Youth summer camps

by Bill Casey

The month of June brings with it the opportunities of summer camps for youth. As parents know there are lots of opportunities for basketball camps, volleyball camps, and seemingly dozens of more experiences for young people, but what are we doing about leadership?

In the New Ulm diocese we take very seriously the need to train youth in leadership skills; therefore, we offer two-day leadership camps at the Center for Youth Ministry near Renville.

This year these camps will be held:

June 8-9, 2000

Junior High grades 7-8-9

June 15-16

Senior High grades 9-12

From making decisions, to listening and planning there are many opportunities to learn some really basic skills. After these two days of skill building many youth return to their parishes wanting to do more and to be of service in planning for youth of the parish. But keep in mind that it also takes good adult leaders to work with them to have a great impact. Some adult leaders have come to camp to help out and find that they have gained much in return as well.

Region VIII Leadership Camp is a more intense camp to build skills in youth and their adult leaders. This camp is held June 27-30, 2000, at Mitchell, South Dakota. A team from a parish consisting of an adult and several youth will be trained using Christian Leadership Institute principles.

People interested in these camps may contact their parish Youth Minister or Director of Religious Education to apply. Since there are limits on how many youth can participate in each of the summer camps, youth are encouraged to register early to assure themselves a place.

For more information contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, (507) 359-2966.