Programs

Summer Programs

Summer Seminary Program for Young Adults

Seeking contemplative time in nature? Looking for an opportunity to reflect on religious questions in the context of agriculture and conservation?

Basin Seminaries' Summer Seminary Program for Young Adults is an eight-day religious studies program for young adults (18-30).

This program is centered on the study of classical and modern religious texts along with hands-on engagement with conservation work in southern Oregon. Within the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, both seekers and religious leaders are invited to delve into text study, theology, poetics, and ecological stewardship.

Two distinct learning tracks will be offered, one on Jewish Studies and the second on Christian Studies

Core Program Components:

Half-day study of classical and contemporary religious texts and literature
Half-day field- experience in conservation and agriculture work
Field excursions into Crater Lake National Park, Sun Pass State Forest, Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and/or other protected lands
Community building activities
Space for theological and personal reflection through creative writing

Program Dates: June 2025

Program Cost: $750, which also covers food, lodging, and transportation for day-trips. If cost is a barrier to entry for a participant, please let us know and we will work to find a solution.

Apply Today:

We are not accepting applications at this time.

Apply

Application process

STEP 1: Send in your application form. Applications open Feb 15th

Includes short essay questions, contact information of two references, and general background questions. Once we receive the application and application fee we will schedule your interview over Zoom or Skype.

STEP 2: Complete Interview over Zoom or Skype

Once we have received your application, we will be in touch with you to schedule an interview.

STEP 3: Receive Application Decision and Confirm Placement

You will be notified of the admissions committee's decision by email within three weeks of your interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Info@basinseminaries.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What kind of background do I need to apply?

Learning at the Summer Seminary Program focuses primarily on religious studies (ie. Jewish studies and Christian studies in 2025), conservation, and creative writing. If you have a background and/or passion about these fields, we encourage you to apply. Not sure if you're the right fit? Feel free to reach out to us.

I am currently a divinity or rabbinical school student, can I apply?

Yes, you can! Reach out to us if you have questions and want to see whether the program could be a good fit.

Do you offer programming that is not Christian or Jewish?

This summer program is intended to serve students seeking deeper engagement with Christian or Jewish traditions as they relate to nature. As our programming expands, Basin Seminaries aims to offer a wider diversity of learning tracks of theological and cultural study. If you are interested in partnering in this work, please reach out.

Is the learning interfaith?

The majority of the formal religious study is separated into two separate Christian and Jewish learning tracks, although there are opportunities for interfaith dialogue and joint conservation work.

I don't know Hebrew, can I still apply to the Jewish studies program?

Yes, while the Jewish studies track is organized as a Beit Midrash (a traditional house of study), it is designed for a pluralistic group of learners. Students of diverse Jewish backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What are the physical demands of the program?

Participants will be outside for extended periods of time. Activities might include: tree planting, trail clearing, invasive plant removal, moderate-level hiking and more. If you have specific questions about these activities, please feel free to reach out.

Where do we sleep and eat?

Basin Seminaries is renting the yurts and kitchen facilities of the Klamath Outdoor Science School in the Sun Pass State Forest adjacent to Spotted Frog Ranch. Participants will sleep in forest yurts and have meals in the dining structure or in the forest picnic area.

Basin Seminaries

RelocatING the seminary