Registration for this year's Expanding Horizons program at Maryville College is now underway, offering high school students from ninth to twelfth grade the chance to delve into theological studies within a college setting. Described as a "theological institute for high school youth," the week-long summer camp will run from June 22-27 on the Maryville College campus, as reported by Maryville College. The program aims to provide an immersive experience that includes worship, biblical study, and college life.
The Reverend Paul Earheart-Brown, an alum of both the college and the Expanding Horizons program, now serves as the associate chaplain at Maryville College and the director of the program, he returns to the role with a mission to engage students in the academic environment of the college where they can be surrounded by mentors, peers, and professors, learning and growing in their own unique ways. "Expanding Horizons provides a summer camp experience in that we eat, worship, study the Bible and have small group time together, through which the students grow close throughout the week, even after coming to Maryville College as strangers," Earheart-Brown told Maryville College. He emphasizes the camp's mission to develop leadership skills and prepare students for their futures post-high school.
Former participant Lauren Huffstetler, who is now a junior at the college, found the program pivotal in her own faith journey and leadership development. Her experience included a blend of learning, community bonding, and personal challenges that extended to her decision to return as a mentor. "The small group discussions about faith, leadership and vocation pushed me to reflect on my own path, and the evening worship services created a space for connection and reflection," Huffstetler shared in a Maryville College interview.
The theme for this year’s program, "Created to Create: Caring for Creation as God’s Co-Creators," will examine the intersection of theology and ecology, guided by the expertise of religion and natural science faculty at Maryville College. Earheart-Brown, reflecting on the theme, points to mankind's unique role as co-creators with God, a notion that will be explored during the program through creativity and academic exploration, "We will explore our own creativity while also studying the intersection of theology and ecology with both Religion professors and Natural Science professors," he explained in the college's announcement.
Expanding Horizons is not just about affirming faith but also embracing its questions, designed to foster an environment where students can express doubt, engage in meaningful dialogue, and grow intellectually and spiritually. "We don’t expect any student to fully agree with us on any of our convictions in order to participate and fully belong," Earheart-Brown emphasized to Maryville College. The program costs $550, covers the entire week of activities, housing, and meals, and presents attendees who later enroll at Maryville College with the opportunity to offset this expense through the annual Expanding Horizons Scholarship.
As for the program's lasting impact, previous director Rev. Jessica Kitchens Lewis, who led Expanding Horizons for three years, attested to its value. "After leading Expanding Horizons for the past three summers, it has left an impact on my life, and I wish all high schoolers could experience the community and care that this week entails," Lewis remarked in an interview with Maryville College. Huffstetler echoed this sentiment, encouraging the curious to join and discover a transformative experience that offers community, faith exploration, and personal growth.
