Arc-en-Ciel

Arc-en-Ciel Information    http://www.arc-en-ciel-camp.ch/

Goal

The purpose of Arc-en-Ciel is to offer young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential through the discovery or thorough study of Christian Science, to understand it better and to live it in daily life.

Organisation

Arc-en-Ciel is a non-profit organisation. It is financed essentially by the participants themselves, together with some gifts. The organisers are all volunteers and pay the same price as participants. Those who are invited (as, for example, the lecturers) receive no fee.
Arc-en-Ciel is organised by a group of Christian Scientists who have practised Christian Science for many years and who hold or have held most positions in their churches. They represent a wide range of ages and occupations (sociologist, student, computer scientist, accountant, economist, human rights, music, etc.).

The organisers aspire to offer young people a different sort of holiday camp which, in one way or another, will mean that participants return home with a precious "extra something" in their luggage.

Activities

Arc-en-Ciel is, above all, a place to exchange views in which openmindedness, the absence of prejudices, mutual respect, tolerance and a positive approach are at the centre of activities.
In a relaxed and happy atmosphere, young people can discuss all kinds of subjects, encouraged by speakers who are invited from all over the world to come and share their practical experience of Christian Science.
Participants can also exercise their talents in sport, hiking in the surrounding montains, or artistics and creative activities, such as theatre, music, dance and handicrafts.

Ethics

Arc-en-Ciel is open to all young people, provided they are sincerely interested in discovering or studying Christian Science. The essential requirement is individual commitment.
The camp's structure is based on the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. For this reason, the individual or group study of the weekly bible lesson is included in the daily activities.
However Arc-en-Ciel is a holiday camp, and in no way seeks to replace church, Sunday School, or class instruction. It is above all a place in which to exchange experiences and points of view.

Questions

What is the origin of Arc-en-Ciel ?

The Arc-en-Ciel camp was founded in Geneva in 1968 by a group of Christian Scientists who wished to gather youngsters from all over Europe.

How old are the participants ?

Participants are between 17 to 30. If you are outside this age and wish to attend please email the committee.

What are the camp activities ?

Activities include talks, sports, handicrafts, music, theater, choir and hiking in the montains, etc. Participants are encouraged to take an active and responsible role in the activities.

May anyone participate without being a Christian Scientist ?

Yes, as far as he/she is interested in Christian Science, and is ready to live according to its principles during the camp.

Is it possible to come to the camp for few days only ?

For organisational reasons, participants are asked to stay for the all camp.Under special circumstances (e.g. school holidays) individual requests will be taken into consideration.

How about financial aid ?

Nobody should be prevented from participating for financial reasons; the organisation board will examine any request confidentially, and may grant a reduction of the fee, or deferred payments.

Are the organisers paid ?

The organisers are not renumerated and must pay the same fee as the participants.

The invited speakers are not paid as well, but their expenses are reimbursed.

What are the main financial resources of the camp ?

The camp is essentially financed by the participants; gifts from churches and individuals enable to help youngsters who need a financial support.

What is the relation between the Arc-en-Ciel camp and the Christian Science branch churches or The Mother Church in Boston ?