Quebec Bahá’í Summer School participants reflect on the meaning of service

Participants at the 2014 Quebec summer school.
Photo: Jean-Paul Moss

More than 150 people from all parts of Quebec gathered at Camp Papillon in St-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Lanaudière Region, to attend the Quebec Bahá’í summer school that took place 13 to 17 August. The theme of the program, which featured workshops and art activities, was “service to humanity.”

The arts were incorporated throughout the program, and one evening was dedicated to the creation of collective artworks. Participants of all ages, adults as well as children, collaborated to paint approximately ten murals. Another arts evening was devoted to music. Short skits on the theme of the school were presented during afternoon “theatre walks.”

Children at the summer school.
Photo: Jean-Paul Moss

Participants at the summer school also took advantage of various activities such as swimming, hiking, canoeing, and archery. One of the organizers commented that this year’s program was a success, and that the rain and cool temperatures did not prevent participants from taking advantage of all the activities.

Many of the youth seized the opportunity to serve those younger than themselves. Young people taught classes focused on developing spiritual capacities in children, while older youth organized activities for junior youth. Other youth participated in the adult program and shared their experiences at the youth conferences held this summer and last summer in Montreal.

Participants engaging in art activities.
Photo: Jean-Paul Moss

At the request of the Universal House of Justice , a series of 114 youth conferences were held last year, three of which took place in Canadian cities—Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

This year, the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada called for another ten youth conferences , which were held this past summer, one of which was held in Montreal.

The Montreal youth conference took place in July, and the participants explored themes such as the role of youth in society, service to humanity and mutual support.

Excerpts from videos on the Baha’i World Centre website that show youth from across the world reflecting on these conference themes, were shown at the school.