"Youth Programming" in white over red and yellow weave pattern
Day campers sharing a meal
Team building game
Student receiving a Sikh turban during site visit
Day campers participate in the ropes course
Learning at Habitat for Humanity
Day camp activities
Team building at Day Camp

Interfaith Forward: The Next Generation

We believe that our middle and high school students are the next generation of interfaith leaders who offer the world a rich perspective and energy. Our programming offers a space for youth to connect with their peers, from different faiths and worldviews, who want to work together to make our world a better place. They too have a part in dismantling bias, assumptions, fear, and hate so our schools and communities may become places where everyone is valued, respected, and loved. The hope is that, out of this work, we will have given youth voices a place at the interfaith table to shape how Kaufman looks well into the future! 

Day Camp group shot
Students help each other scale wall on ropes course
Students work at Habitat for Humanity
Students work on crops at Plainsong Farm
Students giving a presentation
Students at Buddhist temple
Students engaging from indigenous leaders

GET INVOLVED!


Students running enthusiastically across the Blue Bridge

Kaufman Interfaith Leadership Scholars

Our Leadership Scholars program trains teenagers from greater Grand Rapids to become activators in the interfaith movement. Participants will deepen their understanding of West Michigan's diverse faith communities by engaging with one another’s traditions and cultures while developing leadership skills used to create grass-roots community impact. Participants are encouraged to develop their own passions and interests as they receive training from interfaith leaders.

Students in classroom training

This program is open to all students from 8th to 12th grade and runs throughout the school year, meeting every other week on Sundays from 3:00-4:30pm.

Students will be actively involved in shaping upcoming Kaufman Interfaith Institute programs.

Join the Kaufman Scholars to become the future of interfaith in West Michigan! 

Kaufman Scholars Information


Day camp participants in action

Interfaith Service Day Camps

Our Interfaith Service Day Camps provide an introduction to the world of interfaith leadership through visiting sacred sites and building community through service.  Students will build friendships while working with a variety of service organizations doing incredible work in our community. It is an excellent opportunity to engage with peers and neighbors of a variety of cultures, traditions and world views.

Interfaith Service Day Camps Home Page

Sikh Gurdwara site visit
Red and yellow weave pattern


Page last modified September 26, 2023