Additional Christian Science Activities

DiscoveryBound Adult Events —  DiscoveryBound Family programs help you connect with other Christian Scientists, challenge you to try new experiences, and focus on the practical application of Christian Science. Participate in DiscoveryBound Outreach at Local Chapter Activities or Regional Weekend Events to see Christian Science in action on your own, with family, or with friends of all faiths. You’ll find everything from online watercolor classes and book clubs to snow tubing or kayaking.

Local CS Nursing facilities  — Many of the Christian Science nursing facilities offer annual meetings, workshops, speakers, opportunities to volunteer, and other events throughout the year (online and in person). Most facilities will have upcoming events featured on their home page, or you can sign up for their email list and you’ll receive notifications about their activities.

Principia Lifelong Learning is a diverse educational program for adults interested in Christian Science, including Principia alumni, their spouses and friends, as well anyone new to Christian Science but not yet a church member. The emphasis is always on enrichment: expanded knowledge, fresh inspiration, and new friends. The program is organized into two areas: Trips and Summer Session

• Principia Trips — Principia Lifelong Learning tours are open to all travel enthusiasts who yearn for educational adventure. Designed for either independent or group travelers, these trips will immerse you in authentic experiences rich in learning and vast in cultural discovery. And, while the scenery may change, the friendships gained from your fellow, like-minded travelers are enduring.
• Principia Summer Session — Usually held in mid-June at Principia College, you’ll experience a discussion-based curriculum in topics such as: art, music, technology, photography, science, history, theatre, sports, law, politics, and religion. You’ll hear from authors, artists, musicians, and more. Activities include trips to the Opera Theatre and Botanical Gardens, as well as live entertainment, inspirational talks, and social gatherings!

The Willows “Thinking Forward” program  — This active residential community for mature Christian Scientists offers a unique current events program called “Thinking Forward.” This online interview series with leading thinkers covers a wide range of topics such as partisanship in the US, Mary Baker Eddy’s evolving political views, spiritually-impelled activism, brotherly love and social justice, humanity and the environment, and much more.

Bible Roads Workshops — Bible lecturer Madelon Maupin delivers online webinars on focused Bible topics. She also leads bi-yearly trips to the Holy Land and gives occasional in-person talks.

Early ChristianTexts — Bible scholar Shirley Paulson presents articles, podcasts, and courses which explore spiritual/historical questions raised by extra-canonical books, forgotten scriptures, and the "gnostic” gospels.

Biblos Foundation — Led by Kristy Christian, this program features articles, talks, weekly Bible-Lesson focused blogs, and tours of Israel and Patmos, Greece.

Seekers and Scholars (MBE Library podcast) — From the archives of the Library, these monthly podcasts cover a range of historical figures and their relationship to Christian Science.

CS Bible Insights — Kathy Merrill offers a weekly talk on the current Bible Lesson that provides historical information and research in the context of Christian Science. There are free and subscription options.

Christian Science camps — There are six camps scattered across the country (that includes one on an island off the west coast of Canada). These beloved camps aren’t just for children and teens — all of them include programs for singles, couples, and families. So, if you’d enjoy socializing in a natural setting with other Christian Scientists, you might try one out.

At all of the camps you’ll find:

• An inclusive, uplifted environment with an emphasis on Christian Science and making meaningful connections with other campers
• The freedom to participate at the level of physical activity you prefer — whether it’s chatting in the sun by a beautiful lake or peaking a 14,000-foot mountain
• Planned activities led by counselors, as well as the flexibility to create your own experience
• Sunday and Wednesday services, as well as informal inspirational sharing (could happen any time!)
• An on-site Christian Science practitioner and a Christian Science nurse
• A family camp program that is open to singles, couples, and families
• Clean-up weekends either in late spring or early autumn. It’s a time to help out camp while enjoying new friendships, group meals, board games at night, and of course, campfires

There is financial aid available for adults, children, and teens through the Campership Fund.

THE CAMPS (from east to west):

Newfound-Owatonna — Located in Maine, about 90 minutes from Portland, this tranquil, rustic camp is set on lovely Long Lake surrounded by evergreens and hills.

