Office of Youth Ministries- Episcopal Diocese of MA

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts is happy to offer three programs geared for youth in our diocese!

The Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) is a group of young people who represent the youth of the Diocese at Diocesan Convention. They plan and run Diocesan youth events and work ultimately to make the church a nurturing environment for the spiritual growth of young people in the Christian community. They seek to accomplish this through extending fellowship and hospitality with their fellow youth.

The DYC is comprised of 24-36 members who are in high school grades 10 through 12 (as of September 2009).  These youth representatives are from each of the 12 deaneries (with at least one Convention representative, in grades 11 or 12, elected from each deanery). The DYC generally has an event and/or meeting once a month. During that time they plan and run four specific diocesan youth events, discuss relevant topics that concern the youth of the diocese and explore their own journeys of faith.

At the 1998 Diocesan Convention, an amendment to the Constitution passed that gave seat and voice at diocesan conventions to all members of the Diocesan Youth Council and vote to those members age 16 or older. The diocese is proud of this important step that reflects how seriously youth are held in this diocese.

The goal of the DYC is to extend the missional purposes of the Episcopal Church in Massachusetts through radical welcome to all youth, open faith inquiry and journeying, investment in their local parishes, deaneries and geographic locations and living into the life of the Spirit through leadership and fellowship.

 The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a program for rising 9th and 10th graders in the Episcopal Diocese. The program begins with a week at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center during the summer, where part of the curriculum is based around team building, working in small groups and beginning to understand what leadership means in a Christian context-- how is servant leadership part of how each one of us is called to be part of the body of Christ?

All who participate in the week at the Camp have the option of continuing the program during the academic year. Throughout the year, each participant creates and leads a self-chosen project in their home parish in consultation with the clergy and a mentor. At the end of the program, each participant fundraises and goes on a mission trip (past mission destinations have included Honduras and El Salvador) with the rest of the group.

Participation in YLA begins with registration on the camp website (www.bchcenter.org) for the YLA week at the camp. YLA week at the camp is usually the second week of Camp (July 4-10, 2010). For information or questions, please be in touch with Kit Lonergan, klonergan@diomass.org. 

www.bchcenter.org

Opened in June 2003, THE CAMP at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center has grown to serve over 800 campers from throughout New England. THE CAMP has become one of the area's premiere Christian camps, offering great new facilities, an incredible staff, and a strong Christian community. 

THE CAMP offers many opportunities for fun and adventure, whether that means swimming, soccer, crafts, archery, hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing. Based on a unique small group approach, it is also a place where all campers feel accepted, cared for, and develop great friendships.  But most importantly, it is a place with a special and higher purpose. . .helping kids grow in their faith. Our program builds on the opportunities presented by the wonder of God's creation found in nature and the camper's distance from the distractions of day to day life. Opportunities abound for campers to grow closer to God -- from powerful, high energy worship to quiet reflective prayer.  Campers learn important life lessons and gain new perspectives as they live, work, and play in a community centered on Christian belief and values.

 Come join us at THE CAMP this summer! Our programs include traditional, week-long overnight camps for children entering grades 4 through 12 and family camp. Whichever program suits you best, our strong commitment to excellence means you'll experience summer camp at its very best.