Our Youth Ministry is an important part of our parish and St. Michael’s has a variety of programs based on age.
Rite-13 – Grades 6 & 7
Rite-13 is for 12 – 13 year olds and is the first of three two-year segments of the acclaimed Journey to Adulthood program, used by many Episcopal churches. The premise of Rite-13 is that Manhood and Womanhood are gifts from God but that Adulthood must be earned. The aim of Rite-13 is to provide a Christian foundation for our children as they prepare for Adulthood.
Over the two-year period Rite-13 addresses four themes – self, society, spirituality,and sexuality – in group discussions and activities. Guided by two adult leaders, Rite-13 participants meet on Sunday mornings during the usual Church School time, and also get together regularly for various activities including movies, music, meals, hikes, community service, and fundraising.
If you would like to learn more or want to register your child for the Rite-13 program, please contact us at rite13@stmichaelshollistonma.org.
Rite-13 Newcomers and Visitors
Visitors to the Rite-13 program for 6th and 7th graders are asked to meet first with our Youth Minister, since the nature of the program makes it more difficult to accommodate drop-ins without prior notice.
J2A – 8th & 9th grades
The second part of the Journey to Adulthood program, J2A, meets a few times a month on Sunday. The program is similar to Rite-13 but emphasizes more independent action by the young people. This program also includes preparation for a mission trip as part of the Appalachia Service Project, a long-established Christian organization that serves poor communities in the Appalachian counties of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. For more information about J2A and the Appalachia Service Project, please contact us at youth@stmichaelshollistonma.org.
Young Adults in Church – Grades 10, 11, & 12
This group, known as YAC, provides a bridge into adult participation in church and also serves as preparation for Confirmation in The Episcopal Church. The group meets a few times a month on Sunday. It also includes service and fellowship opportunities. For more information please contact us at youth@stmichaelshollistonma.org.
Barbara C. Harris Camp Center
Opened in June 2003, THE CAMP at the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center has grown to serve over 700 campers from throughout New England. The camp has become one of the area’s premiere Christian camps, offering great new facilities, an incredible staff, and a strong Christian community.
The camp offers many opportunities for fun and adventure, whether that means swimming, soccer, crafts, archery, hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing. Based on a unique small group approach, it is also a place where all campers feel accepted, cared for, and develop great friendships. But most importantly, it is a place with a special and higher purpose. . .helping kids grow in their faith. Camp programs build on the opportunities presented by the wonder of God’s creation found in nature and the camper’s distance from the distractions of day to day life. Opportunities abound for campers to grow closer to God — from powerful, high energy worship to quiet reflective prayer. Campers learn important life lessons and gain new perspectives as they live, work, and play in a community centered on Christian belief and values.
Come join us at the camp this summer! Camp programs include traditional, week-long overnight camps for children entering Grades 3 through 12, trip and travel programs for middle-school and high school youth, and intergenerational family camps and weekends. Whichever program suits you best, the camps’ strong commitment to excellence means you’ll experience summer camp at its very best.
Descriptions of the programs offered this summer, a camp schedule and much more information can be found on the camps’ web site:
http://www.bchcenter.org/camp/index.htm
Or email camp@stmichaelshollistonma.org for more information.