• Family Camp (usually in mid-August) features kayaking, canoeing, sailboating, water skiing, hiking, archery, tennis, and more. It has a robust arts-and-crafts program.
• Creative Arts (usually in late-August) is an adults-only environment, designed to encourage participants to develop skills in many different arts disciplines. Workshops may include silk-painting, mosaics, jewelry-making, songwriting, photography, cooking, music, and more. Each summer has a new roster of choices.

Crystal Lake Camps — Located about 90 minutes from Wilkes-Barre, PA, this intimate camp is set on Crystal Lake in the Endless Mountain chain of Pennsylvania.

• One-Week Adult/Family Camp — there are usually two adult/family camps, one held in late June and one in mid-August. Activities include boating, swimming, hiking, frisbee, crafts, and time to sit and talk.
• Fall for All — A long weekend in October with all the usual activities plus pumpkin-carving.
• Winter Camp Gathering — This unique weekend is a New Year’s retreat, with meals together, games, fires in Laughlin Lodge, and plenty of time to study, reflect, and talk with friends.

Camps Leelenau and Kohahna — Located about 45 minutes from Traverse City and a three-hour drive from Grand Rapids, the camp sits on bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes.

• Family Camp — Usually mid-August with kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, crafts, hikes, and quiet time.
• Men’s Weekend — Usually mid-September, this is a chance for CS men to connect with each other. Activities include road biking, golfing, gun range, waterskiing, sailing, evening bonfires, and more.
• Harvest Weekend for Women — usually early October, a time to connect with other CS women. Activities include beach walks, biking, bonfires, hiking the sand dunes, canoe trips, and crafts.

CedarS Camps — Located 2-1/2 hours southwest of St. Louis, this camp is set in the rolling hills, wooded trails, and flowing creeks of the Missouri Ozarks. This camp offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms.

• Family Camp — Usually held in early August and includes inspirational workshops plus a wide range of activities: Horseback riding, miniature horse carts, crafts, archery, swimming and much more.
• Memorial Day Weekend Camp — all the usual camp fun and friendships for a long weekend.
• Bible Study Fall Weekend — Usually held late-September/early October, this adults-only event is a time for in-depth study of a focused Bible topic, along with walks, communal meals, and fellowship.
• CedarS Mets — a weekly online metaphysical newsletter with audio
• CedarS Hymn Sing — An online hymn sing the first Sunday of each month with a worldwide family

Adventure Unlimited Ranches — Located in Buena Vista, CO, and a three-hour drive from the Denver airport, this camp sits at 8,000 feet, high in the Rocky Mountains.

• Family Camp — This highly-developed program usually offers three sessions, each in a different summer month, with activities that are as challenging or relaxing as you want.
• Adult Mini Camp — Usually held in late August, you’ll have your own adventure in a spiritually-nurturing atmosphere with horseback riding, cycling, hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the Rocky Mountain views.
• Christmas Camp — This unique session takes place on the six days surrounding Christmas. It’s full of traditional festivities and also features winter walks, skiing, and a warm room at the end of the day.

Camp Bow-Isle — Located off the western edge of British Columbia, this rustic island camp is a one-hour drive from the Vancouver airport, plus a 20-minute ferry ride.

• Women’s Weekend — Usually held in early June, it’s a gathering for women with a love of Christian Science. Connect with old and new friends, hear inspirational talks, hike, create art, and more!
• Family Camp — Two one-week sessions usually held in mid- to late-August. Activities include archery, hike, canoeing, swimming, crafts, and more.
• Men’s Weekend — Usually held in mid-September, it’s a chance for Christian Science men to meet old and new friends, hike in the Bowen forest, kayak, play games, and explore spiritual ideas.

Campership Fund — The Campership Fund provides financial assistance to individual Christian Scientists of any age to attend the CS camp of their choice.

If you know of other on-going and professionally-run Christian Science organizations that might be a good fit for this list, email us at info@RiperYears.org