United Methodist Youth of the North Carolina Conference
The North Carolina Annual Conference has a very ACTIVE youth ministry. The director of the youth ministry is Sue Ellen Nicholson. The 2006-2007 youth officers are; L. Lord, President; S. Bell, Vice President; E. Frazier, Secretary; D. McMillan, Treasurer; and E. Farnell, LAP. The youth ministry also sponsors several conference events every year.
Events
Conference Youth Rally Day
Conference Youth Rally Day is an afternoon gathering of youth groups from churches across the conference. The Rally is a time for fellowship in faith, worship in praise of God, and a celebration of the place and role of youth in the life of the church.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is a weekend event for youth and adult advisers where they are challenged to a new or deeper faith in Jesus Christ. Pilgrimage is a time for worship, meeting up with old friends, large group sessions, and much more. It has an estimated annual attendance of 6000 youth and is held in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Global Vision
Global Vision is a trip to New York City with a study seminar at the Church Center across from the United Nations. The purpose is to further knowledge of world affairs in a Christian context so as to allow youth to respond as they feel called by God. Global Vision is offered for youth in grades 10-12.
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a weekend retreat for middle schoolers that encourages in faith and growth and spiritual life. The weekend features total group activities of worship and recreation and fun as well as small groups to explore prayer, Scripture and other aspects to spiritual life.
Summer Breakaway
Summer Breakaway, also known as Breakaway is an event for youth from middle school to high school age. It is an EXCITING week for youth to devote themselves to Christ through a Christian community establishing a strong relationship with God. Each day at Breakaway features a morning assembly to celebrate community life, growth groups to focus on spiritual growth, meals in the cafeteria, movie groups to create and produce movies for a film festival at the end of the week, free time with some structured recreation offered, worship services, and an evening program (icebreakers, concert, dance, talent show, etc). The week concludes with an inspiring communion service on Friday night.
Appalachian Trail Hike
The Appalachian Trail Hike is an experience of spiritual journey. This backpacking hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail calls for a balancing of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life factors. Youth are grouped into teams of eight youth with two to three adult hikers. Each participant is responsible for their own backpack and gear, as well as a share of the community gear. Meals are cooked along the Trail over campfires. Campsites and shelters provide resting places for each evening. Reflection, worship, and sharing are a significant part of the journey. The hike provides a mountaintop experience for youth to face and meet a challenge, to see God at a new height, and to become aware of God's abiding presence.
Annual Conference Session (ACS)
ACS is a week-long event dedicated to the formal establishments of opinions on relevant issues. Youth also attend to the business of the North Carolina Conference UMYF. Each day at ACS features legislative affairs sessions dealing with resolutions on current issues, growth groups focusing on spiritual growth, meals in the cafeteria, interest groups on a variety of topics, free time with options for recreation, worship services and an evening program (icebreakers, a speaker, dance, talent show, etc). The week concludes with an inspiring communion service on Friday night. Elections of officers are held along with district meetings to select district representatives to Conference youth committees.
Conference Youth Committees
- CYC (Conference Youth Council)
- CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministries)
- YSF Task Force
- ResCom (Resolutions Committee)
Youth Service Fund
The Youth Service Fund (YSF) is a mission fund of the United Methodist Youth. It is money raised by youth and spent by youth to benefit youth.