Going into the summer Audrey Martin was a little nervous, but still, excited to be participating in the Iowa Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp.
Her faith journey had been a bit rocky and she knew an experience like this would require some vulnerability. On her first night of camp, after getting settled, Martin joined other campers on the bus to visit the Iowa Sikh Association and Gurdwara in West Des Moines. After sharing a meal and stepping out of her comfort zone, the idea behind why Martin was here became more clear.
“I did not know what to expect from the camp as a whole and I did not know any of the other campers at that point, but that visit brought us so close together so quickly, and the Sikh community was so welcoming,” said Martin.
“I became more aware of the similarities between every system of beliefs and that all are built on love… there are so many ways to worship, and all are unique and valuable.”
The five day experience is a partnership with the Comparison Project at Drake University and students stay on campus during the camp. Part of the personal faith journey for students like Audrey was the creation of a digital storytelling video project. Each day’s discussions and site visits help deepen that exploration as campers join worship services, meals, and conversations with their peers and faith partners in the metro.
“As someone who has been in Catholic school my whole life, I never really had much exposure to other faith traditions. I had learned about many of them conceptually, but connecting with members of these communities in person was an entirely different experience,” Said Martin.
For Martin, the search for interfaith engagement and the bonds made with campers continue today. Martin’s advice for future campers: “Get out of your comfort zone: try the food, talk to the people, and definitely dance at the bhajan!”
She enjoyed her experience as a camper in 2023 she joined the 2024 camp as a counselor, helping direct other young adults on their interfaith journey.
