Registration is open or is opening soon for several events and opportunities for youth and young adults in the Church of the Brethren, including the 2019 workcamps, Christian Citizenship Seminar, National Junior High Conference, and Young Adult Conference. Application deadlines are coming up for Ministry Summer Service and the Youth Peace Travel Team.
Registration has opened for Christian Citizenship Seminar on April 27-May 2, 2019, in New York City and Washington, D.C. The seminar provides high school-aged students the chance to explore the relationship between faith and a particular political issue, and then act from a faith perspective regarding that issue. “Creative Solutions to Violent Conflict Worldwide” is the theme, focusing on innovative approaches to resolving conflict and preventing civilian harm. All high school youth and their adult advisors are eligible to attend. Churches are strongly encouraged to send an advisor with youth, even if only one or two youth attend. Churches are required to send one advisor for every four youth. Registration is limited to the first 60 participants. The $425 registration fee includes event programming, lodging for five nights, two dinner meals–one in New York and one in Washington, transportation from New York to Washington. Participants will bring additional money for most meals, sightseeing, personal expense, and subway/taxi fares. Go to www.brethren.org/yya/ccs .
Jan. 4, 2019, is the deadline for college students to apply for Ministry Summer Service and the Youth Peace Travel Team. The application is online at www.brethren.org/yya/mss . Ministry Summer Service is a leadership development program for college students in the Church of the Brethren who spend 10 weeks of summer working in the church (congregation, district, camp, or denominational program). Interns spend one week at orientation at the beginning of the summer, followed by nine weeks working in a church setting to develop leadership skills and to explore a call to ministry. Interns also receive a $2,500 tuition grant, food and housing, $100 per month spending money, transportation from home to orientation and to their placement and the return home. The Youth Peace Travel Team shares in orientation and then proceeds to travel to camps across the denomination, teaching about peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Jan. 14, 2019, is the opening date for National Junior High Conference registration at www.brethren.org/njhc . “Strong and Courageous” (Joshua 1:9) is the theme for the conference on June 14-16 hosted at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. Register by March 31 to take advantage of the “early-bird” registration fee of $180 per person. Starting April 1, registration increases to $210 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required within two weeks of submitting an online registration. National Junior High Conference is for youth who have completed 6-8 grades and their advisors.
Jan. 17, 2019, is the first day to register for summer workcamps at www.brethren.org/workcamps . The Workcamp Ministry is releasing sample 2019 registrations for junior high, senior high, young adult, advisor, and We Are Able participants. The ministry hopes these sample forms will give registrants the ability to familiarize themselves with the information needed, and will contact the workcamp office with questions before registration opens on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). The sample registrations may be found at www.brethren.org/workcamps . Questions and comments concerning the 2019 workcamps schedule and registration may be sent to cobworkcamp@brethren.org .
Jan. 25, 2019, is the opening of registration for Young Adult Conference at www.brethren.org/yac . “Enflame us with your love; Empower us with your spirit!” is the theme for the young adult gathering on May 24-26 at Camp Blue Diamond, near Petersburg, Pa. The event offers people ages 18-35 a chance to enjoy fellowship, worship, recreation, Bible study, service projects, and more. Registration costs $150 and includes food, lodging, and programming. Upon request, the Youth and Young Adult Ministry will send a letter to your congregation asking them to provide a $75 scholarship. Make scholarship requests by April 1. Scholarships are also available to current Brethren Volunteer Service workers. A non-refundable deposit of $75 is due within two weeks of registering.