Various Summertime Opportunities
for Youth Ministries*
* Includes some family opportunities as well
Please note, these programs are not necessarily endorsed by the Diocese of Youngstown, but are shared as a resource for those seeking these types of activities. The information is often based on recommendations of parish youth ministers, diocesan offices and the NFCYM. If you would like to make a recommendation, please contact Cindee in the office.
After the Catholic Day at Cedar Point Day Flier,
Opportunities are placed alphabetically under the category which seems most appropriate:
-- Conferences/trainings
-- Festivals and Christian concerts
-- Service Mission Trips
-- Other (camps, parks, special events, etc.)
Please note, these programs are not necessarily endorsed by the Diocese of Youngstown, but are shared as a resource for those seeking these types of activities. The information is often based on recommendations of parish youth ministers, diocesan offices and the NFCYM. If you would like to make a recommendation, please contact Cindee in the office.
After the Catholic Day at Cedar Point Day Flier,
Opportunities are placed alphabetically under the category which seems most appropriate:
-- Conferences/trainings
-- Festivals and Christian concerts
-- Service Mission Trips
-- Other (camps, parks, special events, etc.)
NOTE - almost all Summer EVents have been canceled for 2020 due to COVID-19. Stay healthy and remain Ffaithful. We shall try again in 2021
Conferences and Trainings
ND Vision NOT IN 2020
-- Youth Conferences - choose from one of four weeks for this 5-day event,
@ The University of Notre Dame
an exploration of God’s call and the ways in which teens can respond to this call with their own gifts. Teens will also have a chance to immerse in the spiritually and communally rich environment of the University. Teens will benefit from some of the best speakers from across campus and across the country whose stories, witness, and humor will challenge youth to expand your imagination and deepen your faith.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/Youth_Conference.html
-- ND Young Adult Conference (ages 22 - 30s) -NOT IN 2020
@ University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Vision YA runs from 5pm on Monday (June 27) to 12:30pm on Friday (July 1). The registration fee covers all meals and program sessions, and lodging is provided to the participants free of charge. In between introductory and summary sessions on the first and last days, respectively, the three full days of Vision YA (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) offer two sessions each day on topics like: Relationships and Community, Parish Life, Works of Mercy, and Lifelong Discernment. Prayer will structure each day, with opportunities for communal and individual prayer in both liturgical and devotional settings. Finally, the schedule will afford ample down-time for participants to rest, reflect, and socialize.
https://vision.nd.edu/Notre_Dame_Vision/Young_Adult_Conference.html
-- Campus and Youth Ministers Conference -- concurrent with the youth conferences- NOT IN 2020
@ The University of Notre Dame, Indiana
an enriching week for you to explore again God’s call in your life and the ways in which you are responding to that call, both personally and ministerially. You will benefit from the wisdom and witness of some of the best speakers from across the country as well as from among Notre Dame’s own faculty and staff. This experience is rich in prayer and reflection, and you will leave refreshed and energized.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/Adult_Conference.html
-- Liturgical Music Ministers - NOT IN 2020
@ The University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Vision LMM provides an opportunity for the spiritual and human formation of the liturgical musician. For five days, Notre Dame Vision LMM participants will explore the meaning and significance of vocation for their own lives, for their fellow Christians, and for their ministry as musicians. The experience will include theological exploration and personal renewal with a community of liturgical music ministers from across the nation. Engaging and enriching keynotes, stimulating facilitated discussions, and experiences of reflection and prayer will address various aspects of God’s call for each of us and our response of faith.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/LMM_Page.html
-- One Bread, One Cup - NOT IN 2020
Choose from one of three weeks for this 5-day conference
@ St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Indiana
This liturgical leadership conference focusing on the Word, Sacrament and Mission of the Roman Catholic Church for high school youth groups and their campus and youth ministers. Conferences focus on community building, leadership development, catechesis, liturgical and spiritual formation, and theological reflection.
http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/youth/summer-conferences/
Steubenville Conferences - NOT IN June, 2020 check with them on later dates
--Youth Conferences - Choose a weekend from 25 options around the country,
including 5 on the campus just south of DOY
The Steubenville Conferences, offered in the spirit of St. Francis, are an extension of Franciscan University's commitment to build the Church by calling Catholics into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, empowering them to live as His disciples, and equipping them to serve in the New Evangelization.
