School session cancellation

The National Spiritual Assembly has decided that there will not be a session of the Marian Steffes Bahá'í School in 2014 based on declining attendance and challenges in assembling a planning committee. The interest of the friends in the region and their willingness to assist in sustaining and contributing to the success of the school will be assessed over the next few months.

Register Now!

Alláh-u-Abhá summer campers! In order to have an accurate estimate of food (we have a yummy, healthy menu planned for this year), we need to have your registration completed by next week (July 12, 2013) if at all possible.

To register and for more information please go to the following link: http://www.mariansteffes.com/p/registration.html


The theme of this year's Bahá'í Summer School is "Knowing Bahá'u'lláh - His Life and Words."

Our curriculum will focus on the wisdom to be gleaned from Baha'u'llah's life and writings. All programming will employ an engaging, multi-disciplinary approach that encourages participants to connect to the teachings of Baha'u'llah and apply them to their own lives, families and communities.

2013 Theme!

We are thrilled to announce the theme of this year’s Bahá’í Summer School is “Knowing Bahá’u’lláh – His Life and Words.” 

Our children’s and adult programming will focus on the wisdom to be gleaned from Baha’u’llah’s life and writings. All programming will employ an engaging, multi-disciplinary approach that encourages participants to connect to the teachings of Baha’u’llah and apply them to our own lives, families and communities.

We look forward to seeing you at Camp Tamarack in July!

Who was Marian Steffes?

You might be curious about the woman for whom this summer school is named.  Here's a little bit about her from the National Baha'i Archives in Wilmette, IL.

Marian Steffes at the First Baha'i Council Fire Gathering
Pine Springs, AZ, June 1962 

Marian steffes was born June 14, 1900 in Oneida, Wisconsin on a farm owned by her family. Her parents were of the Oneida tribe of the Iriquois Nation. She and her husband Fred had a son, Wayne, and a daughter Ramona, whose married name was Ortega. She spent most of her life as a Milwaukee resident, moving to northern California in latter days. She died in Grenada Hills, California on June 14, 1978.

Marian began investigating the Baha'i Faith in Milwaukee in 1935. It is not possible to determine who was the first American Indian to accept the Faith, but Marian was definitely among the earliest to do so. She immediately began to spread the news of the Cause among her people and continued doing so as long as she lived in Wisconsin. She was accompanied by one of her earliest teachers, “Auntie Victoria” Bedikian on some of her travels. In 1953 she attended the International Conference in Chicago-Wilmette as one of a handful of Indian representatives. She addressed the Great Council Fire in Papago Land in Arizona in February 1963 and her son Wayne was master of ceremonies at one of the sessions. Upon her passing the Universal House of Justice began its cable, “GRIEVED LOSS STAUNCH OUTSTANDING NATIVE AMERICAN TEACHER CAUSE MARIAN STEFFES.”

2012 Theme

Abdu'l-Baha speaking at Plymouth Congregational Church,
Chicago, IL, May 1912

The Marian Steffes Baha'i Summer School committee has decided that the theme for the 2012 summer school is 100 years Later: In His Path of Service. This theme refers to the centenary of  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's exciting visit to North America!


Celebrations are going on all year long to celebrate his momentous visit.  If you're interested in learning more or participating (in addition to attending Marian Steffes Baha'i School!) you can visit the following sources:

• Abdu'l-Baha in America - The official site that features lots of information about  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's journey, historical sources, and commemorative events.
• The Journey West - An interactive website created by some young Baha'is working at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa.  The site has many exciting features, such as podcasts, interactive discussions, profiles of prominent Baha'is  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá  encountered between 1911-1913, and many insightful blog posts.
• Voyage of Love by Amy Renshaw -  A beautifully written account of  ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 's journey that will appeal to readers of all ages. Drawing on various historical sources, as well as the talks of Abdu'l-Baha, author Amy Renshaw brings to life Abdu'l-Baha's journey in rich and intimate detail.

Welcome!

Visit us on facebook at facebook.com/mariansteffes!

It is my purpose to set forth in America the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It will then become the duty of the Baha’is of this country to give these principles unfoldment and application in the minds, hearts, and lives of the people.

-Abdu'l-Bahá