Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute

Last updated
Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute
AbbreviationSUUSI
Formation1950
Type religious organization, summer camp
PurposeTo provide a one-week experience evoking the best within us, in concert with Unitarian Universalist principles.
Location
AffiliationsCouncil of Unitarian Camps and Conferences
Website http://www.suusi.org

Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI) is an intergenerational community of approximately 1,000 people who gather each July. [1] They describe themselves as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) summer camp. People attending SUUSI predominantly abide by the teachings of Unitarian Universalism, but many participants belong to other denominations or faiths. Attendees range in age from newborn to elderly. [2]

Unitarian Universalism Non-credal liberal religion

Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a liberal religion characterized by a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Unitarian Universalists assert no creed, but instead are unified by their shared search for spiritual growth. As such, their congregations include many atheists, agnostics, and theists within their membership. The roots of Unitarian Universalism lie in liberal Christianity, specifically Unitarianism and universalism. Unitarian Universalists state that from these traditions comes a deep regard for intellectual freedom and inclusive love. Congregations and members seek inspiration and derive insight from all major world religions.

Contents

Mission

The mission of SUUSI is to provide a one-week experience evoking the best within us, in concert with Unitarian Universalist principles. [3] SUUSI offers the opportunity to share an intergenerational environment of love, personal freedom, ethics, and joy in an intentional, nonjudgmental community. [4]

History

In early 1950, some thirty-five individuals gathered "to share in joyful community" at Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. [5] Since 1990 it took place on the campus of Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, [6] but in 2008 it returned to the college campus of Radford University in Radford, Virginia, where it had been held previously. [7] In 2016 SUUSI returned to North Carolina moving to the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. [8]

Lake Waccamaw lake of the United States of America

Lake Waccamaw is a unique fresh water lake located in Columbus County in North Carolina. It is the largest of the natural Carolina Bay Lakes. The term "Bay" Lake stems from the abundance of bay trees growing in the numerous swampy oval depressions on the Carolina coastal plain. The lake is fed by four creeks: First, Second, Third, and Big Creeks. The outlet forms the Waccamaw River which flows southeasterly to empty into the Atlantic Ocean near Georgetown, South Carolina

Virginia Tech public research university with main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech and by the initials VT and VPI, is a public, land-grant, research university with its main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. It also has educational facilities in six regions statewide and a study-abroad site in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. Through its Corps of Cadets ROTC program, Virginia Tech is also designated as one of six senior military colleges in the United States.

Radford University university

Radford University is a public university in Radford, Virginia. It is one of the state's eight doctorate-granting public universities. Founded in 1910, Radford offers curricula for undergraduates in more than 100 fields, graduate programs including the M.F.A., M.B.A., M.A., M.S., Ed.S., Psy.D., M.S.W., and specialized doctoral programs in health-related professions.

Activities

Spirituality

Many people attend SUUSI for its spiritual impact. Daily programming includes minister-led morning talks as well as evening worship services.

Workshops

Taught entirely by volunteers, SUUSI workshops cover a range of topics, including art, history, science, technology, politics, religion and culture.

Nature

Many participants take nature trips to experience the local environment in all its biodiversity. These trips may focus on local trails, caves, rivers or terrain; likewise, they may focus on specific wildflowers, trees, animals, insects, etc. SUUSI nature trips practice a Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics.

Nightlife

SUUSI's evening programming includes nightly performances and events. Typical offerings include cabarets, talent shows, dance venues (restricted by age), a coffeehouse lounge and movie nights. SUUSI frequently attracts professional-level entertainers for nightly performance.

Governance

SUUSI is an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit organization governed by its bylaws and policy manual. SUUSI has a 14-member Board of Trustees, [9] of which 11 are voting members. The Board chooses the Director of the Institute and approves the operating budget. Board positions are both elected and appointed. Unitarian Universalist churches are organized into regional districts. Several SUUSI Board positions are appointed by the three southeastern UU district boards. At large and youth representatives are elected at SUUSI. SUUSI is a member of the Council of Unitarian Universalist Camps and Conferences.

Operations

The Core Staff is composed of the Director and staff leaders who coordinate the numerous departments and activities associated with this one-week Institute and camp. Departments include Communications, Denominational Affairs, Equipment, Locations, Nature, Nightlife, Registration/Housing, Teens, Treasurer, Workshops, Youth and Young Adults. In addition, approximately 150 SUUSI attendees complete the totally volunteer staff needed to manage all the camp activities. All SUUSI staff members report to a Core Staff member, ultimately reporting to the Director, who in turn reports to the above mentioned board.

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "UU Camps and Retreats". Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley. 2018-05-01. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  2. ↑ "Summer programs will educate, inform, and entertain thousands". www.vtnews.vt.edu. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  3. ↑ "Links". uucnrv.org. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  4. ↑ "Community | Speaking of..." Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  5. ↑ A Brief SUUSI History Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ "Shocked congregation grateful for help". UU World Magazine. 2007-04-20. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  7. ↑ "SUUSI Quilt". jimvb.home.mindspring.com. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  8. ↑ "SUUSI @ Western Carolina University - Jul 15 2018". kiyaheartwood.com. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  9. ↑ "Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - Monday, April 9, 2018" (PDF). Orlandouu.
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