College Student Weekend

July 3-5, 2026

College education can be an opportunity for Christians to learn more about the creation of God and interact with people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. At the same time, this opportunity comes with a unique set of challenges socially, spiritually, and intellectually. For example, conservative Anabaptist college students are often a minority in both their churches and colleges.

Faith Builders hosts College Student Weekend at the River Ridge Mansion, an early-20th-century mansion built by an oil baron near Franklin, PA. At College Student Weekend, we reflect on issues related to higher education and membership in conservative Christian community.  How does Anabaptism shape the college learning experience? How do your studies shape you as an Anabaptist?

We gather to explore our calling to humility and faithfulness. We talk about the issues raised at many campuses, hear from each other, and enjoy God’s presence. Attendees share their stories in small groups and pray for one another. Speakers, staff, and students mix for times of food, fellowship, and recreation. We seek to nurture a faithful, reverent pursuit of learning that deepens love for God and equips us to serve his people.

We welcome applications from full-time and part-time college and university students currently in school and/or planning to begin a program in the next academic year.  Registration priority is given to full-time students and students who are currently in school and will continue their studies next year.

2026 Information

In 2026, we are offering sessions about engaging our vocations with vision. Beyond surviving as Christians, how does God call us to serve him with the skills and knowledge of the professional world?

Plenary session: Taming Leviathan Kyle Stoltzfus

“Taming Leviathan,” examines the question of control: Even if we can’t totally control life, can we at least tame it? Optimize it? Avoid discomfort? What do we miss when we tame life, optimize it, or make it frictionless?

Breakouts

• Contemporary Issues in Sexuality John Coblentz
• Adjusting Tunnel Vision: ways to appreciate and respond to religious and cultural differences in people care Janelle Glick
• Why Social Work? A Bible-based roadmap for serving in secular human services professions Lowell Herschberger
• Contemporary Issues in Bioethics Ryan Hoover
• Learning with Open Hands Tim Kauffman
• Finding Your Place in Higher Education: belonging, identity, purpose Josh Nisley
• Study Harder, Not Smarter: reading and writing in the age of AI Josh Nisley
• Psychology as a Human Science: A Christian exploration in counseling Abigail Wingard

General Information

Who: We welcome applications from full-time and part-time college and university students currently in school and/or planning to begin a program in the next academic year.  Registration priority is given to full-time students and students who are currently in school and will continue their studies next year.

Where: Faith Builders hosts the College Student Weekend at the River Ridge Mansion, an early-20th-century mansion built by an oil baron near Franklin, PA.

When: College Student Weekend 2026 begins on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, and continues through lunch on Sunday, July 5.

Cost: The cost of attendance is $260 per person, including two nights of lodging and five meals. The event is limited to 48 participants. Registration is required.

We look forward to a stimulating and refreshing weekend!