Youth

Matching Gift Supports Camp This Summer

Camp is a holy place where children and youth experience an intentional Christian community based on love, acceptance, inclusion, worship, play, and meeting the Divine.  Help us make this opportunity more financially accessible for all Disciples children and youth in Oklahoma.

The Northeast Area Council has offered a matching gift of $5000.  This generous gift will be combined with a gift of $3000 from the closure of Midwest Boulevard Christian Church for a maximum of $8000 to be used as matching funds to help raise $16,000 (our estimated cost) for adults to be counselors and directors for the 2023 camping season.  We are asking individual Disciples, congregations, and Area Ministries to contribute, so that all of the $8000 can be used as matching funds and help further discount the cost of camp for families and congregations.

CLICK HERE to make your gift today and help lower the final cost of camp for congregations and campers.  Or, send a check made out to the Christian Church in Oklahoma and memo, Camp Matching Fund 2023.

The Commission for Children, Youth, and Young Adults is seeking ways to make our summer church camps more affordable for our families and congregations.  The adults that give of their time and their energy to organize, staff, and lead Discovery Camp, Junior Camp, Chi Rho Camp, and CYF Conference are not monetarily charged when they come to camp to donate their time.  However, the camp sites still charge the Region for the adults.  That cost has been passed on to the campers throughout the years.  This way of paying for the adult volunteers is no longer sustainable for our families or congregations.

In early May, congregations receive an invoice for their campers that have registered for a camp. Funds from the match will be divided by the number of campers registered on May 1st, and applied to the invoices sent to congregations.

Questions?  Contact Rev. Bill Hemm, Chair of the Comm for Children, Youth, & Young Adults or Rev. Michael Davison.

$8,000 Matching Goal – To Date 68%
Church Camp Logo 2023
2023-04-19T16:09:35-05:00Mar 1, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on Matching Gift Supports Camp This Summer

Advent in the Movies

Have you seen the themes of Advent in movies or pop-culture? Members of the Regional Youth Council have thought about that question this fall and invite you to join them to see “Advent in the Movies.”

Thank you for joining the RYC on this journey into Advent. As you visit each week, underlined words are a clickable link. You can click the films in this document to watch a clip or a trailer for the film. If you light an Advent wreath at church or at home, you will find an Advent Wreath liturgy at the end of this document. We thank Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison and Rev. Michael Davison for allowing us to include their work in this devotional.

Like the shepherds of long ago, we invite you to go and see this thing which God has made known to you. As you return to daily life each week of Advent, in Christmastide, and into 2023, give thanks and rejoice for all that you have seen and heard as it was made known to you. 

2022-11-25T09:08:16-06:00Nov 25, 2022|Youth|Comments Off on Advent in the Movies

UPDATE: Summer Camp Registration Open

Church Camp Logo 2023

What is church camp like?  For us, it is a blend of play, prayer, study, worship, and service that creates an intentional Christian community that we call church camp.  Hold a date on your calendar for next summer.

The Comm for Children, Youth, & Young Adults is excited to announce the dates and sites for our church camp program.  As campers grow up in the program the camp experience gets a little longer and each site offers different opportunities.  The sites that host our church camp program provide activities and space that are age appropriate and can enhance the curriculum for campers and volunteer staff.

Chi Rho Camp (grades 6-8): June 5-9
Campers return to Oakridge Christian Camp (Anadarko, OK).  This site offers active outdoor additions like the Goliath Zip Line, Go-Carts, and climbing walls for our junior high campers.  Oakridge is a non-profit, non-denominational camp.
Discount Rate: $403 / Regular Rate: $475

CYF Conference (grades 9-12): June 19-24 
Conference is a day longer next summer and moves north to Disciples Center at Camp Tawakoni (Augusta, KS).  Tawakoni is owned and operated by the Christian Church in Kansas.  This is a new setting for CYF Conference and will provide excellent amenities.  CYF Conference will include a charter bus option to transport campers and some staff from the Oklahoma City area (site tba) to and from camp.
Discount Rate: $429 / $500

Discovery Camp (grades 2-3): June 23-25
Discovery weekend moves east next summer to Camp Christian (Chouteau, OK).  Junior campers and staff had such a good time that the CYYA thought it would be perfect for Discovery camp.  This site offers a smaller space so campers aren’t walking long distances between activities, has good outdoor play space, and housing.  Slight changes to arrival and pick up times for camp will be detailed in January.  Camp Christian is a non-profit that was created many years ago by Disciples congregations in the Northeast Area. Board members are Disciples laity and clergy.
Discount Rate: $175 / Regular Rate: $225