http://www.steubenvilleconferences.com/youth
-- Adult conference
@ Fransiscan University
The St. John Bosco Conference is a 4-day conference designed to provide thorough formation for people working in all areas of Catechesis and New Evangelization. Our mission is to equip individuals to be effective teachers of the faith, so that those they teach will come to know Jesus in a personal and powerful way.
http://www.steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/bosco/
Transform Your World: Evangelization Training
@ Benedictine College in Kansas
This high school youth camp features: Six days of formation by some of the nation’s top Catholic speakers, Projects focused on team work, creativity, digital media, and evangelization, Mass, Eucharistic adoration & confession, Concrete steps you can take to put your life at the service of the Gospel. The camp will cost $595, which will include lodging, meals, T-shirt, and materials (books and CDs from the speakers). Benedictine College is offering a one-time $500 scholarship to attend Benedictine College to every applicant who attends the Transform Your World Evangelization Training Camp and then attends Benedictine College.
http://castingnetsinstitute.com/
ND Vision NOT IN 2020
-- Youth Conferences - choose from one of four weeks for this 5-day event,
@ The University of Notre Dame
an exploration of God’s call and the ways in which teens can respond to this call with their own gifts. Teens will also have a chance to immerse in the spiritually and communally rich environment of the University. Teens will benefit from some of the best speakers from across campus and across the country whose stories, witness, and humor will challenge youth to expand your imagination and deepen your faith.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/Youth_Conference.html
-- ND Young Adult Conference (ages 22 - 30s) -NOT IN 2020
@ University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Vision YA runs from 5pm on Monday (June 27) to 12:30pm on Friday (July 1). The registration fee covers all meals and program sessions, and lodging is provided to the participants free of charge. In between introductory and summary sessions on the first and last days, respectively, the three full days of Vision YA (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) offer two sessions each day on topics like: Relationships and Community, Parish Life, Works of Mercy, and Lifelong Discernment. Prayer will structure each day, with opportunities for communal and individual prayer in both liturgical and devotional settings. Finally, the schedule will afford ample down-time for participants to rest, reflect, and socialize.
https://vision.nd.edu/Notre_Dame_Vision/Young_Adult_Conference.html
-- Campus and Youth Ministers Conference -- concurrent with the youth conferences- NOT IN 2020
@ The University of Notre Dame, Indiana
an enriching week for you to explore again God’s call in your life and the ways in which you are responding to that call, both personally and ministerially. You will benefit from the wisdom and witness of some of the best speakers from across the country as well as from among Notre Dame’s own faculty and staff. This experience is rich in prayer and reflection, and you will leave refreshed and energized.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/Adult_Conference.html
-- Liturgical Music Ministers - NOT IN 2020
@ The University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Vision LMM provides an opportunity for the spiritual and human formation of the liturgical musician. For five days, Notre Dame Vision LMM participants will explore the meaning and significance of vocation for their own lives, for their fellow Christians, and for their ministry as musicians. The experience will include theological exploration and personal renewal with a community of liturgical music ministers from across the nation. Engaging and enriching keynotes, stimulating facilitated discussions, and experiences of reflection and prayer will address various aspects of God’s call for each of us and our response of faith.
https://vision.nd.edu/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_Vision/LMM_Page.html
-- One Bread, One Cup - NOT IN 2020
Choose from one of three weeks for this 5-day conference
@ St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Indiana
This liturgical leadership conference focusing on the Word, Sacrament and Mission of the Roman Catholic Church for high school youth groups and their campus and youth ministers. Conferences focus on community building, leadership development, catechesis, liturgical and spiritual formation, and theological reflection.
http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/youth/summer-conferences/
Steubenville Conferences - NOT IN June, 2020 check with them on later dates
--Youth Conferences - Choose a weekend from 25 options around the country,
including 5 on the campus just south of DOY
The Steubenville Conferences, offered in the spirit of St. Francis, are an extension of Franciscan University's commitment to build the Church by calling Catholics into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, empowering them to live as His disciples, and equipping them to serve in the New Evangelization.
