Tag: students

Summer Camp Retrospective: Students’ Service

Three students share their experiences in summer camp leadership roles, in part made possible by North Park’s Camp Grant.

This summer, North Park students were active, participating in NPRESS, summer courses, Kids College, and serving at Covenant Camps nation-wide. Three students shared their experiences from their camps in their respective roles, in part made possible by North Park’s Camp Grant, awarded to students who serve at Covenant summer camps.

Barrett Loehrer – Lake Beauty Covenant Bible Camp, MN

I found myself in a unique situation at the beginning of the summer. I needed to decide between working at camp for the summer, or maintaining my double major in biblical and theological studies and exercise science. After a couple months of painful prayer and discernment, I felt this summer at camp was one I could not miss. God continually pointed me forward to the summer at camp. I lived here for the 2014-2015 school year as part of Solid Rock School of Discipleship. However, I had never worked for Lake Beauty before.

Our theme for the summer was “Set Free”, based upon the text of Galatians 5:1. Indeed, I personally felt set free in new ways, along with the rest of the summer staff. However, it was seeing kids set free in powerful ways that made the summer worth it. The campers were set free to vulnerably share their struggles with sin and difficult questions with one another, allowing even greater freedom through prayer together about such things.

It was impossible for us to predict how any camper, or which ones, would react to the preaching of the Gospel. It became apparent to me once again that I was not in control, though I sometimes wanted to be. This summer God reminded me that He is sovereign over everything and that everything, including our calling to salvation, is entirely dependent upon His mercy.

Hannah Geil – Cascades Camp and Conference Center, WA

I have successfully worked at camp for three summers now. I vividly remember sitting on the corner of my bed in Anderson, watching one of my good friends apply to work at a camp that was only four hours away from my home. She shared stories of how exciting it would be to venture away and serve God in the middle of the wilderness. This gave me flashbacks to when I had attended that camp for small retreats and I relived the joy those gatherings brought me in high school.

My first year I worked as a counselor. This is a special role that can truly show you what it means to pour out everything for Jesus, loving your kids 23 hours a day for every day they’re in your cabin. My second year I worked as an S.A.L.T. Crew Leader. This meant my partner and I were assigned high school students who were transitioning from being campers to being leaders and guides in the cabins and around camp. It was a summer that revived my love of helping high school students and reminded me how good my God is.

Finally, this summer I worked as a Rec. Leader for a 4th-6th grade section. The Program Leader and I kept the camp moving along. We were the support system for the counselors, ensuring that they and their campers made it through the day smoothly. I oversaw the planning and leading of all the games and activities for the kids, making camp as fun and exciting as possible for the kids. It was one of the most rewarding summers for me. I saw just how awesome God was using each counselor to teach these kids more about him. It was incredible to see counselors turn into screaming children full of face paint, engage kids with the Bible, or moved to tears as they said goodbye to campers each week. No matter how rough the cabin was or how exhausted the counselor was, they always wished they had more time to love on their kids.

Kaylyn Sweitzer – Mission Meadows Bible Camp, NY

This summer I had the honor and privilege of being the Jr. Staff Director. The Jr. Staff are full-time summer staff members of high school age that are hired on as the kitchen and cleaning crew. I mentored them in that way, but I also guided them spiritually and emotionally, leading them in the direction of pursuing counseling once they’re older.

God showed up in so many instances this summer: while listening to the tolls of the Chautauqua Bell Tower during First Word by the flagpole (at 7:45 am), late night staff worships, daily chapel sessions, within every gorgeous Chautauqua sunset, and especially in the changed hearts and minds of both campers and staff. It was so refreshing and exciting to see young people encounter Christ for the first time, and it was a real privilege and blessing to play such a large role and have so much influence in our campers’ lives. God used us staff members to change campers’ hearts and to draw them closer to Him – what a spectacular thing to witness and be a part of.

My co-director and I both firmly believe in leading by example, and honestly, some of my best memories from my time at camp this summer involved moments in the kitchen. I found myself looking forward to spraying sticky maple syrup off of dozens of plates if it meant being able to belt along to the soundtracks of “La La Land” and “High School Musical” while doing so. The joy and satisfaction I receive from sharing the Light of Christ with young people are incomparable.

