37th annual Baha’i Summer School a resounding success

2010 Badasht Summer School

By Rob Siegel

The Oregon Badasht Bahá'í School took place August 10-15, 2010 with more than 140 in attendance from all ages (2 to 77). The school's goals included "building spiritual community" and "creating an atmosphere conducive to the power of unity."

The summer school, which is now in its 37th year, has a camp and relaxed environment especially for families. The location is a rented facility in the area of Myrtle Creek between Roseburg and Coos Bay, Oregon which is set among tall Douglas fir trees. Classes were conducted by trained facilitators and were centered on themes from "a culture of learning" to "a culture of change" and special enrichment classes on the arts and the environment and sustainability.

This year's program included a "Festival of the Arts" on the final evening. During the week, attendees were given the chance to participate in a weaving class or a water color class taught by professionals in the area. All others were divided into teams of multiple ages to prepare their artistic presentation. Each of these groups had the task of identifying their individual talents as well as centering on a phrase from the Bahá'í writings about the power and the divine source of the arts. One of the groups decided to make a video (as one of its participants is a professional videographer) and they came up with the "Dance of Unity".

Evaluations are still being tabulated but already there are folks asking about next year's school and when they can register. There were three summer schools sponsored by the Bahá'ís of Oregon, one in Suttle Lake, one in Sky Camp for youth and junior youth, and Badasht. All the schools are open to everyone. For more information, go to http://www.oregonbahaischools.org.