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Monday, July 26, 2010
Newsletter July 26
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 12 Newsletter
Wow. Can't believe that Senior High is over again. What a great week. If you want to see what you missed check out the Senior High 2010 posts at the EYouthWNY blog. I should have photos posted by the end of the week. The official Conference photo is already up at the Facebook page. It was a great week as always.
Now I need a little help for Junior High. We are just 1 or 2 people short of having Junior High camp this summer. We are SOOOOO close! Please talk with younger brothers and sisters, kids you know at church, your priest, your youth group or Sunday school teachers about getting kids in that age signed up. It's open to young people going into 7th through 9th grades in the fall. We are planning a multi-day service project and several other new things this year. Of all our camps this one has struggled the most so please do what you can to help out. If you're in that age bracket, please make us part of your summer plans. We have a GREAT time and you'll make some new friends.
If anyone has questions (youth, parents, adults, clergy) you can get in touch with me. All my contact info is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Follow us on our Facebook page! Click on the logo!
Other Events on the Calendar
Now I need a little help for Junior High. We are just 1 or 2 people short of having Junior High camp this summer. We are SOOOOO close! Please talk with younger brothers and sisters, kids you know at church, your priest, your youth group or Sunday school teachers about getting kids in that age signed up. It's open to young people going into 7th through 9th grades in the fall. We are planning a multi-day service project and several other new things this year. Of all our camps this one has struggled the most so please do what you can to help out. If you're in that age bracket, please make us part of your summer plans. We have a GREAT time and you'll make some new friends.
If anyone has questions (youth, parents, adults, clergy) you can get in touch with me. All my contact info is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Follow us on our Facebook page! Click on the logo!
Other Events on the Calendar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Youth Commission -
The next meeting of the Commission will be in September.
September 19, 1 PM at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga
Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings
September 19, 1 PM at St. Patrick's Cheektowaga
Youth Commission encourages all young people in Middle and High School to attend our monthly meetings
Happening #27 -
November 12-14, Camp Pioneer, Angola
Applications are available on the website (HERE)
Applications are available on the website (HERE)
Camp Dates -
Senior High - June 27 - July 3
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21
Junior High - August 8-14
Sleep Away - August 18-21
Check for camp applications HERE
Check the Youth Ministry calendar for the most up to date dates!
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
""Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." (2 Kings 5:1)
We're dropping in on the story of Israel at a time when God's people had been conquered by their enemies once again. They had not remained faithful to God, and Naaman was part of the military that had defeated Israel.
Naaman was a success story. In his day, the only way you could hope to make a name for yourself (unless you were royalty) was to rise up the ranks of the military. He had done that. He reported to the king of Aram. And even though he fought against Israel, God had used Naaman to bring victory to Aram. A successful leader, highly respected, at the top of his game.
One problem: He was dying. He had leprosy, a disease still in the world today though much less common. There was no cure. Your skin would start turning grey/white and then begin to flake off until it ate away at your whole body. All the success in the world -- even being used by God -- didn't keep him from getting this ugly disease.
Think: What's the point of working hard to be successful if it can all be taken away in a moment . . . when you're just going to die anyway? Why do bad things happen to good people (and good things happen to bad ones)?
Pray: Ask God to give you insight into your own life this week through the story of Naaman. What are the things that seem unfair in your own life?
Do: Make a list of the hard things in your life and one of the blessings. Sometimes it seems like the hard things list is longer than the blessings because we take the blessings for granted. Think of ALL the good things in your life (for example you live in a time when leprosy can be successfully treated!). Remember to focus on being thankful for those blessings.
A Daily Devotional from PlanetWisdom.com, copyright 2010 Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Facts, Quotes and Shots
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FORGETTABLE FACT The United States has never lost a war when donkeys were used.
POTENT QUOTABLES
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our talents are the gift that God gives to us... What we make of our talents is our gift back to God.
~ Leo Buscaglia
PARTING SHOT
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights. (That's ALL?!?!?!? Seems like more to me)
EYouthWNY store
This is a way for us to show everyone our involvement in our church and to help support all the youth ministries. The money raised by the stuff at our store is used by Youth Commission to help make camps, and Happening, and mission trips and the Bishop's Ball a little bit better. If you haven't checked out what's available recently please do.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Back to...Real Life?
