1. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE SUMMIT?

To help high school students prepare themselves to take on responsibility. The more ready they are, the more responsibility they will get, and the more exciting their lives will be. The underlying idea is that what matters in life is not material possessions, athletic ability, good looks, intellectual ability, etc. What matters is character. Character allows men to take on responsibility and makes them great. Character endures after these other things are long gone.

​

2. WHY THE NAME “THE SUMMIT”?

Between the ages of 14 and 19, young men begin to form the habits and dispositions that will shape their future. It is also an age in which they begin to set their sights on higher aspirations. In addition to helping these men prepare themselves to take on responsibility, the goal is to help form a clear vision for how to reach the true "summit" of all activities. 

​

3. ISN’T IT TOO EARLY FOR FRESHMEN OR SOPHOMORES TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS LIKE COLLEGE AND CAREER?

Not at all. The program is not meant to create stress about getting into the “best” college or having the “best” job. But high school students should be looking ahead to where they are going in life so that they begin now to develop the skills and attitudes needed for the great tasks of their lives: forming a family, serving society through their work, and developing friendships with colleagues, neighbors, and (most of all) God. Between the ages of 14 and 19, habits are formed, friends are made, and ideas and ideals are internalized. Young men need to see their high school years in the light of their entire life.

 

4. CAN A STUDENT SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE EVEN THOUGH HE CANNOT ATTEND EVERY SESSION?

Yes, but we strongly encourage attending every session.

 

5. WHY DOES WINDMOOR ENTRUST THE CHRISTIAN ORIENTATION OF ITS ACTIVITIES TO OPUS DEI?

Windmoor's activities are based on a Christian view of life that recognizes the dignity of the human person, the inherent goodness of the created world, the value of human work, and the God-given moral law. In both professional activities such as The Summit and spiritual activities like retreats, recollections, and doctrine classes, Opus Dei ensures that a true Christian spirit is present. Opus Dei is an institution of the Catholic Church whose mission is to help people find God in and through the circumstances of their ordinary life.

​

6. DO I NEED TO BE CATHOLIC TO PARTICIPATE?

No, you do not need to be Catholic to participate in The Summit. ​The program is inspired by the virtues and ideals of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it does not seek to impart specific doctrinal formation. The Summit warmly welcomes people of all faiths. Nevertheless, many students recognize the spiritual dimensions of professionalism, friendship, citizenship, and fatherhood, and they are encouraged to set goals consistent with their religious convictions.

​​

7. SHOULD I LET MY FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT THE SUMMIT?

Yes! We encourage you to inform other people about The Summit. When friends attend the program together, they establish a means of reinforcement extending well beyond the classroom. If you would like a brief presentation of the program for you and your friends, please contact us to make arrangements.

​

8. WHAT ABOUT MY DAUGHTER (OR SISTER)?

The Summit and other activities of Club Denali and the Windmoor Study Center are intended for men of various ages. The Southold Center for Education offers activities for women. The Christian orientation of Southold's programs is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Prelature of the Catholic Church.