http://www.steubenvilleconferences.com/youth
-- Adult conference
@ Fransiscan University
The St. John Bosco Conference is a 4-day conference designed to provide thorough formation for people working in all areas of Catechesis and New Evangelization. Our mission is to equip individuals to be effective teachers of the faith, so that those they teach will come to know Jesus in a personal and powerful way.
http://www.steubenvilleconferences.com/adult/bosco/
Transform Your World: Evangelization Training
@ Benedictine College in Kansas
This high school youth camp features: Six days of formation by some of the nation’s top Catholic speakers, Projects focused on team work, creativity, digital media, and evangelization, Mass, Eucharistic adoration & confession, Concrete steps you can take to put your life at the service of the Gospel. The camp will cost $595, which will include lodging, meals, T-shirt, and materials (books and CDs from the speakers). Benedictine College is offering a one-time $500 scholarship to attend Benedictine College to every applicant who attends the Transform Your World Evangelization Training Camp and then attends Benedictine College.
http://castingnetsinstitute.com/
Christian Festivals and Concerts
Faith & Family Festival (Diocese of Youngstown) ?
Sunday, in September
@ Hoover Park across from Walsh University at 2020 E. Maple St., North Canton,
featuring a popular speaker, music and activities. Sponsored by the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage, and
Family Life of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. For more information contact
[email protected] or 330-744-8451 ext. 272, or go to
doy.org/index.php/faith-a-family-festival
The Fest (Diocese of Cleveland)
1st Sunday in August, Noon to 10 p.m.
@Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
The FEST is a one-day, FREE family festival for all ages held in WICKLIFFE, OHIO. Enjoy live, national Christian bands on stage, entertainment, games, kids' areas, opportunities for inspiring prayer, tents with vendors from all over our area, giveaways, and your favorite festival foods. Concerts and activities begin at noon and run until the 8:00 p.m. outdoor Mass. More than 30,000 people participated last year! At 8:00 PM, join in the highlight of the day: outdoor mass, followed by a fireworks display! (Do not forget to have your parental permission/release forms with you if you are taking youth!)
Information posted at:
http://www.thefest.us/
Faith & Family Festival (Diocese of Youngstown) ?
Sunday, in September
@ Hoover Park across from Walsh University at 2020 E. Maple St., North Canton,
featuring a popular speaker, music and activities. Sponsored by the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage, and
Family Life of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. For more information contact
[email protected] or 330-744-8451 ext. 272, or go to
doy.org/index.php/faith-a-family-festival
The Fest (Diocese of Cleveland)
1st Sunday in August, Noon to 10 p.m.
@Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
The FEST is a one-day, FREE family festival for all ages held in WICKLIFFE, OHIO. Enjoy live, national Christian bands on stage, entertainment, games, kids' areas, opportunities for inspiring prayer, tents with vendors from all over our area, giveaways, and your favorite festival foods. Concerts and activities begin at noon and run until the 8:00 p.m. outdoor Mass. More than 30,000 people participated last year! At 8:00 PM, join in the highlight of the day: outdoor mass, followed by a fireworks display! (Do not forget to have your parental permission/release forms with you if you are taking youth!)
Information posted at:
http://www.thefest.us/
Service Mission Trips
Office of Missions/Propagation of the Faith : NOT IN 2020
The Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office is Working to arrange a Summer 2019 Line-Up of three-day missions experiences based upon visitations, accompaniment and service to residents of our local diocese.
Each three day experience will include groups of up to 25 high school students with their chaperones at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center
beginning at 3:00pm on Sunday with Wednesday 2:00pm completion
or beginning Wednesday 3:00 pm and completion on Saturday at 2:00pm.
