“I am about to do a new thing;
Now it springs forth,
Do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
National Youth Event will be filled with inspiring youth just like you eager to be in community where they can engage social and human justice and a sacred and safe space to encounter God. Imagine that!
National Youth Event is a place for youth to come and learn and experience spiritual and leadership formation. Imagine the new thing God is doing through and with the Stillspeaking Youth of the United Church of Christ, right now. Go ahead. Dare to Imagine!
When is the trip?
July 7-14 for the Service Trip, July 9-14 for the Express Trip
What is the difference between the “Service Trip” and the “Express Trip”?
The Service Trip will include two additional days of community service in Cleveland, OH and a visit to our national church headquarters.
Who can go?
Youth ages 13-18 and adult leaders >24.
Why should I go?
This trip will change your life… It will be crazy fun, lots of laughs, hard work, new friends, >3000 high school students having fun and worshiping God in one place, profound experiences of the Spirit. Read more about NYE at http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/.
Are other people from nearby churches going?
Yes! We’re sharing the costs of lodging and transportation with churches from the RI, MA, VT, NH, CT and ME Conferences. Yes–all of them! There will be Southern and Northern routes for buses. The Southern routes will depart from Providence, RI.
I’m the only one going from my church… is that okay?
Yes – we have several folks in that situation. You’re not alone–and we’ll make it easy for you to meet other people and connect.
A ton of people are coming from my church… is that okay? And can I hang out with my own youth group sometimes?
Yes and yes. We have a couple of large youth groups coming from RI–you’ll have plenty of time to spend with your local church friends, and you’ll also have the chance to meet new people from across the region.
What will it Cost?
The initial cost estimate for this trip is $625 for the Service Trip, or $605 for the Express trip. These estimates are subject to change based on fundraising at the local and Conference level. This fee covers your bus transportation to and from National Youth Event in West Lafayette, Indiana, room (double occupancy, single add $75) and board at the event, all normally included activities at the event (worship, workshops, and plenary sessions), and service trip housing, meals and trip coordination if that option is chosen. These fees do not include tip for bus drivers, snacks and souvenirs during event and optional activities that maybe offered.
So far, we have raised $2425, which will be divided evenly among participants and go toward the costs of transportation. You can make this trip much more affordable for yourself and others by passing along the “DONATE” link: http://www.centralchurch.us/givenye to others! Be sure to talk to your local congregation, family, and friends about how they can support your trip. POST IT ON FACEBOOK!
We will also be holding an OVERNIGHT FUND-RAISER at Edgewood Congregational Church on February 11, starting at 9PM. If you are planning to go on the trip, please plan to be there! Students who are 13-18 who are not going on the trip are also invited to attend.
How will we get there and where will we stay?
We will be riding huge comfy buses from Providence to Cleveland, then on to Indiana. For those folks on the service trip, we’ll be staying overnight at a local church in Cleveland while we do community service work in the area. Once we get to Indiana, we’ll be staying at Purdue University in the dorms. We’ll return Friday, July 13 and will be back in Providence by late evening on July 14.
What kind of service projects will we be doing?
There are a variety of options, including work on a sustainable farm, construction and repair work, work in a soup kitchen, and work with children. As we get closer to the event, we will let you know more specifics about the groups we’ll be working with and how you can sign up for different projects.
How Do I Register?
All registration is being done through our RI NYE Point Person. This ensures we get the best rates for transportation and also get a block of rooms together at National Youth Event. Click here for more information on how to register.
Who will be leading the trip?
Adult leaders will include clergy and trained adult volunteers from our RI Conference churches. Want to be a leader for NYE? Click here. All leaders are required to read and fill out the Safe Church policy and self-disclosure statements. They are also required to consent to a background check and will attend a group training day in advance of the trip. The first training day is scheduled for February 28 at 7PM at the Woodridge Congregational Church. All leaders will agree to follow the United Church of Christ’s safe church guidelines, which can be read online by clicking here.
I have more questions–who should I talk to?
Call the Rev. Kat Townes: 401-331-1960 x223.