Youth experiences:
Crossways Camping Ministries
Crossways has three sites - Waypost, Imago Dei Village, and Pine Lake.
Waypost Week for Grace is the second full week in July. Waypost offers programming for all grades 1-8, plus programs for grades 9-12. Crossways also has summer programs and weekend retreats throughout the year that are specifically geared to family, adult, and cross+generational groups.
See more at: Crossways Camping Ministries
Synod Youth Gathering / Quake & Zones
Our synod usually has two gatherings each year, one for Junior High and one for Senior High. These annual gatherings provide opportunity for youth to connect with peers that they meet at Crossways, EYG and school events.
See more at: East Central Synod of WI Youth Gatherings
Quakes
Quake events partner with youth leaders in local churches to encourage teens (grades 6-12) to become established in their faith, empowered for Christian living and enabled to live a life of ministry and leadership.
Two Quakes are held in the Dells each year. Event runs from Friday, 5:30 - Sunday, 11:00AM. See schedule
See more at: Quakes
Two Quakes are held in the Dells each year. Event runs from Friday, 5:30 - Sunday, 11:00AM. See schedule
See more at: Quakes
EYG - ELCA Youth Gathering
This occurs every three years. It is a major event with 30,000 plus youth gathering from across the United States and from around the world. The preparations, resources and traveling with our synod youth make this truly a life-impactful event.
See more at: EYG
See more at: EYG
events for all ages
Porkies Trip - late September
Join a variety of ages on a hike into Upper Michigan's Porcupine Mountains and overnight in a cabin or take your tent. This is an experience for all ages - whoever can hike!
Winter Fest at Forest Springs - end of January
Join all ages for a variety of outdoor activities with a great and a game room.
See more at: Winter Fun for all ages
See more at: Winter Fun for all ages
What if this doesn't interest meFirst - know that hiesitation, fear, and disinterest is common. This is unique and not something many have done. BUT if you don't go now you may never have this experience. AND the unique setting and format is worth breaking out of your comfort zone. PLUS this is more doable than you may realize. Talk to those who have gone before.
Second - note that when there are conflicts the other events you are likely to be able to do another time. This experience with your parents and classmates is not possible to do another time.
Third - it is significant when parent(s) go along but it is NOT necessary.
Finally - there are health and other reaons where it is NOT possible to go - note the following possibilities at Grace:
Crossways Camps
Crossways Camping Ministries has many different programs throughout the summer at its three camps.Synod Youth GatheringThere are two youth gatherings in our synod - one for Junior High and one for Senior High. Grace has often used Youth Encounter instead of attending the Synod Gatherings. Both are great weekend events. The Synod Youth Gathering allows youth to connect with peers that they meet at Crossways or at EYG.
ELCA Youth Gathering - EYGHouston, TX - June 27-July 1, 2018!!!
These occur every three years. It is a major event with 30,000 plus youth gathering from across the United States and from around the world. The preparations, resources and traveling with our synod youth make this a life-impactful event.
What does a Wilderness Trip offer?Fellowship, Faith & Community are important in the life of Grace. Trips are life-impactful experiences that grow deep faith and relationships.
Two aspects especially make these events impactful:
Several specific resources inform and guide us.:
Find the details of this year's trip.Porkies TripJoin a variety of ages on a hike into Upper Michigan's Porcupine Mountains and overnight in a cabin or take your tent. This is an experience for all ages - whoever can hike!
Crossways Camping MinistriesCrossways has three sites - Waypost, Imago Dei Village, and Pine Lake.
Crossways also has both summer programs and weekend retreats throughout the year.
There are Family programs, Grandparent/Kids programs, age specific programs (children, youth, adults), and Waypost Week for grades 1-12
See more at: Crossways Camping Ministries
Second - note that when there are conflicts the other events you are likely to be able to do another time. This experience with your parents and classmates is not possible to do another time.
Third - it is significant when parent(s) go along but it is NOT necessary.
Finally - there are health and other reaons where it is NOT possible to go - note the following possibilities at Grace:
Crossways Camps
Crossways Camping Ministries has many different programs throughout the summer at its three camps.Synod Youth GatheringThere are two youth gatherings in our synod - one for Junior High and one for Senior High. Grace has often used Youth Encounter instead of attending the Synod Gatherings. Both are great weekend events. The Synod Youth Gathering allows youth to connect with peers that they meet at Crossways or at EYG.
ELCA Youth Gathering - EYGHouston, TX - June 27-July 1, 2018!!!
These occur every three years. It is a major event with 30,000 plus youth gathering from across the United States and from around the world. The preparations, resources and traveling with our synod youth make this a life-impactful event.
What does a Wilderness Trip offer?Fellowship, Faith & Community are important in the life of Grace. Trips are life-impactful experiences that grow deep faith and relationships.
Two aspects especially make these events impactful:
- Wherever possible Grace seeks that these involve as many ages as possible.
- A unique setting leads to deep reflection and great conversations.
Several specific resources inform and guide us.:
- Our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has 132 outdoor ministry organizations. This is a great resource!
- Richard Louv and especially his book, Last Child in the Woods and his Nature Principle are a great inspiration.
- The Four Keys on the weekly "Taking Faith Home" insert and used in our Milestone Ministry guide our conversation and devotion.
Find the details of this year's trip.Porkies TripJoin a variety of ages on a hike into Upper Michigan's Porcupine Mountains and overnight in a cabin or take your tent. This is an experience for all ages - whoever can hike!
Crossways Camping MinistriesCrossways has three sites - Waypost, Imago Dei Village, and Pine Lake.
Crossways also has both summer programs and weekend retreats throughout the year.
There are Family programs, Grandparent/Kids programs, age specific programs (children, youth, adults), and Waypost Week for grades 1-12
See more at: Crossways Camping Ministries