Youth Programs

Diocesan Youth Council
The Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) consists of adults and youth from throughout West Tennessee who plan year-round events for Episcopalians in junior high and high school. The DYC coordinates with youth ministers and leaders to plan trips and gatherings, such as Happening and the Bishop's Bash, for youth to enjoy fellowship and strengthen their faith. For information on the DYC, contact Heather Anderson at handerson at calvarymemphis dot org.

Happening is a renewal weekend held twice annually for Episcopal youth in grades 10-12. The weekend provides teens with a way to explore their spirituality while living and learning with others their age who want to share the faith they've found in Jesus Christ. Teens lead all the activities, including small group discussion, large group activities, and singing. The environment is open and honest, as the adults present serve in the background roles of cooks and chaperones. Two priests serve as spiritual directors. Those who attend Happening are given an opportunity to experience Christ's love first hand. For many, it is the beginning of their adult Christian journey.

Happening #47 will take place February 12-14, 2010 at St. Columba Conference Center.
Staff Applications are due Thursday, November 5 at 5:00pm
Applications to attend Happening are due Friday, January 22 at noon
Either application must be accompanied by a completed Medical Release Form

Been through Happening before and want to stay in touch? Click here to sign up for quarterly emails from the Happening movement in West Tennessee! For information on Happening, contact John Burruss & Jennifer Smith at happeningwtn@gmail.com.

Episcopal Day Camp
Held each July at St. Columba Conference Center, Episcopal Day Camp offers three weeks of fun and activities for rising first through sixth graders. The camp's nurturing peaceful environment for both campers and youth counselors make a memorable experience for all attending. Campers are encouraged to form friendships, build leadership skills, and have fun in God's world while experiencing our faith in a safe environment. Activities include music, swimming, boating, canoeing, arts and crafts, and adventures in the woods. Campers may attend one, two or all three of the one-week sessions. The camp is staffed by adults, and counselors, who are high-school and college students, and counselors in training, who are junior high students.

Click here to download camper and counselor applications.
For information, visit www.stcmemphis.org or contact Tim Geske at tim.geske@gmail.com

Episcopal Church Home Youth Ministries Program and Outreach Partnership Program

The Episcopal Church Home has established the Youth Ministries Program and Outreach Partnership Program to help fund parish ministries in the Diocese of West Tennessee. Eligible ministries must serve youth and may be collaborative projects with churches and community agencies working together. 2010 applications are due October 19th, and grants will be awarded byNovember 9th. Churches may request applications from the diocesan office, or click here to download Eligibility and Requirements and the 2010 Application. Contact Canon Stephanie Cheney, 901.526.0023 x 102, for more information.

Episcopal Schools in the Diocese

Grace St. Luke's Episcopal School
Coeducational/Episcopal/Grades PK - 8th Grade, founded in 1947
http://www.gslschool.org

Mission Statement:   Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School provides each child with an opportunity for an excellent education by caring for the needs of the whole child in a setting that reflects the faith of the Episcopal Church. Our commitment is to develop within each student in accordance with his/her potential academic achievement, self-esteem, responsible citizenship, and the knowledge, love, and service of God.

Thomas A. Beazley, Headmaster
246 S. Belvedere Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-278-0200
Fax: 901-272-7119

 

St. Mary's Episcopal School
All Girls Episcopal/Grades PK - 12th grade, founded in 1847
http://www.stmarysschool.org

Mission Statement:   The Mission of St. Mary's Episcopal School is to provide a superior educational experience for girls which will encourage and enable each student to reach her individual potential.

Marlene Shaw, Head of School
60 Perkins Extended (Grades 5 - 12)
41 N. Perkins Road (Grades PK - 4)
Memphis, TN 38117
Phone: 901-537-1405
Fax: 901-682-0119

Safeguarding God’s Children is a training program for the prevention of sexual abuse of children and youth. The program is part of the Policy for Protection of Children and Youth in The Diocese of West Tennessee. The Diocese of West Tennessee requires all clergy, policy making committee members, paid employees and regular volunteers to attend the training. The program consists of a video presentation and discussion, and usually takes place from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Video presentations provide a basic understanding of the dynamics of child sexual abuse, how to recognize signs that a child may have been abused, steps you can take to prevent child sexual abuse in church and other organizational settings and what to do if you have concerns about a person's behavior toward a child or youth, or if you suspect that a child or youth has been molested. Diocesan certificates are issued upon completion of the course. Criminal background checks are also required. Fingerprinting is offered at most training sessions, and individual appointments may be made on Mondays at the Diocesan Offices. Please contact Bettie Cobb 901.526.0023 for more information.