This first week back from Senior High Conference is always an adjustment. I have boxes of materials to re-sort, re-stock and then put away. I have to figure out what got lost versus what has merely been misplaced. And I have to start thinking about next year.
Yes, I'm still focused on Junior High and Sleep Away but planning for 2011 has to begin now. What worked this year? What didn't? What do we need to change? What can stay the same? The process takes a long time and I need to get some of it written down before I forget it.
This year's conference went pretty well. There's always some memorable things going on and usually a catch phrase or story that will be told over and over again. This year we had three phrases that seemed to catch on. They were:
The theme this year was "Shout to the Lord" and we looked at different ways of shouting, including Shouting in Anger, Shouting for Justice and Shout for Joy.
Evening activities included game night (with Bingo and prizes!), a picnic with the Kinda Sorta Beach Party (and ninja ducks!), the Talent Show, the Dance and Movie Night. The days were filled with classes (Sex Under a Tree with Mother Ellen - a salacious name for an excellent class, The Pickle class with Father John Paul, Rapping/Napping with the Bish with Bishop Michael and something brand new this year, the Poverty Game with Liz Brauza.) and swimming and free time and worship.
This probably explains why I slept for 13 hours when I got home.
We tried some new music this year. As always with new things it was a struggle sometimes and some folks didn't like it and some of it was pretty good. We also tried to lessen our garbage output this year by eliminating tons of plastic water bottles with 20 oz stainless steel re-usable bottles with the EYouthWNY logo on them. They were pretty popular.
Things still to do? Post some photos, including the Conference photo. Sort through video to see what we can post. Find the notes from our Journalists on Friday. I know they were given to me but I can't seem to find where I put them. Reclaim a few things that the rest of the staff picked up when I left them behind (maybe the notes too?)
Plus Junior High preparation and Sleep Away preparation. And planning for 2011.
Real life is a lot of work. When can I go back to camp?
Peace
Yes, I'm still focused on Junior High and Sleep Away but planning for 2011 has to begin now. What worked this year? What didn't? What do we need to change? What can stay the same? The process takes a long time and I need to get some of it written down before I forget it.
This year's conference went pretty well. There's always some memorable things going on and usually a catch phrase or story that will be told over and over again. This year we had three phrases that seemed to catch on. They were:
- Fish Vomit (from the story of Jonah)
- God knows what you do in your bedroom (actually from that same teaching session)
- The Front Fell Off - Rowland and Andrew did a great sketch at the Talent Show that was a re-enactment of this YouTube video. They did a great job. The video is NOT of a real politician but a couple of Australian TV comics (Check the Snopes.com story on the video)
The theme this year was "Shout to the Lord" and we looked at different ways of shouting, including Shouting in Anger, Shouting for Justice and Shout for Joy.
Evening activities included game night (with Bingo and prizes!), a picnic with the Kinda Sorta Beach Party (and ninja ducks!), the Talent Show, the Dance and Movie Night. The days were filled with classes (Sex Under a Tree with Mother Ellen - a salacious name for an excellent class, The Pickle class with Father John Paul, Rapping/Napping with the Bish with Bishop Michael and something brand new this year, the Poverty Game with Liz Brauza.) and swimming and free time and worship.
This probably explains why I slept for 13 hours when I got home.
We tried some new music this year. As always with new things it was a struggle sometimes and some folks didn't like it and some of it was pretty good. We also tried to lessen our garbage output this year by eliminating tons of plastic water bottles with 20 oz stainless steel re-usable bottles with the EYouthWNY logo on them. They were pretty popular.
Things still to do? Post some photos, including the Conference photo. Sort through video to see what we can post. Find the notes from our Journalists on Friday. I know they were given to me but I can't seem to find where I put them. Reclaim a few things that the rest of the staff picked up when I left them behind (maybe the notes too?)
Plus Junior High preparation and Sleep Away preparation. And planning for 2011.
Real life is a lot of work. When can I go back to camp?
Peace
Friday, July 2, 2010
Senior High Report July 1
Your reporter is Elisabeth Engle:
Today waking up I was very tired. Almost as tired as I was yesterday when I fell asleep on the ground...
Breakfast was nice so was morning worship. Unfortunately Jay's talk was a little...sleepy. So far they have been very upbeat but today I an a few others fell asleep. Jay, if you are reading this, I apologize sincerely (Jay - LOL. Forgiven!)
