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Summer Institute Tracks

Academic Track Options

2025 Tracks

Summer Institute tracks entail 22 hours of seat time during the week of Summer Institute. To be eligible for the 1-credit hour, attached to a Summer Institute track, students must be physically present and actively participate in at least 75% of the seat time (16.5 hours). Students who miss this seat time due to illness, arriving late, or departing early will be withdrawn from the 1-credit hour course. Those in the 3-credit track will earn the additional 2-credit hours by completing the online components.

CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW & APOLOGETICS

Christian Worldview & Apologetics: Balancing Grace and Truth

Are you passionate about understanding and defending a biblical worldview? Do you find the exploration of different worldviews that challenge Christianity intriguing and thought-provoking? Are you excited to delve into the delicate balance of grace and truth? If so, this track is for you! At the Summer Institute, students will engage in the exploration of the biblical worldview and its important claims about God, reality, and human life. Along the way, students will also explore several other worldviews that challenge the claims of Christianity, and discuss various strategies for both defending the faith and relating to those who think differently from us. The emphasis throughout shall be the vital balance of both grace and truth!

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CREATIVE WRITING

Creative Writing: Refining the Writer’s Process

Are you passionate about creative writing? Are you looking for ways to be challenged in your artistic process? Are you interested in learning more about how to be an effective writer? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, this track is for you! At the Summer Institute, you will gain insights into the process of creative writing from a working author, as well as learn new approaches to unlocking your creative potential as a writer. You will spend time every day working on new pieces of your own creative writing. Finally, you will study exemplary models of creative writing and develop a foundation of understanding how creative writing can glorify God.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice: Forensics, Investigations & Policing

(1 Credit Track)

 If you have always been curious about what work is like in the Criminal Justice System, this course is for you! Throughout the week, you will learn more about policing, corrections, and the court system. You will also get to have hands-on experience with forensics, police tactics, bomb and arson investigations, and more! By the end of the week, students will be able to practice basic skills and techniques related to Criminal Justice. Students will also be able to analyze the integration of the Christian faith with Criminal Justice.

(3 Credit Track)

This 8-week course will be offered for Juniors and Seniors. Students will have the opportunity to spend 7 weeks learning in an online setting and 1 week at the Summer Institute on campus. This course will teach students to seek out the Criminal Justice system from a Christian Worldview perspective. It will demonstrate what it looks like for a Christian serving in the Criminal Justice system and what the struggles are. Throughout the week, you will learn more about policing, corrections, and the court system. You will also get to have hands-on experience with forensics, police tactics, bomb and arson investigations, and more!

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ENGINEERING

Engineering: 3D Design

The engineering track will focus on learning engineering design, 3D modeling, designing, and printing a fishing lure, and testing out lure designs. Students will learn about aquatic environments, the engineering design process, 3D modeling using CAD software and 3D printing, as well as engineering fields and careers. Students will also develop problem-solving and design skills, as well as a basic working knowledge of 3D modeling software.

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Engineering: Electrical Systems

Have you ever wondered how electronic devices like cell phones or computers work? In this class, students will learn about the basic building blocks of electronic circuits and how these can be combined to make working electronic devices. The course will include hands-on development of electrical diagrams, device fabrication, and performance analysis for basic electronic devices.  Students will also develop problem-solving and design skills, and learn about engineering fields and careers.

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EXERCISE & HEALTH SCIENCE

Exercise & Health Sciences: Where Fun and Fitness Meet

Are you interested in how to become a personal trainer, athletic trainer, physical therapist, or a coach? If so, this course is for you! Throughout this week students will learn the basics of physical fitness and wellness. and take part in various fun sports and activities like pickleball, soccer, basketball, and hiking. By the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to develop their own exercise program, nutrition plan, and goal-setting program. This track gives students endless opportunities in the exercise and health science world!

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NURSING

Nursing: Exploring the Basics

Are you interested in a career in health care? This track is designed to give you insight into what a day in the life of a nurse might look like. You will learn skills that nurses use every day, such as: assessing vital signs, giving injections, starting IVs, and so much more! Students will have the opportunity to tour the local hospital as well. If you are interested in pursuing a vocation in health care, the nursing track is for you!

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SPEECH & DEBATE

Speech and Debate

Summer Institute’s Speech and Debate Track is designed for students eager to become articulate speakers and future leaders. Participants will sharpen their speaking and persuasion skills across various categories and competitions through personalized coaching, engaging drills, and friendly competition. Whether you’re aiming for a national title or simply want to improve your ability to persuade, this camp offers hands-on experience in both debate and public speaking. With guidance and a supportive community, you’ll be ready to communicate powerfully, think critically, and impact the world while reflecting Christ’s love.

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VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts: Photography & Painting

In this exciting track, you will learn to capture stunning photographs and transform them into vibrant works of art using watercolor or acrylic painting techniques. Over the first two to three days, you will explore the basics of photography, including manual camera settings, composition, and visual storytelling. Then, dive into the world of painting, where you’ll bring your photos to life on canvas, blending technical skills with artistic expression.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Master basic manual controls and composition techniques in photography.
  • Strengthen your aesthetic capacity and visual literacy as a Christian artist.
  • Explore the process of translating photographs into paintings with watercolor or acrylic.
  • Participate in daily feedback sessions to refine technique, meaning, and artistry.
  • Develop a portfolio that combines photography and painting, showcasing your creative growth.

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