Discovering California’s vast cultural range is integral to a Providence education. Students learn what it is to be a Christian thinker both inside the classroom and outside it. Avodah excursions this fall included a study of Scientology as well as a trip to the Mt. Wilson Observatory. What follows is a recap of some of the other excursions from the Avodah program this fall.

Dr. Larry McHargue leads students through the Sierra Nevada Mountatinson their recent science trip.

Dr. Larry McHargue leads students through the Sierra Nevada Mountatinson their recent science trip.

Dr. Larry McHargue’s science trips around California have an almost legendary status on on the Providence campus by now. Since the college’s founding, he has shown California’s trees, rocks, and geological formations to Providence students. This fall, students accompanied Dr. McHargue on another weekend science trip. His encyclopedic knowledge of California’s flora and fauna made the trip informative and fun.

Providence students Amy MacArthur and Joey Venegas in Mexico.

Providence students Amy MacArthur and Joey Venegas in Mexico.

On September 21-22, Justin Bleeker led a group of Providence students to Tijuana, Mexico. Adrian Crum ’10 showed them cultural sites, shared details about church activity in the city, in addition to providing insights about the city and its culture. The Tijuana trip has proven to be a semi-regular Avodah excursion.

 

Director of Student Life Justin Bleeker with students on Skid Row.

Director of Student Life Justin Bleeker with students on Skid Row

 

Visiting Skid Row near downtown Los Angeles is always an eye-opening experience. This Avodah focused on understanding the dynamics that created the Skid Row culture, while reviewing the historical, economic, and social issues present there.

 

Students in front of Pasadena’s Castle Green.

Students in front of Pasadena’s Castle Green.

“Pasadena, the city of roses, is known around the world. But, what is beneath the façade of the wealth and fame?” This excursion  centered on Providence’s home city by studying its history, politics, arts & entertainment, socioeconomics, and commerce.

The spring semester promises to be no less rich. The schedule includes a study of fashion, a visit to the Port of Los Angeles, a study of journalism, a series of talks at Providence from Dr. Richard Mouw on cultural discipleship, and a trip to the Far West Region Evangelical Theological Society Conference.