My "Walk with Momma G" (class) was very relaxing as was morning Eucharist (where I was picked up multiple times) Then we had lunch which was cool because I saw someone from school. I also had spaghetti - which made it even more fabulous.
During Siesta - sleeping time (much needed sleeping time) after lunch helped me gain back some much needed snoozing. I accidentally gave Laura my roommate some "sleepy sass" when she tried waking me up!
My talk with the Bishop was also fun and we talked about musicals.
(Jay - On Jello snarfing - this a tradition of long standing at Senior High. It's voluntary and done entirely for fun. The contest ends in a food fight. Our reporter had a tough inaugural attempt as you'll see)
Next came free time. Oh boy, if you are reading this you may not know what Jello snarfing is . Well let me explain: it is a vicious and cruel way of forcing red Jello down a poor helpless person, making them have bowls of it. And then have have everyone else throw it at you, down your shirt or shorts, in your hair , on your face and up your nose. Yes really. This being my first year here did not prepare me for the animals my camp mates could become in the face of Jello. Especially if you saw Laura's hair!
After taking a shower...I cleaned off and hung out downstairs. Then I go dressed for the dance.
The dance was a lot of fun and I sill need to improve my "stanky leg" (Jay - Nope, no idea) Rowland and Rachel wowed the crowd with their mix of ballroom and some sort of hip-hop. The limbo got interesting and even though I am 4'11" I'm NOT that flexible.
There were different types of dances, such as the YMCA, Cupid Shuffle, Soldier Boy, You're a Jerk, "Stanky Leg" and ballroom. I got to dance with pretty much everyone there (even Momma G busted some moves) and was also picked up to dance by DJ, leaving my feet off the ground, and then being put down as he knelt on the floor and made me feel tall.
Today was fantastic and I still can't believe there are only one and a half days left until the end of camp. Personally I thik this camp should stay until....August?
Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle
Our second reporter is Kelsey Jeffs :
Today some of the personal highlights were what I thought were the greatest. In the morning during breakfast I looked over to find Drew asleep and hovering (over) his coffee! Some members of my table laughed because of the position he fell asleep in.
Today we had the famous annual Jello snarfing contest! My first ever experience "snarfing" Jello. I enjoyed every minute of it. Next to me was Seth and Tara. They were exact opposites in how they ate the Jello. Tara could barely get the first bowl of jello down. But who can blame her? Snarfing Jello isn't easy! On the other side of me Seth sat and ate all his Jello in an unbelievable amount of time. So I thought. Although no one could compare to the champion DJ. With his triumphant wrestling belt and great coach P.Mo. Afterwards everyone grabbed the remaining Jello and went at each other. Suddenly, out of the blue, Quinn and Autumn attack everyone with popcorn! With big smiles, everyone heads back to the dorms covered in red sticky Jello.
Personally, I though today was the best out of all so far. At the dance I got to have laughs with friends, dance, joke and just forget everything. Other people agree with me as well. The night ended on a great note and some good exercise from dancing. I must say that all the ladies looked absolutely beautiful and all the young gentlemen looked very handsome (hard to believe about the guys, I know) ha, ha!
Today waking up I was very tired. Almost as tired as I was yesterday when I fell asleep on the ground...
Breakfast was nice so was morning worship. Unfortunately Jay's talk was a little...sleepy. So far they have been very upbeat but today I an a few others fell asleep. Jay, if you are reading this, I apologize sincerely (Jay - LOL. Forgiven!)
My "Walk with Momma G" (class) was very relaxing as was morning Eucharist (where I was picked up multiple times) Then we had lunch which was cool because I saw someone from school. I also had spaghetti - which made it even more fabulous.
During Siesta - sleeping time (much needed sleeping time) after lunch helped me gain back some much needed snoozing. I accidentally gave Laura my roommate some "sleepy sass" when she tried waking me up!
My talk with the Bishop was also fun and we talked about musicals.
(Jay - On Jello snarfing - this a tradition of long standing at Senior High. It's voluntary and done entirely for fun. The contest ends in a food fight. Our reporter had a tough inaugural attempt as you'll see)
Next came free time. Oh boy, if you are reading this you may not know what Jello snarfing is . Well let me explain: it is a vicious and cruel way of forcing red Jello down a poor helpless person, making them have bowls of it. And then have have everyone else throw it at you, down your shirt or shorts, in your hair , on your face and up your nose. Yes really. This being my first year here did not prepare me for the animals my camp mates could become in the face of Jello. Especially if you saw Laura's hair!
