Are you looking for a UU Community that you can join for a short time? An immersive weekend or week-long experience? We have two such opportunities coming your way this year.
The annual Winter Institute happens at Salt Fork State Park Conference Center and Lodge near Cambridge, OH on President's Day weekend, February 16-19, 2024. Over the years, this relaxing weekend has been an intimate gathering for UUs of all ages. There are frosty outdoor activities like sledding, hiking and cross country skiing (snow permitting). For those who choose to stay in their slippers all weekend, there is a beautiful lodge with its many cozy corners and fireplaces. The pool and hot tub are truly a wintertime treat. There are fellow UUs always ready to play board games or to join in the community jigsaw puzzle(s). We have wonderful community worship services in the morning and evenings. Registration is currently open for 2024 and all are welcome to join in.
For those who prefer a longer period of time or to gather in the summer, CER Summer Institute (CERSI) takes place in July each year on a college campus. CERSI is an all age community of about 250-350 people gathering for a week of fellowship, fun, worship, thoughtful presentations, workshops and even more fun! Check out their website for an idea of what all happens. There truly is something for everyone. This year the gathering will be July 7-13, 2024 at PennWest in California, PA, just south of Pittsburgh.
The 2024 theme speaker is Rev. Theresa Soto, a UU minister and activist, presenting “Unlikely Superheroes: Skills for Practicing Faith and Ethics in Tough Times.” Rev. Soto brings a remarkably loving presence and a depth of spiritual leadership. Prior to being a minister, they were also a teacher and a lawyer. Each of these has been a way for them to engage with people, with transformation, and with the goal of making the world a better place. UUMAC, the UU Mid-Atlantic Community will once again be joining CERSI at PennWest for the annual gathering.
Want to help out with Summer Institute? They are looking for graphic t-shirt designs to go with the theme. If you have ideas please submit them by the end of December! Job opportunities for those who would like to contribute to the community and receive a campership in exchange will be posted in January on the CERSI website.
Registration opens in March, 2024. Scholarships will be available and you can apply at that time.
These short term gatherings are an opportunity to meet other UUs, learn and have fun in an immersive UU community. UU camps such as Star Island, Ferry Beach, Rowe Center, Murray Grove and The Mountain offer a full summer schedule of opportunities for specific age groups and mixed groups. There is something out there for everyone.