Vocati works with high-school-aged students to prepare and encourage them for lifetimes of spiritual discernment and faithful engagement in their churches and communities. We aim to create spaces where young people can go to develop their intellectual curiosity, explore deeper questions about God and faith, and make sense of their place and purpose (their vocati) in an increasingly complex and global world.
Vocati is a semester-long program that starts with a summer retreat. Here, students experience community and love through different spiritual formation practices and classes: creativity, embodiment, and theological orientation. During the fall semester, students can work on a missional practice which is developing their faith personally, in churches, or in the larger community.
Scholars who complete the program receive a $1,000 scholarship to LCU (up to $4,000!)
- March 1 - Vocati accepting applications
- June 1 - Notification of acceptance begins
- July 1 - All forms are due
- If you are interested in attending but past the registration deadline, please get in touch with us. We may still have spots available!
- July 28 – Aug 2 Vocati Residency, White River Youth Camp, Crosbyton, TX
- Youth and Family Ministers interested in attending Vocati as a “Guest for a Day” should contact Joann.Long@LCU.edu for further information.
Spend time getting lost in worship with other friends and Christians.
Ask all your difficult Bible questions to a wide range of expert Bible scholars.
Meet some of LCU’s best and brightest teachers who want nothing more than to see you grow in your love of God.
Think deeply about what it means to be a Christian by examining the topics of faith, hope, love, and courage.
Learn to appreciate and pray in deeper, more profound ways.
Meet with other Christians your age to build life-long friendships.
Discover how God created you with unique gifts and how you can use those gifts for his Kingdom
Get to know God as the Creator in a theological art class.
Vocati will enrich your life through relationships, spiritual classes, and fun activities. Lasting friendships with staff and university mentors will benefit you as you develop your faith. Most of all, you and your peers will learn together what it means to live, love, serve, and lead like Jesus.
This year, the summer retreat will be held at White River Youth Camp in Crosbyton, TX. Afterward, during the semester-long missional practice, you will meet twice a month on Zoom. This helps you stay connected to the Vocati community as you work on your practice. You will also have access to our online learning system, Moodle.
The registration fee is only $200. This covers all expenses once you arrive at the camp, including an unforgettable week of activities, 14 meals, five nights of lodging at camp, and merch (t-shirt, journal, and backpack). This fee does not cover transportation to and from the retreat, or any money spent during the semester-long missional practice. Scholarships are available if money is an issue, thanks to the LCU Bible Department (contact us by email if you need help paying for Vocati). This low cost is made possible by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and a donation from our wonderful partners Al and Pat Smith.
At Vocati, you will learn and reflect with some of LCU's finest professors and college students. The university also awards a $1,000 scholarship to everyone who participates all the way through the semester-long program.
Due to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Alfred and Patricia Smith, Vocati has a foundation for sustainability. However, it is necessary that Vocati seek additional partners to journey with us in the future. When you make a gift of any size you are contributing to the formation of young people for lives of Christian leadership in the church and throughout the world. We are grateful for your partnership and participation in the formation of the emerging generation of Christian leaders.