The 2025–2026 Bahá’í Summer Schools will be guided by the national theme:
Homes as Havens: Pillars to Sustain Humanity | Ngā kāinga hei āhuru mōwai: ngā pou hei oranga tāngata
Inspired by the 19 March 2025 message of the Universal House of Justice, this theme invites participants to explore the vital role of family life in the advancement of civilisation. Every element of each summer school programme—presentations, workshops, devotions, creative activities, and fellowship—will be designed to strengthen the understanding of this vital role.
This year, the organisation of the summer schools reflects a more decentralised and creative approach. Each host Local Spiritual Assembly is encouraged to develop a programme that:
- Nurtures fellowship, joy, and collective learning
- Aligns closely with the national theme
- Builds on the strengths and experiences of its community
- Integrates study, consultation, and action
- Everyone’s contributions to discussions will be encouraged and welcomed
While there is no centralised set of materials or assigned speakers, coherence across the country will be maintained through ongoing collaboration between the Regional Bahá’í Councils and host Assemblies.
Context for the new arrangement
Over the past few years, the nature of summer schools has evolved significantly. In light of this, and in response to feedback from various communities, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided not to provide a centralised set of materials, videos or speakers for this year’s summer schools. This decision reflects a growing desire among host Assemblies and regional institutions to have greater freedom and creativity in shaping programmes that are responsive to local realities and capacities.
However, this decentralisation does not mean a lack of coherence or purpose. On the contrary, it is essential that each summer school maintains a clear thematic unity and contributes meaningfully to the spiritual and intellectual life of the community, as well as using the summer school to give impetus to the friends’ efforts to share the Divine fragrances more widely and systematically.
The aim is for summer school to add more impetus to the growth processes, which includes fostering the concept of households supporting one another.
Please refer to the Resources page to find materials for workshops, children’s classes and junior youth activities.
