad, Holywood.
The theme of this year’s school is Make Me a Brilliant Light. Plenaries will be given by Wendi Momen, with courses by Brendan MacNamara and Zarin Hainsworth. A full programme is offered for children and junior youth, as well as a host of activities, workshops and talks. Contact the registrar at neginrsc@hotmail.co.uk or by telephoning 07855 415207.
The costs of attending the school have been held at last year’s prices and the early bird discount will apply until the 12th of July. More information here.
Scotland
The Scottish Bahai Summer School, 28 July-1 August, will take place once again at the lovely Strathallan School in the Highlands. The school has a distinctive atmosphere of happy and inclusive fellowship, built on a foundation of stimulating and enjoyable programmes, open to all.
The theme this year is Light to the World. Lameh Fananapazir will be running a course on Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. Tahir Taherzadeh will present The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh: Uniting Hearts and Souls. There is also a Scottish Gathering on Sunday 29 July as part of the school. This is a free event sponsored by the Bahá’í Council for Scotland. The day celebrates Bahá’u’lláh and what it means to be a Bahá’í living in Scotland. Spaces are limited to 200.
Wales
The Bahá’í Council for Wales decided that the next step in the on-going development of the Welsh school is to focus on it being part of the ongoing process of community-building in Wales. To this end, it set a goal for 40 new people from Wales to attend this year’s school. This goal has been exceeded. The School is fully booked, but friends who wish to attend can be added to a waiting list in case of cancellations.