Faith, Science and Ethics Camp

Camp that Goes Beyond

Students at Faith, Science and Ethics Camp

Where Faith and Curiosity Unite

The Gustavus Faith, Science and Ethics camp is a weeklong academy directed toward 9-12th graders who are involved in social justice, their faith communities, and/or science.  Located on campus at Gustavus between June 20-26, FSEC is for young adults who enjoy academic programming and embrace the world with great curiosity.

Sign Up for 2026

A Week of Wonder

At the academy, we deep dive into a topic where we explore the nuances of Faith, Science, and Ethics related to a relevant topic. The intensive week includes lectures from experts in their respective fields, nightly worship with messages from the mentors and music, and hands-on activities to further explore the science and ethics aspects of the topic. Each year, there is a specific theme that, usually, is directly related to the Nobel Conference theme that we have each fall. This year, we celebrate the Mighty Mississippi River.

Between the Mississippi River's fascinating ecosystems, both ancient and modern, sacred indigenous American history and traditions, and the river’s utilization in facilitating colonialism, every chapter of the waterway’s history has something to teach us.

The Mississippi: Sacred Waters, Life-giving Stories

Join us in our hands-on exploration of what the Mississippi can teach us about our own faith traditions and the world as we know it.

June 20-26, 2026

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Students at Faith, Science and Ethics Camp

Explore the Great Unknowns

Students who attend the Faith, Science, and Ethics Camp explore the intersection of faith and science while diving into the ethical issues that define our decades. All camp programs offer students the opportunity to explore how scientists and people of faith collaborate to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. 

Our Values

At the Gustavus Faith, Science, Ethics Camp camp, we believe that we need BOTH faith and science to address the ethical issues of our time. Because we are Christ-centered, we value:

  • Formation: Faith, values, and communities
  • Vocation: Unique gifts and talents used for good
  • Wonder: Curiosity and questions encouraged
  • Collaboration: Voices brought together
  • Justice: Equity for people and the world
Presenter at Faith Science and Ethics Camp
I kept coming back because the Academy gave me a safe space to explore complex ideas and relationships in a safe space. Learning and growing with other students was what drew me back each summer. ”
Katie Lillemon
GAC Student & Mentor, ‘24

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we get to help students and families prepare for Faith, Science, and Ethics Camp. If you can't find the answers your looking for below, don't worry, you can always reach out to us directly at g-fsec [at] gustavus.edu (g-fsec[at]gustavus[dot]edu).

Students who will have completed 9th-12th grade by the June of the camp session can register for camp.

For Fellows, the cost is $500 to cover meals throughout the week, housing, activities and speaker fees.

For Senior Fellows, the fee is $650 due to the additional days before the full week of learning begins.

Currently, billing for the camp is received via cash or check to the following address: 

Chaplain’s Office, Gustavus Adolphus College
800 W. College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082.

Billing can be paid online as well.

Yes! To get started, you (or your student) can identify interest in applying for a camp scholarship while completing the online Camp Registration Form.

For additional questions, please contact our FSEC supervisor %20jmaas [at] gustavus.edu (Jodi Maas).

We recommend bringing the following:

  • Bath towel, fitted sheet, extra blanket
  • Clothes for activities (for 7 days), swimsuit
  • Detergent, dryer sheets (if you wish to do laundry while here)
  • A notebook & pens/pencils
  • Board games (if you have a favorite you’d like to bring to play during free time)

Please note sheets, blankets, pillows, meals and access to laundry machines and showers will all be available to students. 

If you have any questions about what else students are allowed to bring to camp, please contact our supervisor, %20jmaas [at] gustavus.edu (Jodi Maas).

We recognize that your life outside of camp is important, and we believe that young adults are capable of managing their screen time effectively. We try to aid this by offering recreation points for putting your phone away during lectures. As long as the student is respectful of the space and those presenting, phones are allowed.

Yes! 

Students who have been at the camp previously have the opportunity to be a ‘senior fellow,’ which brings you to camp a few days before the other fellows arrive to spend time planning the week with mentors and leadership. 

This provides bonding opportunities as well as leadership skill development that will help the camp community. As a Senior Fellow, you also have an opportunity to give an individual testimony during morning spark. If you are interested in being a Senior Fellow this year, please complete the Senior Fellow Application Form. 

Leadership opportunities are also available for Regular Fellows, such as being part of the band if you play an instrument or sing. 

Yes! 

We're currently hiring several Camp Mentors for Summer 2026. Details, job description and application are linked below.

Pay: $15/hour + Food & Housing

Time Commitment: July 11-19, 2026 (training); July 20-26, 2026 (intensive week)

During this experience, expect to become part of the Faith, Science, and Ethics Camp family for life. Mentors engage in deep listening together and intentionally bond while living together during the training and camp period. The goal is to create a group of honest, trustworthy, and curious individuals who are ready to engage with high school-age students who share this curiosity. We play plenty of different games over the period of training and the camp, where we foster safe spaces and laughter. As well as having fun, we philosophize about the world together and ask deep questions we might not ask anywhere else.

Check out our 2026 Camp Mentor job description for more details.

Ready to apply? Click here to submit your application.

Yes, there are a few key forms to complete prior to heading to camp. 
 

Code of Conduct
 

To participate in the Faith, Science, and Ethics Camp, all students and staff must print and sign the FSEC Code of Conduct to guarantee they will or will not partake in certain behaviors during their time at camp.

The Camp Handbook will be part of the Mentor training materials during the training week and will provide further explanation of the sections shown in the Code of Conduct.

If you have questions about certain sections in the Code of Conduct, please reach out to members of our team for answers.
 

Medical Insurance Information and Release Form 
 

We also ask that all camp attendees complete and sign the Medical Insurance Information and Release Form. 

 

Our Camp Family

Meet our mentors for the summer and our supervising staff at Gustavus who help make this camp a reality.

Reach far. Dig deep.
Go Beyond.