Episcopal Diocese of Georgia Youth Ministry

Have you ever wanted to be a hero?  I mean, have you ever wanted to fly or ever dreamed of being a firefighter? Many of us have. Come explore what it takes to be a hero at Spring Rally. During the weekend, we will talk about what it takes to be a hero, what is our hero’s code for following Christ, how to start a movement, and so much more. Participants will also get input into next years youth programs. Spring Rally will be held May 1-3, 2015 at Honey Creek. It is open to those in 6th-12th grade. This will be an awesome event. On the design team for this event are Roger Speer of St. Luke’s Rincon, Father Lonnie Lacy of St. Anne’s, Tifton, serving as Spiritual Director, and Caroline Johnson of St. Luke’s, Hawkinsville, serving as head of music. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Elizabeth Burns.

Oh, and the Bishop will be there.

Come enjoy The Creek with singing, games, worship, and more. The cost for participants is $117 for the weekend. Scholarship assistance is available. Register for Spring Rally here!

Whether you are preparing for Confirmation or simply want to deepen your understanding of the Episcopal Church, we hope that you will join us for this exciting weekend! The Confirmation Retreat this year is open to both youth and adults. It will be held at Honey Creek from February 20-22, 2015.

This year’s retreat will be led by Maggie Bloodworth, and the Revs. Kevin Kelly and Charles Todd. Topics covered will include Scripture, Creeds, Sacraments, Prayer, Church History, and an Instructed Eucharist.

Register now online at this link

If you need further assistance with registration, please contact: Maggie Bloodworth at (478)892-9373 or maroush@cstel.net

Do you know a college student looking for the best summer job ever? Honey Creek is now hiring summer camp staff for the 2014 season. Applicants must be high school graduates willing to work hard in a fun environment where they will also serve as good role models for the campers.

Camp employment dates are June 14-27 and July 5-25, plus a staff weekend in late spring. Kamp Phun, if offered is separate employment.

For applicants new to summer camp staff, click here

For those applying to return to Summer Camp Staff, click here

Happening #94 will be held at Honey Creek January 30- February 1, 2015 and is open to those in grades 10 – 12. Rachel Robinson from St. Paul’s, Savannah will serve as Rector. During a Happening weekend, participants worship, play, sing, and talk about God’s place in their lives. They make new friends who share similar concerns and questions – a reassuring discovery. A teenager who serves as “rector” leads the weekend with the help of a staff consisting mostly of young people. Some staff members give challenging talks, after which there’s time for discussion and activity. Together, the staff and participants share in an exploration of the impact of Christian faith in their daily lives. Happeners who attend a weekend for their first time are called “Candidates.” To be a Candidate, one must:

• Have completed the 9th grade and have not begun college.
• Fill out the application: Candidate Application for Happening #94
  

This years Diocesan High School Youth Mission Trip will be to the Dominican Republic!  The trip will take place between June 21-30, 2015.  Estimated cost is $1600.  Financial Aid is available.  We do not want anyone to be unable to make the trip due to financial concerns.  Please contact Joshua Varner about financial aid.

Here is the basic information:
Who: All Diocese of Georgia youth who are currently in 9th-12th grade.
When: June 21-30, 2015
What: A mission trip the DR, in which the team works primarily with children helping to lead a Vacation Bible School.

The deadline to sign-up and first deposit is due December 15.

Click here for more information about the trip and detail on how to sign-up.

For additional information contact the Rev. Joshua Varner at jvarner75@gmail.com

Applications and nominations are now accepted for high school teens to participate in the General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP) at the Episcopal Church 78th General Convention to be held June 25 – July 3, 2015 in Salt Lake City, UT.

In collaboration with the General Convention Office and the President of the House of Deputies, the Office for Youth Ministries is coordinating the application and discernment process for high-school teens to become a part of the GCOYP. Applications and nominations are available here

Bronwyn Clark Skov, Episcopal Church Officer for Youth Ministries, explained that several General Convention resolutions dating from 1982 to 2000 provide for an Official Youth Presence. Those selected are limited to no more than two high school youth from each of the Episcopal Church’s nine provinces, and are granted seat and voice on the floor of the House of Deputies under the current Rules of Order of the House of Deputies.

Criteria

To be eligible to apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active member and communicant in good standing of an Episcopal Church congregation
• Be at least 16 years old and no older than 19 during General Convention
• Be a current high school student enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2014/15 school year
• Be capable of traveling alone by plane or train to and from the meetings in the United States with no escort
• Be available to travel to the mandatory orientation and training from Thursday April 9 – Sunday April 12, 2015 – location to be determined
• Be available to be present at General Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, from Wednesday, June 24 – Friday, July 3, 2015

The General Convention Office provides the funding for each of the participants to cover travel, lodging and meals for the orientation weekend and General Convention.

Deadline is December 23. All applicants must also identify a non-family member nominator who can complete an on-line essay nomination form by December 23.

Nominators will be contacted in early January and applicants will be notified of their status in February. The Official Youth Presence will be announced in March.

Questions should be directed to Skov at  bskov@episcopalchurch.org or 646-242-1421.