SPEC brings youth and leaders together from near and far.

SPECTACULAR 2009

SPECTACULAR is one of the longest-running youth programs sponsored by Community of Christ. Started primarily as a volleyball camp, SPEC has evolved and adapted over more than 30 years to remain relevant to the church’s teens and their friends.

Each year nearly 1,000 youth and leaders from the USA and Canada gather at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, for a week of worship, games, sports, and art. They discover new gifts, uncover talents, sing, laugh, and support each other in a safe community environment.

This year, from July 25 through August 1, our family will expand. It also will include youth from French Polynesia, Europe, British Isles, and Australia. The theme “We Are…” will support an array of daily themes to expand minds and hearts.

Sunday: We are One—We are Many
Monday: We are Insiders—We are Outsiders
Tuesday: We are Takers—We are Givers
Wednesday: We are Hungry—We are Full
Thursday: We are Absent—We are Present
Friday: We are Dreamers—We are Doers
Saturday: We are One

SPEC is the premier church event for youth. It challenges them to explore, think, and question. Our mission is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young women and men to discover God and their inherent worth as they cultivate and express giftedness.

SPEC is greater than the sum of its parts. Hundreds of dedicated adults share their talents with teens in hundreds of ways. Campers come with hopes and dreams, baggage and disappointments. They cross boundaries of geography, economics, and language. They make friendships that last a lifetime. They are challenged to see and experience God in new and more-meaningful ways.

Every day we see examples of how God works through them. These glimpses of the Divine provide a tangible reminder of the mystery of which we are part.

“SPEC is truly a unique experience,” said Jamie Varvaro, one of the directors. “When music groups, guest speakers, or other special visitors come to SPEC, without exception they are blown away by the SPECTACULAR experience.”

This is a credit to the entire SPEC community and its embodiment of principles taught by Jesus Christ.

“It’s a place where we don’t just talk about being a disciple; it’s a place where we live as disciples,” continued Varvaro. “I think that’s what resonates so deeply with those not familiar with our faith community who encounter SPEC for the first time. It’s also what keeps our staff and campers coming back year after year.”

Look around your congregations and mission centers. Are your teens coming to SPEC this year? If not, help them find a way to be part of this amazing, life-shaping experience. Visit www.CofChrist.org/SPEC/ for registration details. This is something no young person should miss!