Spirituality Services

Spiritual life on campus is as varied as those who participate in creating this unique community. Many students, faculty and staff at Green Mountain College share an interest in making the connection between concern for the earth and care for the soul. We look for ways to bring this interest alive in a variety of settings.

Our campus chaplain, the Reverend Shirley Oskamp, a United Methodist Pastor, is on campus every Tuesday and Friday, and other days by appointment or for special activities. She enjoys talking with students and staff about life, matters of the Spirit, and the human adventure.

Spiritual Activities
Throughout the academic year, the chaplain's office at Green Mountain College sponsors groups and leads activities focused on spiritual health. Current offerings include:

• Sundays at Seven
  This is a group for Christians and others, with a focus is on faith and life. The group meets Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Chapel for discussion, study, and supportive community. Steve Bartholomew facilitates the group.

• Spirituality Club
  The Spirituality Club meets Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. This student-led group is for people from various faith traditions as well as those who want to live with a spiritual sensibility.

• Meditation
  Meditation is on Tuesday from 6-6:30 p.m. and Friday from 3-3:30 p.m. in the Chapel. The sessions, led by Chaplain Shirley Oskamp, draw from several traditions. This meditation can be focused to meet needs of participants.

• Student Initiatives
  There are always a variety of student-initiated spiritual activities on campus. Past activities have included various kinds of meditation both indoors and outside, morning chanting in the chapel, Tai Chi, yoga, meditative art projects, drumming circles and the building of a meditation hut.

Spiritual Facilities
The GMC campus offers several spaces for spiritual exploration and activity. They include:

• Labyrinth
  Labyrinths trace their roots back to some of the oldest cathedrals on earth. The campus labyrinth, located next to the Griswold Library, offers a space for prayer, meditation and centering. It incorporates the Green Mountain College love of the out-of-doors into its very form.

• GMC Chapel / Donchian Meditation Room
  GMC dedicated and redesigned the chapel and Donchian Meditation Room in September of 2003, thanks to a generous donation from the Donchian Foundation. This sacred space is host to artwork inspired by a variety of religious traditions including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Native American, Celtic and Egyptian. Chairs and meditation cushions grace the room. A sound system and a CD collection expressive of spirit-centered music, guided meditations and teachings, is available for use.

Contact Information
Rev. Shirley Oskamp
Campus Chaplain
Wellness Center, second floor
(802) 287-8388
oskamps@greenmtn.edu