Junior Camp (grades 4-5): June 26-30
Campers return to Camp Christian (Chouteau, OK).  Campers and staff had a great experience last summer.  This site offers a smaller space so campers aren’t walking long distances between activities, has good outdoor play space, and housing.  Camp Christian is a non-profit that was created many years ago by Disciples congregations in the Northeast Area. Board members are Disciples laity and clergy.
Discount Rate: $307 / Regular Rate: $380

Water Weekend (grades 8-12): July 7-9 
This weekend on the water has been around many, many years, and is sponsored by Texoma Christian Camp (Kingston, OK).  It is lake front!  The camp has undergone improvements in the last two years.  Campers enjoy Saturday on the lake tubing, splashing, and just hanging out.  Yes, singing, keynote, and worship are part of the weekend.  The Region provides a boat and Michael Davison is part of the volunteer staff this weekend.  Texoma Camp is a non-profit that was created many years ago by Disciples congregations in the Southwest and Southeast Areas. Board members are Disciples laity and clergy.

Family Camp: TBA
A weekend camp for families of all sizes and kinds.  We will introduce the camp experience: play, prayer, study, worship, and service.  This intergenerational camp will have a little something for everyone.

CYYA program ministries are teaching the language of faith and the practice of Christianity for the Church today and tomorrow nurturing disciples to love and serve like Jesus.

@ Families & Youth Webpage & Region’s FB & Twitter (@ccokdoc)

2023-02-06T13:42:45-06:00Nov 1, 2022|Youth|Comments Off on UPDATE: Summer Camp Registration Open

Summer Camp 2023 Dates

Church Camp Logo 2023

The Comm for Children, Youth, and Young Adults is excited to announce our 2023 Summer Camp dates.  You can stay connected to our ministries for children, youth, and the adults that serve alongside by visiting the Families & Youth webpage or subscribing to the CYYA Intersections.

Chi Rho Camp: June 5-9

CYF Conference: June 19-24

Discovery Camp: June 23-25

Junior Camp: June 26-30

Sailing Camp: tba

Water Weekend: July 7-9

General Assembly: July 29-Aug 1

Family Camp: tba

More information about next summer will be published in the November and December editions of the CYYA Intersections.  Summer Camp Registration Opens February 5th.

See you at Camp!

2022-10-21T09:33:06-05:00Oct 21, 2022|Youth|Comments Off on Summer Camp 2023 Dates

Meet the Regional Youth Council 2022-23

The Regional Youth Council represents the children and youth of the Region.  Through their presence and leadership they provide an example of what a local youth group can be and can do.  RYC advocates for children and youth in their communities, congregations, and the Region.  Youth members of the Regional Youth Council serve a two (and sometimes three) year term.  RYC is a group of sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school from congregations around the Region.  The adults that serve on RYC are conversation partners, listeners, guides, and co-learners as RYC develops and sharpens their leadership skills.

Meet the RYC through 10 Questions:
What is one thing on your bucket list?

What words or phrases do you most overuse?

What is one of your weird quirks?

What is your relationship with God like?

Describe yourself in 3 words.

What is one thing that annoys you the most?

What will you do with your 15 minutes of fame?

What is one thing about your church you would change?

What is your comfort food?

You’ve got a free afternoon, will you: read, listen to music, watch a movie, or . . .?

Zaylee Skidmore-Beaney
First Christian Church Sulphur

Gabe Cartwright
First Christian Church Sulphur

Derek Day
New Covenant Christian Church Oklahoma City

To go to a NFL game

Bro

I like to fidget with things

God Is always present in my daily life

Friendly – Funny – Kind

Stepping on gum

Spread positivity

I would go back to traditional communion

Bagel bites

Play video games

Eli Dew
First Christian Church El Reno

Visit every European country

Heck yea

I’m really into murder documentaries.

Improving

Determined – Bold – Curious

People who don’t dim their bright headlights.

Meet Donald Glover

Participation

BBQ Mac and Cheese with chicken nuggets

Play video games

Kyston Haines
First Christian Church El Reno

Travel

Bro

I like meat smokers.

Distant. I keep in touch, but I also do not know God on a day to day basis.

Confident – Honest – Competitive

Laziness

Enjoy every blessing from God.

Food staff

Smoked chicken

Listen to music.

Maryanne Heim
First Christian Church Cherokee

Be in a band

That’s interesting, “Thumbs up”

I’m left handed, but only when it comes to writing

Rocky, there’s ups and downs

Musical –  Thinker – Introvert

Stepping in something wet

Nothing, I don’t ever want to be famous

Worship

Pasta/Noodles

Hangout with friends, skateboard

Lauren Hemm
Forest Park Christian Church Tulsa

Meet someone famous

Bro

Love Musicals

Testing

Caring – Bubbly – Fun

People thinking they are above everyone else or homophobia.

