YOUTH MINISTRY
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It is often said in church circles that "young people are the future of the church." In Northwestern Pennsylvania, we believe that young people are the church now. We seek to provide quality programming that is accessible and valuable to youth from each of our 34 congregations. Our program year is centered around an ambitious and enthusiastic summer camp program.
Upcoming Events
Summer Camp
June 9-15, 2013
Every summer for over thirty years, young people in grades 2-12 gather at Camp Nazareth, an Orthodox camp, near Mercer, PA, for a week of summer camp. The camp is staffed each year by a group of approximately 25 adults from around the diocese who are committed to providing the best camp experience possible. An average of 130 young people participate in activities that include worship, small group discussions, team building, swimming, softball, and a wide variety of other activities. This summer camp program is one of the most positive experiences offered in our diocese. It is its own tradition here and has impacted the lives of many of our young people over the years. More and more we see those who were once campers returning to be counselors. Diocesan Summer Camp truly encompasses the best of who we are as a diocese: a community knit together by our faith and our shared experience that is Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)
July 9-13, 2014
Philadelphia, PA
EYE is the triennial gathering of young people and their sponsors from every diocese of the Episcopal Church. It is a celebration to inspire deeper faith in Jesus Christ and a renewed commitment to mission and ministry. It is the single largest youth event in the Episcopal Church, attended by some 1500 young people, adult sponsors, bishops, staff, and resource people. EYE is an opportunity to meet other young people from around the world and experience the church on a global level. It is open to youth in grades 9-12.
Youth Ministry Resources
Background Checks
All adults working with youth in any capacity in the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania are required to have the PA Child Abuse History Clearance and the PA State Police Criminal Record Check. They are also required to have gone through the Safeguarding God's Children and Safeguarding God's People trainings.
Curriculum Resources
Virginia Theological Seminary, Center for the Ministry of Teaching
Youth Ministry Resources
National Church Ministries with Young People
For More Information
For more information on diocesan youth programs, please contact Missy Greene at missy@stjohnssharon.org or Carly Rowe at carlyhrowe@gmail.com.