North Park University’s Camp Grant has been around for over 20 years, encouraging North Parkers to serve at Covenant Camps during their summers. The grant provides a financial incentive and promotes North Park’s goal of Living Lives of Significance and Service by making summer work experiences at Covenant Camps more financially viable. The grant is awarded to those who display a servant attitude and are positive role models for campers and staff.

Keep serving at camp on your radar for this upcoming summer! Check out a list of covenant camps by following the button below!

Covenant Camps

NPU Camp Grant

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories StoriesTags , , , ,

Dr. Timothy Johnson, “Healthcare: A Prediction”

Watch video footage of Dr. Timothy Johnson’s talk concerning the future of American healthcare.

September 14, 2017 — North Park University welcomed longtime ABC medical editor and North Park grad Dr. Timothy Johnson to discuss the future of American Health Care with NPU students.

The student-only event was held in the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, the building named in honor of Dr. Johnson and his wife. “We are extraordinarily privileged to benefit from Dr. Johnson’s vast knowledge of healthcare, and his willingness to share his insights, gained over a lifetime of service, with our students who are just starting their life’s work,” said North Park Interim President Carl Balsam. “We hope this will inspire many of our students to follow in his footsteps.”

The event was attended by over 200 students and was live streamed on North Park’s Facebook page.

watch video

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags , , , , , ,

Story Behind North Park’s Mascot

Contrary to popular belief, Ragnar made his first voyage across the Atlantic with famous Viking Leif Erikson.

Contrary to popular belief, Ragnar made his first voyage across the Atlantic with famous Viking, Leif Erikson. Since his brief stay in North America, Ragnar has since moved back to the north of Sweden. Because of North Park’s Swedish heritage, SGA decided to send out applications to Sweden when searching for a Mascot.

Whether by word of mouth or Viking sail mail, word reached Ragnar, and he applied for the position. “It’s really great to know that we have a real Viking on our hands. We knew the search would be difficult, but Ragnar was prompt in his response. He’s youthful for his age,” commented former SGA President.

On condition of anonymity, Ragnar also added that he requested special transport by “aeroplane” as his previous journey across the Atlantic “was sickening.”

Ragnar has received a healthy amount of exposure on North Park social media since his move earlier this year as the SGA Spirit Team is ensuring that Ragnar remains in employment for years to come. “It’s nice to see that in his millennium, he is still able to rally the millennials and we can’t wait to see what he’ll do for the crowds this coming fall,” said Alex Coleman, Interim Director of Student Activities.

*Facts may have been altered or fictionalized for the purposes of a funny story; live a little.

BlueandGoldDay

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Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , ,

How to Choose A Major

Not sure on your direction?

Choosing a major is not something to take lightly. Knowing exactly what you want to do after graduation and the kind of direction that gives is important and helpful. What if you don’t have this same sense of direction? Don’t worry, colleges around the country have students entering with undecided majors. However, North Park’s commitment to preparing you for a life of significance and service offers you many people and steps to follow so that you can find the perfect degree to make a difference.

Career and Development Office.

To get you started, our Career Development and Internships Office (CDIO) has many resources to help you choose the right major to fast-track you through North Park’s rigorous academic programs. They have everything from career counseling to a Career Planning Course for those who want to explore potential careers. Anyone in the CDIO office would also love to chat with you and answer any questions you have concerning your potential career.

Talk to your faculty advisor!

All North Park students are assigned a faculty advisor regardless of their major declaration status. Your advisors have also been through college, some of them were probably undecided at one point as well, or saw their life going in a different direction; they’ve experienced what you have. This is part of what makes student-faculty relationships so great; they are ready and available to answer any of your questions, or just to offer a listening ear.

Stop a student on campus.

Either during your visit or after you’ve enrolled in classes, you’ll find many current students on the green spaces around campus. Being a small university, the student body is tight-knit, open, and friendly. Chat with an upper-class student about how they chose their major.

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Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , ,

Welcome to Campus from Student Activities

We’re excited to welcome new students to North Park!

Threshold is one of our favorite traditions at North Park University, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our community. We’re proud you’re now a North Park Viking.

Threshold is much more than just a weekend—it’s your whole experience of making the transition to North Park. We’re here to answer your questions and help you in any way we can.

THRESHOLD SCHEDULE

Other helpful links for new students:

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Announcement, StoriesTags , , , ,

Student Blog: Traversing Taiwan

This is a student blog post submitted by Leah Emerson C’18. Leah is a Psychology and Advertising double major.

