Diocesan Youth Council

Diocesan Youth Council 2021-2022: Rebuilding and Reimagining

The Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) is a group of committed young people who occupy a visible leadership position within the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. 

In 2020-2021, we began to re-imagine the structure and potential scope of the Diocesan Youth Council, and we hope to continue that exploration going forward. Although the DYC members are still one collective group, coming together several times a year, the young people of the Diocese of Massachusetts have a broad range of talents and interests, and the new structure is designed to provide opportunities for a broader range of involvement. 

Going forward, Diocesan Youth Council will be divided into several different, smaller teams, each with their own responsibilities and commitments.

  • One group is the voice and presence of young people at the diocesan level. They lead DYC participation in Diocesan Convention and serve on Diocesan Council, deanery assemblies, and represent the interests of young people to the wider church.

  • Another team plans and runs retreats for young people at Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center, continuing DYC’s well established ministry of hospitality.

  • A third team works to organize young people around social justice issues such as racial reconciliation and creation care.

And there are likely other possibilities for youth leadership at the diocesan level, as well.  What are your ideas?

Although Youth Council members might be working on different projects, they all share certain things in common:

  • A desire to “be in the world the change they want to see”

  • A commitment to leadership at the diocesan level--a commitment to be responsible to help create and implement opportunities for other young people and youth groups to participate in their efforts.

  • A commitment to support and encourage the efforts of all the Youth Council projects, not just “their own”

  • Faith that God "is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by God's power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20)

It is possible to serve with more than one team, or to move between groups, as you feel drawn. No matter which group or groups you chose to participate in, DYC will require a commitment of time and energy, and prayer. We would love to share in this work with you, but be sure you understand--it will require work.

Membership in the DYC is by application. The on-line application is available now and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Fall 2021. Deanery representatives with voting privileges at Diocesan Convention are selected by their deanery assembly  from among the DYC members.

Questions? Please contact the Youth Missioner Rev. H. Mark Smith.

Retreats

Held at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center and elsewhere, these gatherings--led by the Diocesan Youth Council members--give young people and their allies an opportunity to get away with each other, meet others from around the diocese, and listen together for God's outrageous plans for them through games and activities, reflections, food, fun, and lively worship.

Typically we host two weekend retreats, one in the fall and one in the winter, as well as two overnight pre-confirmation retreats in March and April. Although circumstances may change in the months between now and then, we invite you to put the following dates on your calendar in the hopes that you can join us this year:

Nov 19-21, 2021    Fall Retreat at Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center

Feb 4-6, 2022    Winter Retreat at Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center

March 18-19, 2022   Pre-Confirmation retreat with Bishop Gayle

April 1-2, 2022 Pre-Confirmation retreat with Bishop Alan

Regional Youth Events

The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry supports the developing faith life of young people in local parishes by uplifting the particular needs and interests of the churches. We carry out this ministry of support and partnership with parishes in order to provide young people with the most life-giving ministries and faith-building experiences possible.

The Office serves the mission of youth formation by providing layers of administrative, planning, and on-the-ground presence at diocesan youth programs around the diocese. In the coming year these partnerships include the Creation Care Beach Clean-up Service Day on Cape Cod, the Las Posadas Advent celebration in Chelsea, the Service of Remembrance in Bridgewater, and the Lent Launch Lock-in at Trinity Church, Boston.

These events are often tied to holy times, holidays, weekends, and school vacations. If your church or youth group has an idea for an event, a passion you'd like to share with others, or you just want help making friends-in-faith with others from around the diocese, run it by hmsmith@diomass.org. 

 

Talking Shop:  Networking and Professional Development

These occasional offerings are designed to help adults who work with young people connect with colleagues from across the diocese, learn new skills, and share their experience and wisdom with others.  If you work with youth full-time or part-time, if you are paid staff or volunteer, if you are clergy or lay, if you are short or tall, these offerings are for you.

 

Barbara C. Harris Camp

Opened in June 2003, THE CAMP at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center has grown to serve over 1000 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 supportive and loving Christian community.

Come join us at THE CAMP this summer! We offer both a traditional, week-long overnight camp for children entering grades 4 through 12, as well as a family camp, where no matter your age you are welcome to come enjoy all of the fun things that BCH has to offer. Whichever program suits you best, our strong commitment to excellence means you'll experience summer camp at its very best. For more information, please be in touch with Summer Camp Director, camp@bchcenter.org.