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Conference Youth Gatherings
Southwest Texas Midwinter Retreats: Send Me Out
Weekends in January and February
Midwinter Retreats are sponsored by the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Council on Youth Ministry. Midwinter’s are 3 to 4-day retreats including spiritual renewal, awesome worship, inspiring speakers and a chance to meet new friends. Over 1400 participants will come to MW this year. Be one of them! For a complete listing of dates and locations, visit the Midwinter Retreats website.
Ignite: Texas Annual Conference Midwinter Youth Retreats
February 24-26, 2012, Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, Texas
The Texas Annual Conference will be offering two retreats for junior and senior high youth. Visit the Texas Annual Conference website for more information as event nears.
Infuse: Christian Youth Winter Retreat
Weekends in December, January, and February
Lake Junaluska Assembly, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Join youth from around the country at Lake Junaluska for INFUSE Ski Retreat. Come prepared to experience dynamic speakers and amazing bands from all over the United States. Together we will seek to be transformed by God through vibrant praise and worship, unifying fellowship and crazy fun! For more inforation, dates, and to register, visit the INFUSE webstie.
Captivate: 2012 Senior High YAR
February 24-26, 2012
Lake Williamson Christian Conference Center
The Illinois Great River Annual Conference presents the 2012 Senior High Yar. Youth from around the state are invited to join in a weekend of fun, worship, and great speakers. Grant Norsworthy, a former guitarist with SONICFLOOD and teacher, will be the keynote speaker. Scott England will provide worship leadership. The event will also involve a special offering for the Imagine No More Malaria project, an initiative of the United Methodist Church to lessen the impact of Malaria in Africa. Registration for the event and pertinent forms can be found at the Indiana Great Lakes website.
MYAC 2012: Unhindered
March 2-4, 2012
Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, Mississippi
Join the Mississippi Annual Conference for its annual youth conference in Jackson, Mississippi. The event will include music by Kristian Stanfill and messages delivered by Olu Brown. Visit the Mississippi Annual Conference website to find out more information and to take advantage of Early Bird registration.
Spiritual Life Retreats
March 2-4; 9-11; 16-18; 23-25, 2012
Camp Glisson, Dahlonega, Georgia
These weekends, sponsored by the North Georgia Annual Conference, are stocked full of spiritual kindling that will help spark a scorching passion in your and your youth group’s faith journeys. Worship, small groups, fun and games, experiential activities and much more will get you “fired up” as you join in building a lasting “B-On Fire” with other youth groups from across the conference. For more information on how to get your youth group involved in on of these great weekends, visit the North Georgia Annual Conference website.
Revolution 2012
March 16-18, 2012
Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
The South Carolina Annual Conference presents its annual youth gathering, Revolution 2012. The event will feature speaker Jennifer Dake, who has worked as a model, a waitress, a jeweler, a cake decorator, a biology teacher, and actor and now travels across America, speaking with raw honesty to young people about how to develop an ever-growing, passionate, and educated faith. Music will be provided by The Spark. Find more information visit the Revolution website. A flyer with more information is also available here.
Pacific Northwest Conference Senior High Convo
May 26-28, 2012
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington
The Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church will be holding its annual Senior High Convocation this May at the University of Puget Sound. For more information and ways to register as it becomes available, visit the Young People’s Ministry Page of the Pacific Northwest Conference.
Set Fire: East Ohio Youth Annual Conference
June 15-17, 2012
Lakeside Camp, Lakeside, Ohio
The East Ohio Annual Conference invites youth to enjoy several days of great programing as they make friends, worship, and engage great speakers. The music for the event will be led by Praise-Applea, Andrew Berg Band, and Bucket Boys. The speakers will be Jeanne Mayo and Rev. Mark McTrustry. For more information about the event, including registration and the process to submit resolutions, can be found at the East Ohio Annual Conference site.
Explore Leadership Camp
June 22-24, 2012
Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri
The Explore Leadership Camp is for youth in the Missouri Annual Conference who are interested in taking a more active role in the church. It is available for youth who completed grades 9-12 and adult mentors who are interested in leadership. Visit the Missouri Annual Conference site for more information or to register.
