Bennett Tinnermon and Jessie Rayder were among 30 high school students who spent a week of their summer in an unusual manner: theological debate camp.

SUMMA: A Student Theological Debate Society’s annual summer camp was held July 18-26 at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, with students from 13 states across the nation debating the resolution: Christians, Muslims and Jews worship the same God.
 All students debated both sides of the proposition regardless of their own opinion, thus creating the need for extensive exploration of the topic from a scriptural, historical, and philosophical basis.
 
SUMMA seeks to provide a safe environment for campers to explore their faith, and to speak intellectually and with a kind heart – “speaking the truth in love.”
 
During camp, mornings were spent in theology and debate lectures, along with a seminar lead by Sewanee professors. Early afternoon was free-time for campers, followed by work in small groups that served as debate tournament teams. Evening activities included movies, a talent show, ‘90s dance party, and a camp-wide kickball game.
 
St. Margaret’s was also represented by Hailey Strother and Thomas Alexander, both serving as counselors, and the Rev. Cindy Fribourgh, SUMMA Program Director.