After taking a shower...I cleaned off and hung out downstairs. Then I go dressed for the dance.
The dance was a lot of fun and I sill need to improve my "stanky leg" (Jay - Nope, no idea) Rowland and Rachel wowed the crowd with their mix of ballroom and some sort of hip-hop. The limbo got interesting and even though I am 4'11" I'm NOT that flexible.
There were different types of dances, such as the YMCA, Cupid Shuffle, Soldier Boy, You're a Jerk, "Stanky Leg" and ballroom. I got to dance with pretty much everyone there (even Momma G busted some moves) and was also picked up to dance by DJ, leaving my feet off the ground, and then being put down as he knelt on the floor and made me feel tall.
Today was fantastic and I still can't believe there are only one and a half days left until the end of camp. Personally I thik this camp should stay until....August?
Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle
Our second reporter is Kelsey Jeffs :
Today some of the personal highlights were what I thought were the greatest. In the morning during breakfast I looked over to find Drew asleep and hovering (over) his coffee! Some members of my table laughed because of the position he fell asleep in.
Today we had the famous annual Jello snarfing contest! My first ever experience "snarfing" Jello. I enjoyed every minute of it. Next to me was Seth and Tara. They were exact opposites in how they ate the Jello. Tara could barely get the first bowl of jello down. But who can blame her? Snarfing Jello isn't easy! On the other side of me Seth sat and ate all his Jello in an unbelievable amount of time. So I thought. Although no one could compare to the champion DJ. With his triumphant wrestling belt and great coach P.Mo. Afterwards everyone grabbed the remaining Jello and went at each other. Suddenly, out of the blue, Quinn and Autumn attack everyone with popcorn! With big smiles, everyone heads back to the dorms covered in red sticky Jello.
Personally, I though today was the best out of all so far. At the dance I got to have laughs with friends, dance, joke and just forget everything. Other people agree with me as well. The night ended on a great note and some good exercise from dancing. I must say that all the ladies looked absolutely beautiful and all the young gentlemen looked very handsome (hard to believe about the guys, I know) ha, ha!
Senior High Report June 28
(Director's note - I'm getting some reports out of order so I'm just posting them as they come in)
Your reporter is Elisabeth Engle:
Tonight while meeting with our counselors we were discussing our day. Then Mother Ellen becamed noticable while trying and failing to get online. She became very aggravated and I thought it was because she needed to check here e-mail or something. I was sadly, and surprisingly, mistaken. Her and Mom Jen started talking about how their crops will die and their pets run away and her food will rot. The with my vast knowledge of the popular networking site Facebook I realized she really needed the internet for - Farmville, Petville and Cafeville. Yes, really. Oh and not to mention the Neopet that Laura found. She needs to be fed too! Mom Jen proceeds to tell me about how much Mother Ellen also likes Play-dough... I think I'll get her some sidewalk chalk after camp.
Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle
Your reporter is Elisabeth Engle:
Tonight while meeting with our counselors we were discussing our day. Then Mother Ellen becamed noticable while trying and failing to get online. She became very aggravated and I thought it was because she needed to check here e-mail or something. I was sadly, and surprisingly, mistaken. Her and Mom Jen started talking about how their crops will die and their pets run away and her food will rot. The with my vast knowledge of the popular networking site Facebook I realized she really needed the internet for - Farmville, Petville and Cafeville. Yes, really. Oh and not to mention the Neopet that Laura found. She needs to be fed too! Mom Jen proceeds to tell me about how much Mother Ellen also likes Play-dough... I think I'll get her some sidewalk chalk after camp.
Love and Rockets
Elisabeth Engle
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day Three at Senior High
Your correspondent is Andrew Turner.
Today is the "off" day of the Conference. It's the middle day, so Jay usually has a special workshop for us. Today's theme was "A Quiet Shout". I liked the title because it both ties in with the titles of his chaplain's hour talks, and the theme of this year's camp program. Unlike some workshops in the past, this one was quite entertaining. Well, maybe entertaining isn't the right word. I don't know, it's informative, entertaining, calming and helpful. Is there a word for that? Our routine was changed slightly because we also have a service project later in the day. This year we return to Chautauqua County Rural Ministries. We were (or are, I'm a little tired) from 12 (noon) to 5 PM. We worked hard, stacking boxes, sorting food and clothes, and painting. Jay took us for ice cream too, but I doubt that it will happen all the time, we did have an extra 30 minutes. (note from Jay - they had pay their own way!)