Spread positivity

Expand the youth group

Chocolate

Go to the movies or hang out with friends.

Jasmin Pickens
First Christian Church Sulphur

Paige Waldrip
Central Christian Church Enid

Hike a glacier in Switzerland

Y’all and Whoa

I always have to have something to drink with me.

My relationship with God is like driving on the highway.  I can be smooth until something gets in the way and then it gets stressful and slower.

Loud – Nice – Ambitious

People making random noises with their mouths.

I would help people find ways to cope with anxiety and strengthen their relationships with God and others.

I would help it be more open to change.

Potato soup.

I would read or be on Tiktok.

Travis Carlson
First Christian Church Chickasha

Egypt.  I have always been fascinated by that ancient society.

Literally, it is literally the word literally.

Spaghettios and pringles.

Questioning and embracing

Weird-Punctual-Fun (picked by my 5th girls class)

Being Late

Try to get a free tank of gas.

Greater college involvement.

Tacos

Play Dungeons and Dragons or paint D&D miniatures

Shannon Cook
First Christian Church Norman

Around the world cruise.

Why?

Must brush my teeth before showering.

Like a path that winds and curves and God is a constant alongside.

Caring – Curious – Thoughtful

People who lie.

Feed the whole world.

Consistent inclusive language.

Mac and Cheese.

Read or nap

Tara Dew
First Christian Church El Reno

Go to Hawaii

Struggle Bus

Can’t say the word “idea” correctly

The ocean: it comes and goes like the waves.

Caring – Loud – Loving

Whining

Try to help others

More money to help others

Mexican food

Take a nap

Eula Hledik
New Covenant Christian Church Oklahoma City

Fly – Sky Dive

Cool or Don’t cha know

I eat the chocolate off my 3 Musketeers bar and then I enjoy the center.

I am in awe.  The Holy loves me, shows me mercy and grace even though I do not deserve it.  Because of this I can accomplish so much than I ever imagined. The Holy instills courage.

Loving – Welcoming – Fun

Throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

That it be Open and Affirming

My Chicken & Dumplings

Hike while listening to music or go to the Zoo with my grandkids.

Michael Davison
Associate Regional Minister

Ride a camel to a pyramid and climb it.

Groovy or Far Out

I don’t wear socks except on Sunday, to weddings, to funerals, and some hospital visits.

A wrestling match.

Liminal – Extrovert – Pondering

Social Media or Being a Bad Fan (that’s me)

Skin Cancer Awareness to Fund a Cure

Following Fad Theology

Rice

Listen to my Pink Floyd collection on vinyl or hang out with my companion

2022-09-08T14:05:34-05:00Aug 30, 2022|Youth|Comments Off on Meet the Regional Youth Council 2022-23

RYC Advent Devotional

Members of the Regional Youth Council were asked to consider what the traditional themes of Advent (hope, peace, joy, and love) can mean in times like these.   This Advent devotion is divided into weeks and members of RYC, with some guest writers, offer you an opportunity to journey with them through Advent.

Week 1: In times like these what are you hoping for? How are you being Hope for others?

Week 2: In times like these what peace have you experienced? What Peace can you offer?

Week 3: In times like these what brings you joy? How can you offer Joy?

Week 4: In times like these how or when have you experience love? How are you offering Love?

Christmastide: In times like these how will you embody the spirit of Christmas? 

CLICK HERE to visit our dropbox and download the ebook in PDF format.

2021-11-22T18:44:25-06:00Nov 22, 2021|Youth|Comments Off on RYC Advent Devotional

Summer Camp Update #5

Summer Camp Registration Closes May 6th

Don’t wait until the last minute to register!

Chi Rho Camp, CYF Conference, and Junior Camp are at 50% capacity or more.

Discovery Day Camp and Mission Camp Enid are filling up!

Our Summer Camp Season is just over a month away!  On June 6th, our volunteer counselors and directors will gather at Oakridge Camp to make final preparations for Chi Rho Camp that begins the afternoon of June 7th.  Yes, we are offering overnight summer camps this year!  Back in February, the Commission for Children, Youth, and Young Adults created Covid-19 procedures and policies that will guide our camps and with everyone’s cooperation mitigate the possible spread of Covid-19 to campers, adult volunteers, or to families when camper return home.  It will be a great, fantastic, meaning-filled return of summer camp because your camper helped create Holy ground this summer.

