There is an interesting yet little known connection between Elephant Seals and the Seventh Day Baptist Summer Christian Service Corp (SCSC) initiative.
A timely reminder: SCSC students are encouraged to apply by January 15, 2026 by going to this SCSC Participant Application Link.. You can find the church applications for proposed projects at SCSC Project Forms, due by February 15, 2026. If you are interested in participating in the SCSC program but have some remaining questions, please contact the SCSC Committee Chair, Helen Goodrich, by the deadline dates to express your interest.
We are excited to discover what God has planned for SCSC 2026! We invite eligible young adults to consider growing their leadership skills by serving in SCSC. Participate in on-site group training (at Jersey Oaks Camp) and projects serving churches and groups who have prepared activities for SCSC student teams. Teams assist in host church ministries while continuing to hone leadership skills. If you want to learn more, check out some informational videos about SCSC here.
Elephant Seals and SCSC
You might be skeptical of a connection between these large mammals that have the defining feature of a large proboscis and the SCSC initiative. Your skepticism is well placed, but I am going to make the stretch. Elephant seals remind us of the work/rest rhythm of life. Really.
Elephant seals are generally seen lazily lounging around on the beach during certain times of the year. They appear to be far from an active animal that swim thousands of miles a year. But, they do just that–we only see the Elephant Seals during their brief rest times. Most of their time is spent swimming at 1500 foot depths underwater. You can see where I am going on this.
There is a time to work and a time to rest–a distinctive that SDBs are especially aware of. While we are not talking about Elephant Seals at SCSC training this year, we are spending part of our time talking about SDBs, Rest, Work, Sabbath, and communicating the gospel with an accent of rest.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Jordan of Houghton University (Houghton, NY) will participate at the in-person SCSC training at Jersey Oaks Camp in June. Dr. Jordan will lead reflective and exploratory sessions designed to inform, inspire, and invite further conversation. This will be a thoughtful contribution to the ongoing journey of Seventh Day Baptists (SDBs) as we deepen our understanding and embodiment of Sabbath rest. Our time with Dr. Jordan will be a catalyst for dialogue as we seek to discern the Spirit’s leading together.
