Exploring Gifts and Graces (EGG) Summer Adventure and Theology and Leadership Program Completes Successful Virtual Series
For the fifth year, Bethune Cookman University has hosted the Exploring Gifts and Graces (EGG) Summer Adventure and Theology and Leadership program powered by the Youth Theology Institute. The summer youth program for current high school juniors and seniors occurred July 12th through 24th, 2020 with students across several states to include: Iowa, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.
The EGG program is funded by a $300,000 matching grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., with the goal to further educate students about God. During the program, students were encouraged to express themselves using their individual gifts. Those students began their participation with a Sunday evening orientation, led by Arts and Worship Coordinator and School of Performing Arts & Mass Communications Professor Carla Lester. Greetings and prayer were given by Dean of the School of Religion Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr.
In preparation for the virtual program, Dr. Deborah Henson-Governor, director of the program, highlighted the two-week schedule of fun and engaging activities. Dr. Henson-Governor facilitated a session related to discovering spiritual gifts. She shared, “In the eyes of God individual gifts are given to promote faith and community.”
“Because the program is virtual this year, students have the opportunity to get an early college experience with the use of technology to improve their social skills and work together to build a better and stronger social foundation,” Dr. Henson-Governor added.
Dr. Alice Wood, former director of the EGG Program now serves as the Principal Investigator for this virtual summer program and conducted a session on sacred space and emphasizing the importance of spending time with God.
Warnell Vickers, graduate assistant serves as the EGG project coordinator and instructor for Christian Vocation gave reflections on the virtual summer initiative. “The program allows its leaders, staff, and students to express their love for Christ in their own personal unique way.”
Student ambassadors included: Shanquell Duncombe, Kehinde Ezekiel, Briana Green, Kyra Lee, Trevone McFarlane, Demetrious Platts, Kiana Williams, and Micheyla Wynn. Ambassadors representing the School of Religion: Marcus Wright, Marco Belloso Kevin Richardson, Christopher Thomas, Ezekiel Johnson, Ebony West and Lamia Cyrus.
The student participants were given the assignment to create a special worship experience video to be presented on the final day the virtual camp. EGG student ambassadors, which is led by Training Project Coordinator and Assistant Director of Career Service, Junell McCall, shared their experience participating in this year’s virtual summer program.
Kendra Jacobs, a recent graduate and second-year ambassador stated, “the program was different from last year, but it didn’t take away from the ability for the ambassadors and students to connect.”
Chris Thomas said, “I loved the EGG program in general and the virtual experience was excellent. There was a personal touch which allowed individuals to connect and I appreciated the lessons taught by the instructors.”
Ambassador Briana Green shared:
“I engaged with the participants and the lessons were amazing.
Marcus Wright, a first-year ambassador described his experience as enjoyable. “I enjoyed the experience especially as a networker. It was a pleasure to visit the participants in their various places,” he added. “I enjoyed helping to mold the generation under us and to be able to give back.”
Ahmari Whitehead from Georgia was a participant of the virtual EGG program. “I appreciated the ambassadors for helping me on my journey to grow closer to God.”
There were so many great moments shared during the two weeks of the program. Several of the participants will be attending the fall retreat entitled, “ On Eagles Wings.”
For more information, please contact Dr. Deborah Henson Governor at 386-481-2772 or governord@cookman.edu