Youth Collide 2012
June 4-6, 2012
Galveston, Texas
Join Youth from around the Texas Annual Conference for Collide 2012, the Youth Annual Conference. The event will include speakers and music. The deadline to register your youth group is January 23. To register, or for more information, visit Youthcollide.com.
Holy Ghost Party
August 10-11, 2012
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Organized Group Camps, Camp Clover Point
The Holy Ghost Party will include group building time, worship, food, fun, swimming, boating, campfire, small group experiences, and optional planning time for the next year. Designed to get your group kicked-off for the new school year so bring a friend! For more information about the event, visit the Missouri conference website.
Youth Celebration 2012
November 30 – December 2, 2012
Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia
The South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church presents their annual Youth Gathering, “Celebration.” Join youth from around the conference for three days of worship, fellowship, and fun. Visit the South Georgia Conference website for more information as it becomes available.
Young Adult Gatherings
Prophetic Edge Collective Songwriters Retreat
March 2-14, 2012
Lake Louise Camp United Methodist Camp, Boyne Falls, Michigan
Join songwriters from around Detroit, Michigan, and beyond in a weekend of lyrical and musical co-creation. Pop-up studios in Lake Louise’ new lodges, open mics and camp fires, songwriting challenges with new friends will all be par for the course. This will be a weekend for musicians who explore the connections between the sacred and the profane, so devotions in the Christian tradition will be offered each evening. Join us in creating this new space for artists by visiting the event website to register.
Caring for Creation
March 15-18, 2012
Lake Junaluska Assembly, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Life in our world today is challenged by how we care for the gift of Earth given to us by God. The Christian faith challenges us to be caretakers of Earth. Caring for Creation helps members of faith communities learn how we can care of the Earth is often taken for granted. The Caring for Creation experience provides the Biblical and theological support for developing opportunities for faith communities to be caretakers of our home Earth. It also offers plenary sessions provided by outstanding leadership to challenge us to move forward in our efforts to care for Earth. Download the brochure here.
Scholarships for the event for young people will be available. For more information about how to apply, and information about the event, visit the Caring for Creation website.
Reclaim: Young Adult Gathering
March 23-24, 2012
Riverside Park United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida
Reclaim is a unique experience that seeks to inspire ministry to, for and with young adults. Reclaim is sponsored by the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church with additional support from the UMC General Board of Discipleship’s Young People’s Division. Reclaim will bring young adults together for two days of worship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Visit the Reclaim website for more information including how to register.
Young Adult Retreats: Y.A.R.
25-ish to 35-ish – April 13-15, 2012
18+ to 25-ish – April 20-22, 2012
Lazy F Ranch
The Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church invites Young Adults for its annual Spring retreats. The retreats will be in two weekends, one for young adults beginning college and career, and a second for older young adults. For more information, as it becomes available, visit the Pacific Northwest Conference website.
Re-Member 2012
Tentatively scheduled for May 2012
Lake Louise Camp United Methodist Camp, Boyne Falls, Michigan
Emergent Detroit invites you to join them for their annual young adult gathering at Lake Louise United Methodist Camp. This is a 3 night stay at a beautiful lake in northern Michigan, plus training and fellowship with other young adults participating in Summers of Service in various programs around the state. Visit the Emerge Detroit website for more information.
A Sojourn to Sacredness
May 21-25, 2012
Eastern Shore of Virginia
A theological, ecological pilgrimage for young adults. Spend five days on the Eastern Shore and on the Chesapeake Bay in relationship with God, each other, and God’s creation. Deadline to register is May 11, 2012. Participants must be between 18 and 35 years old. For more information, or to register, visit the Virginia Annual Conference website.
Retreat to Rocky Mountain National Park
July 6-14
Rocky Mountain National Park
This young adult event, sponsored by the Epworth League, offers a week of rest in the wilderness. We will stay in vacation rental homes at 8,600 feet elevation near the park. Nearly every day will consist of day hikes at high elevation in the mountains. The views and animals are incredible. We expect to keep the group limited to a maximum of 20. We will leave on Friday evening July 6 and return 8 days later on Saturday night. Cost is only $250 for all lodging, meals, park fees and transportation (For the first 14 people that sign up). For information on how to sign up, visit the Epworth League website.