This is a student blog post submitted by Leah Emerson C’18. Leah is a Psychology and Advertising double major. Pictures featured in this post were taken by Leah. 

For as long as I can remember, a goal of mine has been to visit all seven continents before I die. When it came to Asia, my first thoughts were always things like, “I’d love to see Thailand,” or, “Hong Kong would be amazing.” I knew that Taiwan was a country, but it has never been a country that crossed my mind when I thought of the places I wanted to visit. Not because Taiwan wasn’t interesting or worth my time, but because I just didn’t know enough about it. Yet, here I am writing about my first experience in Asia that took place in—you guessed it—Taiwan! Life is a funny thing.

A family get into a green minivan on the side of the road bordering the dense green vegetation.

The context of the trip is a Keystone course offered by North Park University entitled “Culture and Ecology of Asia.” The course is exactly as it sounds. It is two weeks long and focuses on teaching students of all backgrounds about the culture—customs, societal norms, food, etc—and the ecology—living organisms and their surrounding—of Asia, and more specifically of Taiwan. The trip was led by Dr. Timothy Lin and Dr. Linda Vick—Dr. Lin specializes in the more  cultural aspect of the trip, as he is a Taiwanese native, and Dr. Vick specializing in the ecological aspect—teaching us about the unique organisms and living things in this unfamiliar part of the world.

This trip was more than just a class where we gained factual knowledge. It was an experience that we got to make our own. Throughout the two weeks we were there, we did more than sight-seeing. We did things that pushed us beyond what we are accustomed to which gave us the opportunity to see and experience the world, and engage with people in a way we didn’t know possible.

my biggest take away from this trip was this: mindset is everything

We spent one day at Tunghai University, North Park’s Taiwanese partner school. During our stay at the University, each of us were paired  with a Taiwanese student from the university, and we spent the whole day with them. We talked with them and compared our lives, cultures, experiences, and so much more. It was things like that, having simple conversations, which really opened  our minds and created great learning experiences—and many new friendships!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was traveling to the countryside of Taiwan and seeing all the rice fields. While we were there, we had the chance to eat dinner in a Taiwanese family’s home. The father was previously a professional chef in Taipei (the largest city in Taiwan), but due to health reasons, he and his family had to leave and move elsewhere. They decided they wanted to live a simple life, so they moved to the countryside and began farming. While in their home, he prepared somewhere between 8-10 courses for us to enjoy, all of which were grown and farmed locally, and his two little daughters and his wife served us the food. Afterwards, he came out of the kitchen and spoke with us (in Mandarin—Dr. Lin translated). He told us his story and answered questions we had. It was such an incredible and special experience, and the food was even better!

As much as I learned in the two weeks, my biggest take away from this trip was this: mindset is everything. It plays a crucial role when it comes to our outlooks on life. I left on this trip challenging myself to keep an open mind, and a willingness to try new things. I came home two weeks later with an entirely new perspective. That open-mindedness ultimately opened up my world. This hands-on learning experience allowed me to learn things about the world, myself, and others that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise; for that I am thankful.

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , , ,

Student Blog: Tales of the Sea, Bahamas Biology Trip 3

This is a student blog post submitted by Rachel Weaver C’19. Rachel is transfer student majoring in Biology.

This is a student blog post submitted by Rachel Weaver C’19. Rachel is transfer student majoring in Biology.

After months of anticipation, we are finally in San Salvador, The Bahamas!! This all started in the Johnson Center at North Park University. The first part of our Marine Biology course was spent in the classroom where we got to know each other and the marine creatures we are spending so much time with. We learned about different species of fish, coral, and invertebrates and how to recognize them in the field (don’t touch the bearded fireworms!). We practiced identifying the Caribbean fish at Chicago’s own Shedd Aquarium to test our abilities. In the Shedd’s Caribbean Reef Tank we got a glimpse of many of fish we had been studying in depth within the classroom; we were impressed by how much we could recall after such a short time.

If we thought fish identification skills were hard, picking out our snorkeling gear and choosing which colors we wanted was even tougher. With this difficult decision made, we used our new gear well in advance of the trip, practicing our snorkeling skills in a local pool. We developed the myriad skills needed to snorkel successfully and safely, including surface dives and mastering breathing through our mouths instead of our noses (it sounds easier than it is . . . try it for an hour straight).

