Youth Leadership Camp
If you are a congregation that has a vision to connect youth with meaningful relationships, deeply root them in faith, and equip them to lead in your church and beyond, Youth Leadership Camp is for you!
Youth Leadership Camp is rooted in the Peer Ministry model, providing youth the relational leadership skills to know how to listen, care, help, when to seek help, welcome, and the very skills needed to love every neighbor. The skills to be a real friend. In addition, youth will learn how to lead a bible study, plan worship, and write and share their faith story. They will be exposed to various synod ministries, ranging from hunger and justice to generosity, and mental health to eco-faith. They will engage contemplative Christian practices and pray together. And they will plan, design, and lead meaningful faith-centered activities in real time.
Mission: Youth Leadership Camp equips youth with leadership skills to live out their faith in their congregation, school, community, the larger church, and everywhere they go.
Vision: Nurture leaders in God’s church and empower youth to influence the faith communities they are a part of.
“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” Romans 10:8
Who can come?
The NEMN Synod Youth Leadership Camp is open to participants from congregations within the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Youth must be in grades 9-11 at the time of registration, and Adult Leaders must be at least 21 years old by June 7, 2025.
Who should come?
Youth Leadership Camp is intended for youth who are interested in growing in their gifts for leadership. The youth who often have the best experience are those who are already leading in some way and excited about going deeper in their faith and leadership skills. While we believe all youth have gifts to share, it is important to consider which youth are ready to grow through this deeper leadership and faith experience. Youth Leadership Camp should not be used as a confirmation or other requirement. We encourage you to check out one of our outdoor ministry partners who are great at that!
As you consider which youth to invite, you might consider:
- Which youth show up on a regular basis and follow through when asked to be part of something?
- Which youth ask questions and lean into learning and growing in their faith?
- Which youth are excited to lead and find ways to serve? (And remember, leading doesn’t mean you have to be up front! Those who listen to others, notice people who need a friend, and serve others are all leaders!)
- Which youth have leadership gifts that might be hidden to them, that you see, and they might discover when they are gathered with other faith-filled leaders?
- Which youth come to mind as you are praying about this opportunity?
How many should we bring from our congregation?
We encourage congregations to limit their teams to 6 youth to encourage participants to mix in with youth from other congregations. We also know that on occasion there is an exceptional group of leaders that come through a program. If you have more than 6 youth interested that is absolutely fine – please reach out to Pastor Taryn and inform her of this when registering.
Does my church have to bring an Adult Leader?
If there is more than one youth from your congregation, we ask that an Adult Leader from that church also attend Youth Leadership Camp. There are several reasons for this. Namely, it’s important for the youth to have a caring adult who experiences the same leadership training as them, and can help them carry these learnings back to their congregation.
Are we still registering as congregational teams or individuals?
New this year, all youth will register for Youth Leadership Camp as individuals. Every youth should fill out the Youth Registration form. All adult leaders from each congregation should fill out the Adult Registration form. If you are an individual youth registering for camp (and no one else from your church is attending), you can mark this on your registration form. You will be matched with a congregational group, so you won’t at all be alone.
What does it cost?
The cost per youth is $200 for 3 nights/4 days. One Adult Leader per congregation can attend for free. A congregation can still sponsor the cost of their youth and adult leader by sending a bulk check to the NEMN Synod. If you are coming with a congregational group, ask your adult leader if you should pay individually, or if your church is paying. Payment is due within two weeks of acceptance, and nonrefundable after May 15, 2025.
What are the expectations for Adult Leaders?
Come and learn, grow, and play with your youth! You will also have the opportunity to connect with other Adult Leaders from across the synod, learning from each other and your different ministry settings. You will be housed with your young people, and be responsible for their supervision. You will also be asked to facilitate a small group of campers from various congregations, as well as leading “Last Word” devotions with your congregation each night. At the end of the camp experience, you will be equipped to work with your team to develop a plan for how you will use the skills when you return home.
How can youth or adults plan and lead synod youth events?
Those who attend the NEMN Youth Leadership Camp are considered active members of the LYO Leadership Team. They will be invited to plan the All Youth Gathering, Senior High LYO Retreat, and possible other youth events. More information will be shared during Youth Leadership Camp. There is no expectation or requirement that Youth Leadership Camp participants take an active role on the LYO Leadership Team, but it is one way to use your leadership skills after camp!
Day Camp @ Trinity Lutheran, Cook MN
New this year! We have added an optional 2-day youth-led Day Camp at Trinity Lutheran Church in nearby Cook June 12-13. Youth will be trained in the curriculum, stay two additional nights at Camp Vermilion, and be provided transport and meals. They will be free by 4pm Friday, June 13th, with pick-up at Trinity Lutheran in Cook. This is a great way for youth to practice all they have learned at Youth Leadership Camp right away and serve God’s youngest people! In addition, we will have some fun outings planned for the youth who participate on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. If you are interested in attending and leading, please check that option on your Youth Registration form. There are no extra lodging or food costs with staying 2 additional days for Day Camp.
What is the theme this year?
Our theme for this summer is God’s Word Comes Near, the same theme that Camp Vermilion will be using and the same theme we will carry with us to Day Camp at Trinity Lutheran. The theme scripture is “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” —Romans 10:8. Our word for Monday is Anew, Tuesday is Loving, and Wednesday is Illuminate. Youth will be trained in leading bible studies and worship services rooted in this theme.
New this year!
In addition to offering the optional Day Camp at Trinity Lutheran in Cook, we will also be partnering with Northwestern Minnesota Synod for Youth Leadership Camp! We are excited to welcome both youth and their adult leaders to this formational event, and collaborating together for the good of God’s church! Other things that are new – a synod ministry focus each day, prayer partners, “Candle Time,” an interactive prayer space, leadership opportunities that youth can sign up for at camp, and more!