Other Youth Gatherings
Youth Worship Conference 2012
April 20-22, 2012
University United Methodist Church, San Antonio, Texas
Youth Worship Conference is a music, arts and drama, worship-oriented weekend for youth. It’s a brand new, multi-faceted experience to develop passionate worshippers. YWC is geared for students ages 12 to 18 (6th thru 12th grade) who want to grow in practical skills as well as develop a heart for worship leading and participating. It is a Holy Spirit encounter in reawakening our passion for Christ. YWC 2012 will include the Mark Swayze Band as well as other conference bands and speakers who will lead us in an awesome time of worship and renewal. For details on how to be a part of this awesome event, visit the Youth Worship Conference Website.
Young People’s United Nations Seminar
June 25-29, 2012
Washington D.C.
This transformational experience is an opportunity to go deeper in living your faith and learn how to be a generation for change. An exploration of social justice issues and systemic causes (locally and globally), this trip will help young people ages 16-22 years old to discover a passion to change the world. This seminar is sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Seminars are presented for a minimum of 15 people. The goal is to register at least 15 participants by January of 2012. The exact cost has not yet been determined as yet as final details are being set; but, it is estimated to be approximately $800 per person. If you are interested in participating, please contact Becky Tate as soon as possible for more information.
Leadership and Training Events for Adult Workers
Youth Ministry A-Z
February 25, 2012, Wesley UMC, Bloomsburg, PA
April 21, 2012, Mt. Zion UMC, Enola, PA
Whether you’re new to youth ministry or are a seasoned veteran, this program, offered by the Susquehanna Annual Conference, is designed to help you get back to the basics of designing, organizing, and implementing an effective youth ministry program in your local church. It is presented in a fun and creative way to help you easily remember the concepts that make youth ministry programs effective for any size church. Great for individuals or teams who work in youth ministry. You don’t want to miss this event! Visit the Susquhanna Annual Conference Youth Ministry site for more information.
Oklahoma YouthWorkers’ Gathering: Sustainable Youth Ministry
March 30-31, 2012
Church of the Servant, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The 2012 Oklahoma YouthWorker’s Gathering gathering is open to all. We look forward to sharing with you and/or youth workers from your congregation at this gathering. The theme works in multiple ways: sustaining youth workers, sustaining youth and youth ministry, moving toward practices in youth ministry that nurture and sustain vocation. Speakers include Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Rev. Mark DeVries, national author and speaker, veteran youth minister, of Youth Ministry Architects and author of “Sustainable Youth Ministry,” and Rev. Diana Northcutt, Oklahoma Annual Conference Coordinator of Youth Ministries. For more information, or to register for the event, visit the event website.
Ultimate Training Event: Training in Youth Ministry
March 31, 2012
Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile, Alabama
The Ultimate Training Event (UTE) is a one-day conference sponsored by the Alabama-West Florida Conference focused on providing training in youth ministry. Seminars throughout the day will focus on all aspects of youth ministry. Churches are encouraged to send youth staff and volunteers to this invaluable day of training. The keynote speaker will be Charles Harrison. Charles is a gifted communicator educated in youth ministry, theology, and adolescence. With experience leading groups large and small, Charles is perfect for this diverse training event. To register for this event or to find out more information, visit the Alabama-West Florida Conference website.
Princeton Forums on Youth Ministry
April 23 – 26, 2012, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey
Engaging, reflective, and theologically substantive, the Princeton Forums on Youth Ministry are an uncommon mix of practical and theological exploration on ministry with young people. The theme for this Forum is CREATE! Join us in asking the most pressing questions in youth ministry with expert practitioners and theologians as we explore how technology, theology, recreation and the arts enliven and enrich youth ministry. Experience renewed energy for ministry as you build vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul.
Details and registration will be available at the Event Website.
Dakotas Conference Youthworker Academy
May 4-5, 2012
Location TBD
The Dakotas Annual Conference will be holding a Youthworker Acedemy training event this Spring. Please watch the Dakotas Annual Conference website for more information as it becomes available.
Youth Ministry Bread and Butter Training
August 25, 2012
Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama
Join us this August as we offer an outstanding array of seminars that help you make youth ministry as easy as apple pie. With so many students filling up on ministry experiences around the globe it can be hard to stay current. But we want to show you how to make youth ministry your bread and butter before you become toast. Registration information and a schedule will be coming soon at The Event website.
Upcoming Service Opportunities
Motown Mission Experience: Alternative Spring Break
March 11-17, 2012
Metro UMC, Detroit, MI
Motown Mission Experiences: Alternative Spring Break trips engage college and young adult volunteer groups in economic disaster relief/recovery work in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Participants serve God by serving others, explore the biblical witness regarding the poor, meet the people and experience the culture of the Motor City, and explore their own capacity for living missionally in the name of Jesus Christ. Visit the Motown Mission Experience homepage or download this flyer for more information on how to be a part of this experience.
Three Mission Trips to Surfside Beach, Texas
Trip #1 March 9-18
Trip #2 March 16-25
Trip #3 March 23-April 1
Surfside, Texas
This is a young adult event for ages 18-35. Join the Epworth League in March for a Spring Break Mission trip to Texas. This year we are sponsoring up to 3 trips if there is enough interest. We will be doing various home repairs and community service projects such as painting City Hall, helping build a shelter, beach cleanup, and repairing public piers, environmental restoration projects, working in a shelter in Houston, etc. For more information, cost, and more, visit the Event’s Facebook Page
Northwoods Missions – Grantsburg, Wisconsin
June 24-30, 2012
Grantsburg, Wisconsin
A $125 one week mission trip helping people in this remote community in Northern Wisconsin, USA. To find out more, visit the Epworth League site or contact Ken Rheingans for details or call 414-807-3193.
SURGE into Missions: Christian Summer Youth Events
Summer, 2012
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.”
In 2011, we expanded our summer programming to include mission work. Our theme for the 2011 summer, SURGE into Missions, gave youth an opportunity to think, learn and experience what it means to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. They met and worked with people in need within the surrounding communities during their time at Lake Junaluska. Through our amazing group of summer staff, relevant speakers and dynamic worship, youth learned how to live in their faith. Check the website regularly for more information as the summer gets closer.
Summer Young Adult Mission Trip – Wisconsin
April 8-14, 2012
The Christian Discipleship Farm, Wisconisin
The Christian Disciple Farm provides an enhanced vacation bible school day camp for children & young adults with special needs and their families in an outdoor farm environment. A wide variety of activities, education, crafts, worship, entertainment and music will work together to bring the camp theme to life. As a volunteer, you will be enabling the campers to learn more about Christ and grow in their faith while you experience God’s presence in a new and exciting way. Many volunteer opportunities exist requiring various commitment and skill levels. To learn more about these opportunities, and other information such as cost, visit the Epworth League website.
Occassional Retreats and Gatherings
Chrysalis Journeys for Young Adults
Chrysalis offers spiritual renewal to young people through a three-day experience and follow-up. Journeys are available especially for young people (age 19-25). Visit the website for more information on how to be a part of an upcoming journey.
Know of an event that’s not listed here? Send it to Young People’s Ministries at ypm@gbod.org
UM Seminar Program
New York or Washington D.C.
Have you returned from service trips with renewed passion, but without any concrete ways to stay engaged with the issues and connected to the people you encountered? Are you ready for a new kind of “mission trip,” one that encourages your group to look beyond quick fixes, and gives them the tools to address the systems that allow injustice to exist? An experience that propels your group into a new level of thought and action and continues beyond the days they spend on the trip? Consider taking a trip to Washington, DC, or New York City, for an eye-opening, thought-provoking, and empowering journey of faith with the United Methodist Seminar Program! Seminars are available for people of high school age and over. For more information on how to take part, visit the UM Seminar website.
