In Praise and Care of Creation: ​Youth Solutions to Climate Change

Join with other young people of faith from around West Virginia to plan local creation care events.

A virtual youth gathering for West Virginia youth will be held 15 May 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m.. The gathering will allow participants to discuss climate justice, action, and stewardship. This one-hour initial gathering is for anyone interested in the mini-grant climate program. ​A concluding roundtable and video showcase will be held in early 2023. This concluding roundtable will feature the perspectives, insights, and lessons learned from the youth groups participating in the mini-grant program.

This program is sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Churches, West Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, Community Lutheran Partners, and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.

Mini-Grant Program

Mini-grants up to $500 will be offered the West Virginia youth groups (middle and high school faith groups). Each awardee will be required to complete a climate action project before the end of 2022 as well as provide a short presentation on their project during an early 2023 virtual youth gathering. Attendance at 15 May 2022 session is required for grant eligibility.

Register

Deadline to register for the 15 May 2022 session is May 13, 2022. If possible, have at least one adult advisors/leader attend along with the youth. To learn more and to register, click here.

Home Base

"Home Base" will be held in Morgantown, WV, 25-28 July 2022. The infographic at right provides the basic information.

Concept

Born out of a desire to offer a Gathering-type experience for the youth of West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod this summer, Home Base is conceived as immersion in the joys and gifts of being a “small church” in this territory. The hope is to have speakers and preachers who have a commitment to being Lutheran in these hills, to give opportunities for both recreation and service, and to be steeped in community building, scripture, and worship. Youth should come away from Home Base with a greater appreciation for being Lutheran in West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod.

Logistics

Much like the ELCA Youth Gathering, Home Base asks that congregations or groups register together and plan to travel as a group. The price of  this event has been intentionally kept low, and and leadership is happy to talk about ways to offer support, if needed, for any  youth who would like to participate but cannot otherwise afford the event. Groups will be responsible for meals on their own, but are welcome to team up with other groups to dine together! If your congregation has only one youth and you’d like to pair with another congregation, feel free to reach out to either The Rev. Jess Felici or The Rev. Courtney to help you network.

Housing will be through the conference office of WVU, and registration will be for groups like with the ELCA Youth Gathering, including chaperones provided by each group.

Other pertinent information at this time:

• Price: $200 includes housing, activities, parking for the week (WVU downtown campus through the conference office)
• Food is separate
• Deadline for Registration: postmark by July 1

☞	Information Kit & Letter Download Me First!

More details, including a draft agenda, are included with the registration worksheet in the downloadable information kit and letter to congregations.

So, if you are bummed that Youth Gathering has been cancelled, or you weren't even planning on going to the Youth Gathering, here's a summer youth event on our own territory.

A big shout out to Pr. Jess Felici and Chap. Courtney Erzkus for taking the initiative and spearheading this event!

☞	Register On-Line Here! Click for form

Registration

You can download a Registration Worksheet designed to help you gather the necessary information for filling out the online registration form. Please plan to register online using the provided link in the downloadable doc. Upon receiving your registration information, planners will send you a welcome packet with permission slips, liability forms, and a packing checklist. You are asked to bring the necessary forms with you when you arrive at the event in July along with either proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results for each participant. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to either Chap. Courtney or Pr. Jess. We look forward to a wonderful experience with some amazing youth this summer!

Registration is now open for Home Base. Register via the on-line registration form.

Don't Forget To Check Out the Camping Ministry Page

Camping ministry opportunities come in different shapes, ranging from traditional summer one-week camps to themed camps to tutoring programs to year-round camping and retreats. To explore what three different camps (Caroline Furnace, Camp Luther, and Camp Agapé) offer, visit our Camping Ministry page.

Keep in mind, all camps are taking registration for the summer season for campers, and some are still recruiting staff. Check it out.

Scouting

Our Camping Ministry page also includes information about the National Association on Lutherna Scouting as well as information on how to get involved in the Jamborees held at the Summit facility.