Overview: Covid-19 Procedures and Policies

  • Mask Required for Campers and Counselors
  • Covid-19 Rapid Test at Check-In for Camp
  • Small Groups Limited to 8 youth and 2 adults
  • Campers will be with their small group throughout the day
  • Hand Sanitizer, Physical Distance, Primarily Outdoor Activities
  • Camp Sizes Limited
  • Click here to download the latest Covid-19 Procedures & Policies

Contact Rev. Michael Davison mdavison at okdisciples dot org if you have questions.

2021-04-28T16:47:09-05:00Apr 28, 2021|Youth|Comments Off on Summer Camp Update #5

Summer Camp Update #4

We are excited to announce Mission Camp: Enid!

Our friends at Reach Beyond Mission have decided to cancel their multi-state program for this summer.  We understand and keep this quality, Disciples related organization in our prayers.  We had planned for Mission Camp Road Show to travel to Albuquerque with Reach Beyond Mission.  Instead, twenty-four (24) youth will be welcomed to Central Christian Church in Enid for a week of learning about food insecurity in Enid and serving our food insecure neighbors in Enid and Garfield Co.

Rev. Tom Stanley (Minister at Central CC Enid) will direct Mission Camp and work with = six (6) adult counselors.  Like our other camps, they will blend play, prayer, study, worship, and SERVICE each day of this unique opportunity.  You can download the flyer and registration is OPEN!

Register for summer camp Here, or visit the Families and Youth webpage to learn more.

2021-03-05T10:15:40-06:00Mar 5, 2021|Youth|Comments Off on Summer Camp Update #4

Next DRYG: October 28

Reconnect with God

Digital Regional Youth Group began last month (Sept 23rd) as five congregations met up with Regional Youth Council members.  The fall theme, Reconnect with God, invites Chi Rho, CYF, and their adult sponsors to consider the ways they are actively meeting God through spiritual practices, music, service, and community.  We had 24 participants in September.  Let’s make it 45 or more this month.

There is time to chat, a game or two, and time with the speaker.  There is a short closing worship.  Join DRYG this month!

Digital Regional Youth Group

6:30pm – 8pm

October 28: Music

November 18: Service

December 16: Community

Youth Leaders Email Rev. Michael Davison to RSVP to receive the link for DRYG.

2020-10-06T11:57:02-05:00Oct 6, 2020|Congregations, Youth|Comments Off on Next DRYG: October 28

Sept 23: Digital Regional Youth Group Begins

Digital Regional Youth Group Logo

Like all our congregations and clergy, the Regional Youth Council is improvising and adapting to offer opportunities for the Region’s youth groups to play, pray, worship, study, and serve.  This fall, RYC is offering four digital youth group gatherings for Chi Rho and CYF on the theme, Reconnect with God.

These monthly gatherings will last 90 minutes and meet via Zoom.  To maintain the security of our meetings we ask youth group leaders will need to register.  Email Michael Davison for more information.

DRYG (Digital Regional Youth Group) kicks off Sept 23rd, with the focus on spiritual practice to reconnect with God.  Our Guests are: Rev. Nancy Brink and Andra Moran.

DRYG is planned and led by the Regional Youth Council.

Q: How do I get my group to DRYG (digital regional youth group)?

A: To access DRYG youth group leaders need to email Rev. Michael Davison who will send them connection information to share with their group(s).

Upcoming Dates & Theme

October 28: Music
November 18: Service
December 16: Community

Schedule for DRYG

6:25pm: Digital Room Opens
6:30: The Fun Begins!
7:55: Preview Next Month
8:00: We bid you goodnight

Rev. Nancy Brink
Rev. Nancy BrinkGuest Speaker
Rev. Nancy E. Brink, the Donna (Ford) and Fahmy Attallah Endowed Director of Church Relations at Chapman University.

Rev. Brink will talk about centering prayer and offer other practices youth might explore. 

Andra Moran
Andra MoranMusical Guest
Andra Moran lives in Nashville, Tennessee where she works as a songwriter, singer, author, worship designer and freelance touring musician in a variety of ecumenical settings. In addition to her work in concert and commissioned music, Andra is a consultant in worship design, modern liturgical music and leadership in churches and denominational conferences across the country. She is regularly engaged as a clinician and workshop leader, teaching songwriting and creative expression in colleges and retreat centers. Currently, Andra tours and writes full time, and works part time on the staff of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville as the Creative Director and worship pastor. She has a four year old daughter named after the heirloom lilies in that bloom in her garden.
2020-09-10T07:20:04-05:00Sep 10, 2020|Congregations, Youth|Comments Off on Sept 23: Digital Regional Youth Group Begins
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