And on a side note Drew Laudenslager apparently dropped his ice cream...
Anyway, Andrew Turner gave a small presentation to the rest of the conference about the Bishop Search Committee...
After that we had the annual Talent Show. Everyone was great, both the various acts and the audience. Compline was calming as usual and everybody got along well. Good day today, hope the next is even better.
Today is the "off" day of the Conference. It's the middle day, so Jay usually has a special workshop for us. Today's theme was "A Quiet Shout". I liked the title because it both ties in with the titles of his chaplain's hour talks, and the theme of this year's camp program. Unlike some workshops in the past, this one was quite entertaining. Well, maybe entertaining isn't the right word. I don't know, it's informative, entertaining, calming and helpful. Is there a word for that? Our routine was changed slightly because we also have a service project later in the day. This year we return to Chautauqua County Rural Ministries. We were (or are, I'm a little tired) from 12 (noon) to 5 PM. We worked hard, stacking boxes, sorting food and clothes, and painting. Jay took us for ice cream too, but I doubt that it will happen all the time, we did have an extra 30 minutes. (note from Jay - they had pay their own way!)
And on a side note Drew Laudenslager apparently dropped his ice cream...
Anyway, Andrew Turner gave a small presentation to the rest of the conference about the Bishop Search Committee...
After that we had the annual Talent Show. Everyone was great, both the various acts and the audience. Compline was calming as usual and everybody got along well. Good day today, hope the next is even better.
Day Two at Senior High
Your correspondents are Emma Johnson and Liz Dray
Today after a fun class with Mom G(iselle) a few of us walked to starbucks and driving past were two men around 20 dancing to Justin Bieber in their "Mom van"! It was quite a sight. Later during fee time when we came back to the dorms there was a squirrel that Seth tried to chase. Overall today was a good and productive day. - Emma
Rayna popped the volleyball with her thumb. Dominique won limbo. There was distracting music playing outside again, along with a stand up comedian thing. Emma's lemonade spill all over Liz's leg. Seth tried to catch a squirrel. - Liz
Today after a fun class with Mom G(iselle) a few of us walked to starbucks and driving past were two men around 20 dancing to Justin Bieber in their "Mom van"! It was quite a sight. Later during fee time when we came back to the dorms there was a squirrel that Seth tried to chase. Overall today was a good and productive day. - Emma
Rayna popped the volleyball with her thumb. Dominique won limbo. There was distracting music playing outside again, along with a stand up comedian thing. Emma's lemonade spill all over Liz's leg. Seth tried to catch a squirrel. - Liz
Senior High - Director's report
Just a quick note to let everyone know what's going on.
The weather has gone from insanely hot and humid to much nicer (it could be a little warmer!) I hope to get some photos up soon.
Wednesday was our service project day so we headed down to Chautauqua Rural Ministries, an Episcopal Community Services agency and did a lot of work. Moving boxes, sorting donated clothing, painting various rooms. We worked hard and rewarded ourselves with some ice cream!
Classes have been going very well. Our theme is "Shout to the Lord" and we've been considering different kinds of shouts - Anger or for Justice. Tomorrow we'll look at a shout of joy. On Wednesday we also do something different so we took a look at prayer.
Otherwise we've had our Talent Show (which was extraordinary this year!), our "Kinda-Sorta Beach Party" and Game night.
Tonight is the Dance.
And tomorrow is, wow, our last full day!
Peace
Jay
The weather has gone from insanely hot and humid to much nicer (it could be a little warmer!) I hope to get some photos up soon.
Wednesday was our service project day so we headed down to Chautauqua Rural Ministries, an Episcopal Community Services agency and did a lot of work. Moving boxes, sorting donated clothing, painting various rooms. We worked hard and rewarded ourselves with some ice cream!
Classes have been going very well. Our theme is "Shout to the Lord" and we've been considering different kinds of shouts - Anger or for Justice. Tomorrow we'll look at a shout of joy. On Wednesday we also do something different so we took a look at prayer.
Otherwise we've had our Talent Show (which was extraordinary this year!), our "Kinda-Sorta Beach Party" and Game night.
Tonight is the Dance.
And tomorrow is, wow, our last full day!
Peace
Jay
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