Those who were feeling adventurous took the opportunity to become certified to scuba dive down to 60 feet deep. Getting certified was exciting and only took two weekends to complete. Our first open water dive took place in the 50 degree waters of Haigh Quarry, also affectionately called the “Caribbean of the Midwest”; fitting for our future travel plans. Fortunately, we were in the real Caribbean within a week, where the waters are much warmer (80 degrees), the sun is hotter, and the aquatic life is more diverse. We will get to use our scuba skills toward the end of our trip.

The Marine Biology course is one of the many field courses available at North Park. What’s a better way to learn marine biology than to see the real deal? Here at North Park, not only is Chicago our classroom, but so is the world.

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Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , ,

Student Blog: Scooting Around San Salvador, Bahamas Biology Trip 2

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

Over these past two days through these experiences and countless others, our team was more excited than ever to see what San Salvador had in store for us.

Upon arrival at our home for the trip, the Gerace Research Centre (GRC) on the island of San Salvador, we once again encountered Bahamian island time contrasted with the military-style scheduling of GRC. At GRC, meals run like clockwork at specified times, no exceptions. If you show up too late for a meal, you won’t be eating. Further, there are other specific times such as quiet hours as well as the return of GRC vehicles. All this precise timing facilitates smooth function, courtesy, and even safety (many vehicles lack working headlights, wipers, speedometers, doors that latch shut, and other “unnecessary” luxuries). Additionally, the GRC guests are mostly scientists from around the western hemisphere with multiple research foci; strict schedules allow for better coordination across campus. Passing through the gate of the GRC puts you in a different temporal space than the laid-back style of the islanders, who never seem to be in a rush or even on a specific schedule.

Further, there seems to be a more welcoming attitude on the Bahamian islands than you would find in many US cities. This is most apparent while traveling the roads. Driving up to GRC following our arrival on San Salvador, we were told by the campus director to wave as cars pass each other on the Queens Highway, the one road around the island. Waving is part of the culture here on the island, as everyone knows each other and therefore there is an almost obligatory friendliness. Perhaps it is because everyone on the island is family, in some sense.

On Nassau, as well as San Salvador, honking on the road is more of a friendly ‘hello’ than an annoyed ‘what do you think you are doing?’

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Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , ,

Student Blog: International Flights and Bites, Bahamas Biology Trip 1

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

This is a student blog post submitted by Leslie Nelson C’19. Leslie is a Biology major.

“The first time is the worst.” The mini heart attacks subsided as we remembered that Bahamians do indeed drive on the opposite side of the road. Meanwhile, we were still trying to comprehend why half of the cars have steering wheels on the left side and the other half have them switched to the right. This is one of the first examples of merging cultures we experienced on arrival in Nassau in The Bahamas.

Another striking cultural difference noticed early on was between the leisurely island style and the bustling tourism industry. Tourism is the largest industry found on the Bahamian Islands. Once again, a merging of these two worlds became apparent in Nassau during dinner time at “Da Fish Fry,” the local seafood strip. The restaurant owners persistently pursued us to get us to eat at their establishments. One owner even picked up a Chicago Cubs t-shirt worn by one of our group members, using this as a segue to talk us into his establishment. This kind of personalized attention is not as common in North American cities. We snacked on local delicacies like conch fritters and some members of our group even enjoyed a full conch meal!

However, there were also tastes of home. Dunkin Donuts. This time, donuts at the Lynden Pindling International Airport were the method by which cultures were fused. Dr. Rholl was the only brave soul who was willing to give a guava donut a try . . . he loved it. And these donuts appeared once again when multiple people traveling on our small flight from Nassau to San Salvador brought a box full of donuts to the island with them, a commodity which can’t be found on the out islands.

Beyond experiencing the unique culture of the Bahamas, we also found time to work on our snorkeling and identification skills. Two snorkeling sessions have already been squeezed in between flights and meals and catching up on sleep. To begin we checked out Junkanoo Beach in the heart of Nassau which is right next to the shipping lanes and a public beach. For our second session, we waited until San Salvador and walked across the street from our lodging at the Gerace Research Centre to the boat launch at Graham’s Harbor.

In just 24 hours, our eyes have been opened to a new world. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the tiny Bahamian island of San Salvador. 525 years later, we are excited to see what else “Columbus’ Isle” has in store for us, both culturally and ecologically.

