Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lamplight this year?
The latest Lamplight session ran weekdays from July 10-28, 2023. Keep your eye out in Spring 2024 for next summer’s dates.
What are you going to teach at Lamplight?
At Lamplight, we focus on developing the skills necessary to change our world for the better. We use storytelling, local history, and strategic analysis to understand our world the way it is, imagine how it could be, and come up with a plan to change it. We learn how to look after our mental health, communicate effectively, and support each other emotionally so that our projects will be sustainable. We share the labor necessary to the keep the program running day to day to learn how to manage a complex organization.
Where will Lamplight be located?
Lamplight splits its time between the Church of the Epiphany in Guntersville and the Waid family property, which is about five minutes away. Morning drop-off, meals, and evening pick-up are held at Epiphany, while outdoor activities are held at the property by the lake.
How much does lamplight cost?
Lamplight is free. We do not want cost to be a barrier for any child. For students who would have been working if they were not at Lamplight, we are considering a stipend, depending on the success of our fundraising efforts.
How many students are there in one session?
Lamplight is designed for a small, dedicated group of learners who will bring what they learned at the program back out into the world. We expect a group of 12-18 students and several staff present at any given session.
Is Lamplight non-profit? How do I know my money is being used well?
Lamplight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which requires a certain amount of transparency as part of its status. We share a newsletter here and post other updates through our Facebook and Instagram.
Who do I write checks to?
We’ve incorporated under the name “Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center,” and all checks should be made to that name and mailed to our partner Caring Heart Thrift Store, which manages our mailbox. You can send it to them at 165 N Main St, Arab, AL 35016.
Is Lamplight partnered or affiliated with any other organizations?
Lamplight runs under the umbrella of the Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center. We also work closely with Church of the Epiphany in Guntersville and Caring Heart Thrift Store in Arab.
Who is Lamplight for?
Though Lamplight was designed specifically for high school students, we accepted several mature middle schoolers who indicated interest this past year. In general, we are looking for teenagers interested in learning the skills necessary to improve their communities. Because the Lamplight is a day camp, student recruitment focuses on areas that are closer to the site on Guntersville lake. If you think you would be a great fit for the program but would have trouble with daily transportation to the site, please apply anyway and note this on your application. We will do what we can to accommodate interested applicants.
How do I apply?
Check out lamplightsummer.org/apply. Admission to Lamplight is done on a rolling basis in the springtime. This means that the sooner you register, the better chance you have to get a spot.
