BETHANY COLLEGE HOSTS NO-COAST YOUTH GATHERING

LINDSBORG, KAN. AUG. 1, 2022 – Bethany College partnered with the Central State Synod and Camp Tomah Shinga to offer a five -day youth gathering from July 23-27 in lieu of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) National Youth Gathering. 

Bethany College residence halls housed nearly 60 camp participants. All campers spent a day on campus experiencing activities including dala horse painting, dodgeball, and an Admissions Amazing Race that took campers all over campus in a fun and interactive way. Bethany College faculty members were on hand to present on subjects from political science to financial literacy.  Other speakers in attendance included Pr. Kaylie Ines ’18, Bishop Mike Girlinghouse, Bishop Susan Candea and more.

Executive Director of Camp Tomah Shinga, Jacob Spilker ‘15, states, “The ‘No Coast Youth Gathering’ at Bethany College and Camp Tomah Shinga was an awesome event. It was a significant week as 130 people from six states across the Midwest came together for a week of service, learning, and worship. There is a continuing conversation about what the church looks like. I think having an event like this where three different entities come together gives us a glimpse into a way to bring up leaders for the future. I look forward to more opportunities to work alongside Bethany College to create meaningful opportunities for students and youth.”

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.