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Student Blog: Aesthetic of North Park Art

This is a student blog post submitted by Frank Roberts, C’18. Frank is an English major with a concentration in creative writing.

This is a student blog post submitted by Frank Roberts, C’18. Frank is an English major with a concentration in creative writing.

I am one of those transfer/commuter students you only ever see bolting in and out of classrooms. Being new to the scene at North Park, I am thrilled by the ever-evolving senior art exhibitions. I often catch a streaking color of newly-installed artwork as I hustle toward the Carlson lobby elevators and vow to take a more deliberate look after class. It is not as if I need the reminder. On my way back down, I am always hooked by the fullness of these works.

Every inch of space in the room seems to be used to make a statement. Some student’s work take a minimalistic approach, letting blank space speak for itself while others choose to immerse it fully in fanciful color and complex arrangements.

A few of the pieces have had interactive elements to them. One in particular had an array of sharpies and a large banner poster asking  you to draw your favorite childhood memory. I drew myself perched in a large mango tree with friends in Ghana where I was born. Right before that, I stood in front of it looking over the mosaic of memories left by others. I pondered the meaning of this exercise. Zoe Larson, the artist, later on shared with me that the intent was to focus on memory and memory loss inspired by her grandmother who has Alzheimer’s. “I started looking back on my own memories in an attempt to document and catalogue,” she said. Zoe had spent hours on end painting, drawing, carving, and crafting items that made the room look like a child’s bedroom or rather an elderly person reliving their childhood.

I can’t help but wonder which part of my past my mind will be drawn to as I reach my end. Will it be my childhood in a now foreign land? My years in college? Or some time in-between? It is an arresting thought that the interactions, decisions, and everyday moments of my life I often let pass without regard might be all I have to cling to when life is almost said and done.

(Several years after leaving my childhood home, I visited and saw that mango tree we had spent lots of time in. It is very tiny. Only a few feet tall. But I wanted to draw it how I always remembered it.)

Coming down the elevator one afternoon, I caught a piece by senior art major Tatum Hendrickson. Tatum chose to use pieces of material sewn together to depict the meditative hours she had spent focusing on the deep friendships and community she had created here at North Park. She described these as relationships that helped her overcome hardships in her college career. The yarn and other sewn material seemed to be color coordinated according to the person represented. Some were a more cohesive color scheme while others  seemed to be a varied scheme that probably characterized a more eccentric person. In response, I reflected on the connections I have made throughout my life. Some do not make sense at first. There might not be obvious similarities in personality and life experience and so I don’t always recall how they begun. Yet, I am grateful for the myriad of colorful individuals that makeup the tapestry that is my life.

There was another I stumbled upon late on a Monday after an evening class. On the furthest wall was a monochromatic scene of contorted hands rising towards the heavens. It was harrowing in the dim light in a way that made me think about it throughout the week. It was as if a skeleton were reaching out of the grave, into sunlight.

I think it a fabulous idea that childhood wonder and understated macabre can occupy the same space. It feels a little bit like stepping into a labyrinth; a bewildering maze of a right-brained person’s head. I have found it a transcendent experience walking through these living, breathing galleries. They are always fresh and insightful.

There is, however, an impression of “work in progress” I’ve gathered about every one of these projects. They seem to be at an end and a beginning at the same time. I think that is because good art tells a story of personal journey. In the same way that these artists are ending their time at North Park but going into new frontiers, a journey is never done. Real stories do not move in a linear fashion but have a starting point that continues along an unpredictable direction within the storyteller as they grow, and also branches off to the listener as they carry it into their own story.

Personally, my life in and outside of school this semester has included lessons on the importance of memory and meditation in spirituality. Anxiety and constant change has plagued my spirituality. I’ve craved harmony in the twisting emotion of blank space and overstimulating color. The present has unfolded parts of my life journey I do not feel prepared to manage. I feel like a mess in progress. I’ve been learning in those moments, though, to take time to slow down and meditate on the various experiences and people that have given to me and taught me to be steadfast when the world around me is in flux. I access memory that otherwise lay forgotten in my subconscious. And then breathe it to life. I find I know things I was certain I did not know – the misplaced words of others, the minuscule moments that did prepare me for the here and now.

(Photos by Timothy Lowly, Artwork by Zoe Larson)

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , , ,