Youth ministry creates educational, safe, fun, and Christ-centered ministries for youth in the Presbyterian church.
Supporting Youth Ministry
Get Involved in Youth Faith Formation
Serve/Advise on 2023-2024 Youth Council
Encourage teens in your congregation to consider this leadership opportunity. It is a wonderful way for youth to grow in their faith and plan events for themselves and their peers.
Youth Leader Summit
October 23-25
Presbyterian Mo-Ranch, in Hunt, Texas, invites youth directors, parents, pastors, educators, and advisors to a free Youth Leader Summit. Participants will dig into some of the current issues facing youth ministry while also sharing joys, concerns and best practices. There will also be time for individual and group worship, play, rest and relaxation. Housing and meals are included in this no-cost event.
Area Opportunities for Youth
Youth Retreat
October 13-15
Youth ministry leaders, bring your middle and high schoolers to Camp Hanover for the weekend. With retreat leader Rev. Mike Burcher, youth will explore the idea of belonging and fitting in by not fitting in. There is no one more important to God than you are. God has called you by name to be part of the biggest adventure ever! Youth will grow their faith through keynote presentations, small group discussion, and other activities. This event is for youth groups of all sizes.
Youth Group @ Pace
October 15, 5-7 p.m.
The Pace Center for Campus Ministry at VCU will host area youth groups and their leaders for a special “Youth Group @ Pace” event. Middle and high school students will enjoy dinner and games, learn about a mission opportunity, and meet other youth from the area. Activities will be led by Rev. Russ Kerr and Pace’s college-aged students. A donation of $5 per person to offset the cost of dinner is appreciated. Youth leaders, please RSVP to community@thepacecenter.com by October 12. Include the number of participants and dietary restrictions. Can’t make this event? Pencil in March 24 for the next opportunity.
Fall Mini Camp
October 27-29
Youth in grades 5-12 are invited to explore Camp Hanover in the cooler temperatures of fall. Spend time outside enjoying creation and nature through favorite camp activities. This event is for individual campers registered by their caregivers. Youth group leaders do not have to provide chaperones like they do for retreats.
Keep Awake Retreat for High School Students
November 17
Massanetta Springs hosts Keep Awake! a retreat for high school students and their leaders. The event is centered on worship, leadership development, and PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 initiative. The 2023 event focuses on congregational vitality and will include preaching by Rev. John Molina-Moore (National Capital Presbytery).
Winter Camp
December 28-30
Pack your coat, gloves, and hat! Youth in grades 5-12 are invited to experience frosty fun, faith, and fellowship at Winter Camp. In this getaway, enjoy many camp favorites, plus some special ones just for this season. Camp Hanover's longhouses are climate-controlled, so campers will have toasty places to warm up. This event is for individual campers registered by their caregivers. Youth group leaders do not have to provide chaperones like they do for retreats.
Confirmation Retreat
February 2-4, 2024
The confirmation retreat at Massanetta Springs will focus on broad questions of why we join the Church, what we want our churches to be like, and how we can actively engage in that work. The retreat will be led by Rev. Leigh Anne Ring, POJ’s presbyter of relational care.
Confirmation Retreat
February 23-25, 2024
At Camp Hanover's confirmation retreat, youth will explore the ideas of being made in God’s image, seeing God’s image in others, and imagining a world of justice and righteousness. Rev. Adam Bowling, pastor of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City in Northern Virginia, will lead this retreat.
