Adult Program
Our Adult morning plenary program features Saphira Rameshfar, member of the National Spiritual Assembly, who will share vital insights into the guidance of the current global plan and help us explore how to build unity and collaboration across every level of society, unleashing our collective society-building capacities.
Following lunch, the friends will be engaged in small group discussions focusing on the January 18, 2019 letter of the Universal House of Justice on Peace. This pivotal letter is certain to impact future generations as we strive to anchor our communities in a vision of shared identity and common purpose.
Links to additional texts that are referenced throughout the plenary can be can be found below in English and Spanish
Other options will be offered for late afternoon each day. Beginning at 4:30 pm, there will be presentations and you are encouraged to choose those that appeal to your interests! Click here for descriptions and locations
Morning Plenary - Saphira Rameshfar
Friday
“Global Peace and Prosperity”
Focusing on the international sphere, we will examine how the Bahá’í International Community contributes to global discourses on peace and social progress, drawing upon the experience and learning generated by communities around the world. Participants will reflect on the 1985 peace statement, The Promise of World Peace, and consider humanity’s collective responsibility in an age of increasing turbulence and interdependence.
Saturday
At the national level, this session will consider how havens of peace are being built through the efforts of the Bahá’í community in the United States. We will explore the progress of the Nine Year Plan, the development of clusters and regions across the country, and the significance of the National Spiritual Assembly’s recent initiative, “A Common Endeavor”. Participants will examine how diverse populations across the nation are learning to work together in service, creating patterns of unity and collaboration that contribute to the transformation of society.
“Advancing a Common Endeavor"
Sunday
“Building Haven’s Where we Stand”
The final session will focus on the vital role each individual and community plays in creating havens of peace at the local level. Drawing on recent guidance from the Universal House of Justice, we will explore the spiritual qualities, relationships, and patterns of action that sustain vibrant communities. Through reflection on practical examples and the experience of grassroots community building, participants will consider how simple acts of service, carried out in a spirit of humility, collaboration, and learning, contribute to the emergence of a peaceful and ever-advancing civilization.
Adult Afternoon Session
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Facilitator Led Discussion and Reading of the January 18, 2019 letter of the Universal House of Justice on Peace.
Check your name badge for your Group # and the program pamphlet for location
Afternoon Electives
Special Presentations
4:30 - 6:00 PM
Please refer to the schedule for dates and locations
Understanding Huququ’llah: It’s Purpose and Impact
Gold Room B
Saturday and Sunday
“The institution of Ḥuqúqu’lláh......will provide the material resources necessary for great collective enterprises designed to improve all aspects of life and will be a powerful element in the growth of a world civilization.”
- The Universal House of Justice
Being a Baha’i in Business
Blue Room A/B
Friday Only
The Supreme Gift: An Interactive Introduction to Baha’u’llah’s Covenant
Gold Room A
Saturday and Sunday
In this dynamic 1.5 hour introductory session we will take a high-level interactive look at the themes of Ruhi Book 8: The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, focusing on what is described as Bahá’u’lláh’s “supreme gift to humanity”
Rhythms of Peace: Rap as Artistic Expression
Green Room A/B
Friday Only
In this workshop, participants will explore how to use rap as a powerful form of artistic expression that can generate joy, strengthen bonds of unity, disseminate knowledge, and contribute to the betterment of the world, focusing on the summer school’s theme of “Havens of Peace”. Whether you’re an experienced artist or have never written a lyric before, this session will offer practical tools and spiritual insights for using creativity in service to humanity.
ISGP Seminar for University Students: An Overview
Pearson
Friday and Sunday
What does it look like to align daily business operations with the spiritual principles of the Bahá'í Faith?
As business owners, we face a constant stream of practical decisions—from managing finances and handling difficult client situations to navigating competition and fostering a healthy workplace culture. While the business world often dictates one path, our faith invites us to explore another.
Join us for an informal afternoon study and discussion group as we explore what it truly means to be a Bahá'í business owner. Together, we’ll look at common, real-world business scenarios and consult on the distinct paths we might choose to take when guided by Bahá'í principles.
The Basics of Being A Baha’i
Blue Room A/B
Saturday and Sunday
Are you learning about the Baha’i Faith or have you recently become a Baha’i? Here’s an opportunity to explore some topics and get your questions answered about the Baha’i calendar, the Fund, the administration, the Covenant, the institute process, service opportunities.
Finding Your Calling: Exploring Careers on Your Path of Service
Cokesbury
Friday and Sunday
New and returning participants welcome. Previous attendance not required.
This intergenerational workshop welcomes both parents and youth (ages 15–25), whether attending together or individually. Designed for anyone navigating career exploration, this year’s workshop revisits themes introduced in last year’s session while incorporating new activities, reflections, and career exploration tools.
Through interactive activities, guided reflection, thoughtful study of the Baha’i Writings, and a career interest assessment, participants will explore their natural strengths, interests, and values while gaining insight into career and service pathways that align with who they are. Participants will also reflect on how meaningful work can contribute to the well-being of others and society.
Facilitated in a personal capacity by Adelia Douglas, a career coach at the University of South Florida, this workshop draws on nine years of experience guiding students toward meaningful, purpose-driven career paths.
All are welcome to attend a session to learn more about the seminar program for Baha’i university students offered by the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP). The annual seminar, offered for Florida youth at the Magdalene Carney Baha’i Institute in West Palm Beach, is part of a four-year program has been designed to accompany students through four years of university studies. This offering is one of many global seminars that, together, serve youth from over 100 countries.
The purpose of these intensive seminars is to raise the consciousness of youth about the importance of engaging in action and discourse directed towards social change; to develop their capacity to reflect, to analyze, and to learn from action; to explore elements of a conceptual framework for contributing to the advancement of civilization; to provide them with tools to understand and analyze the culture in which they are immersed as well as the content of the university courses they are studying; to help them assume ownership of their education; and to assist them in their efforts to acquire the kind of knowledge that will enable them to live fruitful, productive and meaningful lives.
Youth, parents of high school and college students, and community members that wish to better understand the aims of the ISGP seminar and how to support youth in their communities to attend, are all warmly encouraged to join this session.
Baha’i Book Store
Southern Flame is excited to host a bookstore that will be open during all breaks! Visit us in the Atrium of the Cafeteria to explore a wide selection of resources for all your educational and teaching needs. Don’t miss the chance to stop by and stock up!
“The institution of the Summer School constitutes a vital and inseparable part of any teaching campaign, and as such ought to be given the full importance it deserves in the teaching plans and activities of the believers.”
— Centers of Baha’i Learning
