Upcoming Weekend:
August 15-17, 2008
Lake
Springfield Baptist Camp
Springfield, IL
Click here to download a Tri-Fold Brochure
(includes Participant Application)
Click here
to download an Adult Sponsor Application
Click
here to download an Adult Leader Application
Click
here to download a Youth Leader Application
A
RETREAT WEEKEND JUST FOR GRADES 7-8-9
St. Paul said, “Don’t let anyone look down on
you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers in
speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
(1
Timothy 4: 12)
What is
New Beginnings?
·
A fun,
lively retreat weekend designed for youth in the grades of 7–9 (ages
12–15).
·
Is a
unique weekend experience designed to respond to the unique issues,
concerns, and needs of teenagers.
·
It is run
by a team of motivated Christian youth dedicated to serving all on the
weekend by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
·
A chance
for youth to reflect on the important relationships in their lives and
consider making a “New Beginning.”
·
Songs,
snacks, skits, games, old friends and new friends.
A Spiritual
Experience for Youth…
Even
though New Beginnings is hosted in the Episcopal Church
tradition, this experience is for all Christian youth. Episcopal youth are
encouraged to invite their Christian friends to the weekend. New
Beginnings is a great outing for an entire junior high youth
group. Often, New Beginnings is the first opportunity for a
young person to pause and reflect on his or her situation and God.
New
Beginnings
presumes that participants will abide by the norms of a Christian
community. All participants are expected to be respectful of the needs and
rights of others. Use of any tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs,
inappropriate boy-girl behavior or destruction of property will not be
tolerated. Those that cannot live within the norms will be asked to leave
the weekend.
What about
Adult Supervision?
Although
the New Beginnings weekend is led predominately by the youth
leadership team, adult leaders are engaged throughout the entire weekend.
As a matter of fact, New Beginnings
requires that each church that sends “New Beginners” to the weekend also
provide one Adult Sponsor for each 5 young people attending (that are not
on the team). Exception: any church that has never sent a
delegation to New Beginnings may send up to 3 young people
to the weekend without an adult sponsor. A sponsor from the adult team
will be appointed for those youth. All subsequent participation by that
church will require sponsors.
What about the
Cost?
The fee
for all participants (first time guests and team alike) on a New
Beginnings weekend is $60.00 The fee defrays some of the costs
associated within the weekend. All meals starting Saturday morning through
Sunday noon are provided. In addition, healthy (and some not so healthy)
snacks are provided at appropriate times during the weekend.
Money
should never be an obstacle to a young person wanting to attend the
weekend. Scholarships are available – to apply for assistance, contact the
New Beginnings Coordinators.
Weekend Format…
·
New
Beginnings
weekends are usually held in a youth camp setting, where young Christians
can “retreat” from their ever-hectic world to consider some of the
important relationships in their lives – with parents, with siblings, with
peers, and with their Lord.
·
Since
relationships continually change, it is good for young people to attend
several New Beginnings weekends – there is no limit to the
number of weekends someone can attend.
·
The
program begins on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday at about
4:00 p.m. The New Beginnings weekend builds in a building
block approach, so participants should plan to attend the entire weekend.
·
A pair of
youth leaders, called Shepherds lead the entire weekend. These high
school-aged young people guide the weekend. The youth team is assisted by
a married couple and Spiritual Director (Clergy) and other adult leaders.
·
In
addition to songs, games and skits, youth leaders present short talks on
these topics: Friends, Siblings, Parents, School, What is Love?, Who is
Jesus?, and The Church. Small groups provide the opportunity to learn and
share together.
What People Say
About New Beginnings…
“The
weekend brought me closer to the Lord, my friends, and to my Mom…”
(Team Member)
“…a
Sunday afternoon at New Beginnings changed my life, it is the reason I am
a Christian today.” (Participant, now College Student)
“New
Beginnings gave me hope and helped me understand that the teen years can,
indeed, be the best times.” (Adult Sponsor)
“Wow!
These kids are unbelievable – the way they care for one another, a true
Christian community.” (Married Couple – Wife)
Want to know more or to receive a
registration form?
Please
contact the New Beginnings Coordinators:
Bob and
Sue Vaughn at 618-624-1909 or email at
bobsuevon@charter.net