Contact: Reverend Edward Brienz, Director, Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office
Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503
330-744-8451 x277
Additional programs utilized by parishes:
--iPlunge, sponsored by the Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford
A social justice education and service retreat
Retreatants engage in hands-on activities: from praise and worship music, high-energy games, and even canoeing to a first hand education about poverty and Catholic Social Teaching by hearing, seeing, and walking in the shoes of another. Students visit some of the agencies that are a part of the solution and participate in a variety of direct service projects.
http://jesuitspiritualcenter.com/youthministry/about/our-retreats/iplunge/
-- Young Neighbors in Action, sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development = NOT IN 2020
For high school youth
35 locations around the USA, near (Cleveland, Buffalo) and far (Yakima, San Diego)
Young Neighbors provides a solid, Catholic approach to service and justice that balances Scripture and Catholic social teaching, direct service, and a justice consciousness. It provides the experiences, skills, and learning needed to make change possible.
https://www.cmdnet.org/ynia-home
-- Just 5 Days, sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development - NOT IN 2020
Just for Middle School youth (entering 7, 8 9 grades)
12 locations about the USA
One adult with 3 - 5 youth can make a team (so not limited to large groups only)
https://www.cmdnet.org/j5d
-- Catholic Heart Work Camp - NOT IN 2020
(please work with the program directors to ensure our diocesan child protection policies can be followed by your group as this has varied from site to site in years past)
http://heartworkcamp.com/
Office of Missions/Propagation of the Faith : NOT IN 2020
The Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office is Working to arrange a Summer 2019 Line-Up of three-day missions experiences based upon visitations, accompaniment and service to residents of our local diocese.
Each three day experience will include groups of up to 25 high school students with their chaperones at Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center
beginning at 3:00pm on Sunday with Wednesday 2:00pm completion
or beginning Wednesday 3:00 pm and completion on Saturday at 2:00pm.
Contact: Reverend Edward Brienz, Director, Propagation of the Faith and Missions Office
Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503
330-744-8451 x277
Additional programs utilized by parishes:
--iPlunge, sponsored by the Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford
A social justice education and service retreat
Retreatants engage in hands-on activities: from praise and worship music, high-energy games, and even canoeing to a first hand education about poverty and Catholic Social Teaching by hearing, seeing, and walking in the shoes of another. Students visit some of the agencies that are a part of the solution and participate in a variety of direct service projects.
http://jesuitspiritualcenter.com/youthministry/about/our-retreats/iplunge/
-- Young Neighbors in Action, sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development = NOT IN 2020
For high school youth
35 locations around the USA, near (Cleveland, Buffalo) and far (Yakima, San Diego)
Young Neighbors provides a solid, Catholic approach to service and justice that balances Scripture and Catholic social teaching, direct service, and a justice consciousness. It provides the experiences, skills, and learning needed to make change possible.
https://www.cmdnet.org/ynia-home
-- Just 5 Days, sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development - NOT IN 2020
Just for Middle School youth (entering 7, 8 9 grades)
12 locations about the USA
One adult with 3 - 5 youth can make a team (so not limited to large groups only)
https://www.cmdnet.org/j5d
-- Catholic Heart Work Camp - NOT IN 2020
(please work with the program directors to ensure our diocesan child protection policies can be followed by your group as this has varied from site to site in years past)
http://heartworkcamp.com/
Other (camps, parks, special events, etc.)
Diocesan Youth Day at Cedar Point (Diocese of Toledo)
Weekday in June (usually 2nd or 3th Tuesday), 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Open to Middle school and high school teens and their families.
Discount tickets and afternoon Mass.
Buy your tickets at a special window, 9 a.m. to noon, means no advanced sales required!
toledodiocese.org/page/youth-ministry
When available, and updated flier will be posted to the top of this page.
Catholic Youth Day at Kennywood (Diocese of Pittsburgh)
Weekday in July
@ Kennywood Amusement Park
Celebrate our faith and have tons of fun at historic Kennywood! Discount tickets, Mass and sometimes a speaker. For group tickets of 10 or more call 724-935-4343 x 230 or email [email protected]. Group tickets will be left at the will call, tickets office at Kennywood on 7/7/2009. Individual tickets can be purchased at St. Alexis Church, 8-4pm Mon- Fri. Order deadline is JUNE 29th!! Call for details! 724-935-4343.
http://www.stalexis.org/#!kennywood/c1n9
Diocesan Youth Day at Cedar Point (Diocese of Toledo)
Weekday in June (usually 2nd or 3th Tuesday), 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Open to Middle school and high school teens and their families.
