Are you looking to supercharge your personal and spiritual growth?

Cumorah Academy might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for. This unique one-semester program offers a transformative experience and a chance for you to learn leadership skills, gain lifelong friends, and learn how to achieve your life goals.

But, before we get into that, what exactly is “Cumorah” Academy?

That is a good question. This blog post can address any questions or concerns you may have about what Cumorah is, where the name comes from, and what the school offers. Without further adieu, let’s dive right in!

What Kind of Name is “Cumorah”?

Cumorah Academy – the name itself sparks curiosity. Where does “Cumorah” come from and what does it mean?

The name “Cumorah” is significant for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To understand the name’s weight, we need to travel back in time and across continents, to a specific hill in western New York: the Hill Cumorah.

For members of the Church, the Hill Cumorah holds immense importance. According to their beliefs, this is where a young Joseph Smith unearthed a collection of ancient scripture tablets in the early 1800s. These tablets, translated by Smith, became known as the Book of Mormon, a foundational text alongside the Bible for the Church.

Why Cumorah?

So, why did Cumorah Academy choose this name steeped in religious history?

By adopting “Cumorah,” the Academy acknowledges its connection to these core beliefs. It signifies a place where spiritual growth and discovery are valued, just as Joseph Smith’s discovery on the Hill Cumorah is believed to have ignited a new religious movement. The name subtly reflects the Academy’s aim to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with a strong foundation in their faith.

This deeper meaning behind the name might not be readily apparent to someone outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tradition. However, it adds a layer of understanding to the Academy’s mission and the values it upholds.

In an interview with Patrick Sedivy, Cumorah’s CEO and founder, he said of the name, “We were trying to pick a name. At one point we decided we wanted to pick a name that members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be able to recognize because we do cater

to that audience. Cumorah is very gospel-centered. Very Christ-centered. We wanted to put that in the name without having it be so flashy in the marketing.”

“What ultimately got us to choose Cumorah was that I did some research on Cumorah and what that means. Nobody has a definitive answer on the meaning behind Cumorah because the language of the Nephites changed over time, but if you look at the Hebrew roots Cumorah means “mountain of light” or “Rise and Shine” Which is perfect, because [at Cumorah] we are helping the rising generation to shine.”

What is Cumorah Academy?

Cumorah Academy is a program in the Czech Republic for young adults (18-30) that focuses on faith development, leadership skills, and personal growth.

It offers a focused, one-semester experience designed to supplement your existing education and personal development journey. Located in the heart of the Czech Republic countryside, Cumorah Academy provides a unique opportunity for young adults to:

Deepen their faith: The Academy fosters a Christ-centered environment, offering courses and activities that strengthen religious beliefs and values. (It’s important to note that Cumorah Academy welcomes students of all faiths, or even those without a specific religious background, as long as they are open to exploring its core values.)

Develop leadership skills: Through workshops, mentorship programs, and real-world experiences, Cumorah Academy helps students hone their leadership potential, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities.

Enhance personal growth: The Academy emphasizes self-discovery and lifelong learning. Students participate in activities that build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of purpose.

Think of Cumorah Academy as an intensive personal development retreat meets a cultural exchange program. It’s a chance to step away from your daily routine, immerse yourself in a new environment, and invest in your personal and spiritual growth alongside like-minded individuals.

Cumorah Academy Mission

Cumorah Academy’s Mission is to assist individuals in their desire to follow Jesus Christ and positively impact their lives, careers, homes & communities.

It’s mission statement serves as a guiding light for both students and staff. It clearly outlines the Academy’s purpose: to empower individuals to deepen their faith and equip them to make a positive impact.

What is the Meaning Behind the Logo?

Cumorah Academy’s logo is more than just an image; it’s a visual representation of the Academy’s core values and mission. Let’s unpack the symbolism embedded within the logo:

Colors:

The logo utilizes two shades of blue. The lighter blue represents the rising generation, symbolizing the youthful energy and potential of the students at Cumorah Academy. The darker blue signifies the older generation, representing the experience, wisdom, and mentorship that the Academy fosters. The interplay of these colors reflects the Academy’s commitment to bridging the gap between generations, fostering a community where young adults can learn from and be supported by experienced individuals.

The Rising Sun:

The prominent sun rising over the hills represents hope, new beginnings, and the potential for growth. It aligns with the Academy’s mission of empowering young adults to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.

The Two Hills (Small Blaník and Big Blaník):

The two hills depicted in the logo are a subtle nod to the geographical location of the Academy in the Czech Republic. These hills, referred to as Small Blaník and Big Blaník, hold cultural significance and are located right by the academy.

The Core Values of Cumorah Academy

Cumorah Academy goes beyond academics, fostering a community built on six core values that guide every aspect of the program. These values work together to shape a transformative experience for young adults. Let’s delve deeper into each of these core principles:

1.   Christlike Leadership:

At the heart of Cumorah Academy lies the concept of Christlike leadership. This means leading by serving others, reflecting Christ’s compassion and selflessness. The program equips you with the skills and character to become a positive influence, uplifting those around you.

2.     Your Potential:

We believe in the power within YOU. Cumorah Academy provides opportunities to discover your strengths, explore your goals, and develop the skills needed to achieve them.

3.   Your Growth:

Learning is a lifelong journey, and Cumorah Academy fosters a spirit of your continuous growth. We expose you to diverse perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and a thirst for knowledge that will stay with you long after the program ends.

4.   Your Impact:

Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the world. Through service projects and community engagement, you’ll discover the joy of contributing your talents and making a difference.

5.   Your Joy:

While growth and service are important, Cumorah Academy also values your joy. We create a supportive and encouraging environment filled with opportunities for laughter, connection, and celebrating life’s blessings.

6.   YOU:

Cumorah Academy is more than just a program; it’s a community. We value you, your unique talents, and your contributions. Together, we embark on a journey of personal growth and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

These core values, woven together, create a unique learning experience at Cumorah Academy. You won’t just acquire knowledge here, you’ll also develop the skills and character to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Ready to embark on a journey of personal growth, leadership development, and spiritual exploration? Cumorah Academy could be the perfect next step for you.

Visit our website here to learn more about our programs, application process, and upcoming semesters. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and make a lasting impact on the world.

Written by Mack Fontano

Photos by Camila Caraveo

Hi! I’m Mack, the content creator intern at Cumorah Academy for the Spring 2024 semester! I am from Utah in the United States and recently graduated from college in Communications and Digital Marketing. I love reading, writing – especially poetry, and drawing. I collect stickers!

Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer