Frequently Asked Questions

Where do participants stay during the program? 

Trinity Lutheran Seminary provides housing in the seminary apartment complex on campus.

Are there any differences between the June and July sessions?

Yes!  If you come to the June session you’ll have the unique opportunity to lead a week-long, inner-city Vacation Bible School program.  Overall the June session has ample opportunities for urban ministry.  If you come in July, you’ll get to participate in a four day interfaith dialogue/service event with other students from the Jewish and Muslim communities around Columbus.  Plus you’ll get to tour a synagogue and mosque as well.  Also in July there are more activities surrounding children and adults with special needs.  So, if you can, come for the session that sparks the most interest!!  (…but, of course, we’ll have a great time in each session!)

What does a typical Sampler day look like?

While each day varies quite a bit, most days tend to look something like this: 

7:30 am - Morning Devotions

8:00 am - Breakfast

9:00 am - Service Project

12:00 pm - Lunch 

2:00 pm - Seminary Classes or Job Shadowing with Mentors

5:00 pm - Dinner

7:00 pm - Guest Presenter

9:30 pm - Evening Devotions / Debriefing the Day 

Weekends are spent at various events around Columbus and joining in worship at local congregations. 

Can my family and friends visit me during my time at Sampler?

Sure! Each Saturday afternoon is designated as time for family and friends to visit.  There are also lots of events and opportunities around Columbus to explore on the weekends regardless of whether you have visitors.

How much does Sampler cost? 

Nothing.  Zip.  Nada.  0.  Zilch.  'Tis free it 'tis.

Participants in Sampler are encouraged to find sponsors to support their time in the program.  At the end of the session, each participant receives a check for up to $500, depending on how much sponsorship they raise, PLUS a $100 stipend for being part of the program.  It can be hard to give up a summer job to spend three weeks away at something like Sampler, but there are also lots of people who are eager to support this kind of learning and serving by sponsoring someone's participation (you might be surprised)!  

We do ask for $50 when you're accepted just in case you accidentally throw a desk out a third story window or lose your key, but assuming those things don't happen we'll gladly return it to you at the end of the summer. 

Um, you just mentioned "sponsors"... is there a catch?

Not at all. To participate in Sampler all you need is yourself and time.  There are no fees and no requirements to fundraise.  However, asking people from your congregation, your grandparents, your uncle's trucking company, etc. to help support you in this program is a way of inviting others to participate in Sampler too.  The service projects, discernment, traveling, and classes that make up Sampler take a lot of energy and time, and this is one way that other people you know can support you in that commitment.   It also helps offset time spent away from working a summer job.