Discount tickets and afternoon Mass.
Buy your tickets at a special window, 9 a.m. to noon, means no advanced sales required!
toledodiocese.org/page/youth-ministry
When available, and updated flier will be posted to the top of this page.
Catholic Youth Day at Kennywood (Diocese of Pittsburgh)
Weekday in July
@ Kennywood Amusement Park
Celebrate our faith and have tons of fun at historic Kennywood! Discount tickets, Mass and sometimes a speaker. For group tickets of 10 or more call 724-935-4343 x 230 or email [email protected]. Group tickets will be left at the will call, tickets office at Kennywood on 7/7/2009. Individual tickets can be purchased at St. Alexis Church, 8-4pm Mon- Fri. Order deadline is JUNE 29th!! Call for details! 724-935-4343.
http://www.stalexis.org/#!kennywood/c1n9
Reminder: Summertime for Youth Ministry
All contacts for youth ministry are reminded that while school may take a break for the summer, outreach to youth does not. As you prepare your summer calendars with events, please remember to take the time to follow all diocesan guidelines and policies (i.e., Diocesan Child Protection Policy, use of permission and release forms, Director Communication with Youth forms, Driver forms, etc. all which can be found online at http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/key-forms.html ). The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is not trying to impede your outreach, but rather help you to provide safe environments for treasuring our young gifts from God! If you are looking for more ideas, be sure to visit the office ideas page (http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/1/category/summer/1.html ).
Example: Adding some catechesis to an amusement park day ~
http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-and-young-adult-ministry-idea-sharing-blog/amusement-park-catechesis
IDEA -- if you do this, let me know how it goes!
Hold a post-VBS session each day for your teen volunteers --
Yes, I know this adds on time to your day after a busy morning with the kids,
and could cost some money to offer lunch (or dessert, if lunch is part of VBS) for your teens to stay around for a discussion -- but consider that this can provide some community life, prayer/worship, catechesis and evangelization time for the teens, and only take a little extra effort from you (or other youth ministry leaders.)
Suggestions for the gathering --
1. Grace before lunch (or over dessert)
2. Ask highs and lows of the morning
3. Scripture sharing - You can utilize the readings of the day (http://usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month) (Do simplified Lectio Divina style of proclaiming the reading, asking each person to share a word or phrase that speaks to them, ask if they are willing to share why that word or phrase, re-read the Scripture), or go deeper into the VBS theme of the day.....
4. Spontaneous prayers of petition and thanksgiving
5. Go in peace, until the next morning!
All contacts for youth ministry are reminded that while school may take a break for the summer, outreach to youth does not. As you prepare your summer calendars with events, please remember to take the time to follow all diocesan guidelines and policies (i.e., Diocesan Child Protection Policy, use of permission and release forms, Director Communication with Youth forms, Driver forms, etc. all which can be found online at http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/key-forms.html ). The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is not trying to impede your outreach, but rather help you to provide safe environments for treasuring our young gifts from God! If you are looking for more ideas, be sure to visit the office ideas page (http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/1/category/summer/1.html ).
Example: Adding some catechesis to an amusement park day ~
http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-and-young-adult-ministry-idea-sharing-blog/amusement-park-catechesis
IDEA -- if you do this, let me know how it goes!
Hold a post-VBS session each day for your teen volunteers --
Yes, I know this adds on time to your day after a busy morning with the kids,
and could cost some money to offer lunch (or dessert, if lunch is part of VBS) for your teens to stay around for a discussion -- but consider that this can provide some community life, prayer/worship, catechesis and evangelization time for the teens, and only take a little extra effort from you (or other youth ministry leaders.)
Suggestions for the gathering --
1. Grace before lunch (or over dessert)
2. Ask highs and lows of the morning
3. Scripture sharing - You can utilize the readings of the day (http://usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month) (Do simplified Lectio Divina style of proclaiming the reading, asking each person to share a word or phrase that speaks to them, ask if they are willing to share why that word or phrase, re-read the Scripture), or go deeper into the VBS theme of the day.....
4. Spontaneous prayers of petition and thanksgiving
5. Go in peace, until the next morning!