St. Herman DCMA Youth Conference 2021
“Orthodoxy! Truth in a Heterodox World”
Sponsored by the Youth Committee of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America,
with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Peter
WIth the generous support of:
The ROCOR Fund for Assistance
and
The St. John Kochurov Society
Where: St. Basil Orthodox Church, St. Louis, MO and
Historic Camp Wyman (600 Kiwanis Drive, Eureka, MO 63025)
When: Dec 27-31, 2021
Who: Youth ages 14 and older
What: An opportunity for Orthodox young people to get to know each other, to be strengthened in their faith, and to build lasting memories.
Registration closes on December 17, 2021
Talks and Discussions
In addition to our two speakers, we always have a panel discussion, small group discussions, and opportunities for informal conversation.
Speakers:
Fr. Turbo Qualls “Who do you say that I am? Finding Christ in an age of false christs” Fr. Turbo is Priest at St. Mary of Egypt Serbian Orthodox Church in Kansas City, Missouri. | Matushka Elizabeth Naasko “Tuning In: Finding Truth in the Noise of the World. In a world filled with lots of messages, how to filter out the noise to find the Truth.”’ Melissa Elizabeth is the wife of a priest attached to a ROCOR monastery. They have eleven children and a hobby farm where they raise their own meat and dairy. Melissa Elizabeth writes and speaks on Orthodox fasting and parenting and is the author of Fasting as a Family and a major contributor to Seven Holy Women, both from Ancient Faith. |
Activities
The conference includes lots of time to make and renew friendships and have fun together. This year’s activities will include:
- Bonfire and Talent Show
- Climbing Tower and Target Sports at the Camp
- Visit to the St. Louis arch
- Vigil and Divine Liturgy at St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church
Volunteering
Every year we live our faith together by volunteering in the local community. This year, we will lend a hand at FOCUS North America in St. Louis
Choir
One of our conference traditions is to sing the Vigil and Divine Liturgy together as a group. This is a great way to better understand our worship and become more at home in Church. We prepare for this by having 2-3 rehearsals together.
Logistics
TRANSPORTATION TO THE CONFERENCE
Each participant is responsible for their own transportation. There will likely be vans going to the conference from Chicago, Texas, Cincinnati and Kansas City; contact Fr. Nicholas if you would like to join them. If you will be traveling by plane, please provide us with your flight plans in advance so that we can arrange to pick you up at the airport. For all questions about transportation, contact Fr. Nicholas (frnicholaspark@protonmail.com or (972) 839-2439).
REGISTRATION AT THE START OF THE CONFERENCE
Registration is from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, Dec 27th at Camp Wyman, located at 600 Kiwanis Drive, Eureka, MO 63025.
The conference opens at 5:00pm, with dinner at 6:00 p.m.
THINGS TO BRING – VERY IMPORTANT!
- Bedding: Sleeping bag or linens, pillow
- Towels and toiletries
- Water bottle
- Rain protection (a poncho or raincoat is ideal)
- Several changes of clothes appropriate for church (Dress shirts and pants for boys, skirts/dresses for girls).
- Work clothes for our volunteer project
- Warm clothes and footwear for outdoor activities.
Outdoor activities are planned, including snow!
It will be cold outside -- it is Winter, and we will not be in the South!
- Face masks. Camp Wyman strongly encourages but does not require the use of a mask when indoors, and other venues that we visit may require them.
- Prayer book to help with preparation for Holy Communion.
- You may want a camera and/or flashlight.
- You are welcome to bring a musical instrument!
THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME
- Electronic devices, except for cameras (only dedicated cameras, not the camera in a cell phone). We understand that parents may want their child to have a cell phone with them while they travel to the conference. All cell phones will be collected at registration and returned at the end of the conference. Access to phones will be given each evening for a limited time. If you have an emergency and need to contact your child at any time call Fr. Nicholas Park at (972) 839-2439 and he will connect you with your child. Any participant who needs to use a phone may borrow one from one of the adult chaperones.
- Food and snacks - they are not allowed in the cabins, because they are attractive to critters.
- Alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited even if you are of legal age.
- Weapons and tools.
- Please note that neither the diocese nor the camp can be responsible for any lost valuables.
COST and FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The cost for food, lodging and all activities is $250. The conference is for college and high school youth age 14 and older.
If you need assistance with the cost of registration or travel to the conference, please contact Fr. Nicholas Park, Chairman of the Diocesan Youth Committee, at frnicholaspark@protonmail.com or (972) 839-2439.
The true cost of the conference is closer to $450 per participant, and we are able to offer the more affordable $250 cost due to the generosity of our donors. Special thanks to the St. John Kochurov Society, the Fund for Assistance to the ROCOR, the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America Youth Fund supported by annual donations for parishes in our diocese, and Anonymous Benefactors. Many thanks to our benefactors!
If you are able, we welcome additional donations towards conference expenses and to help fund scholarships.
COVID INFORMATION
Camp Wyman strongly encourages but does not require the use of masks while indoors. The camp staff will be wearing masks and will have sanitary precautions (cleaning, etc.) in place during our stay. Our outings for recreation and volunteer work may also require the use of a mask, so please be sure to have them with you.
END OF CONFERENCE
The conference will end at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. If you are picking up your child, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. at Camp Wyman, located at 600 Kiwanis Drive, Eureka, MO 63025.
WAIVERS
All participants must complete waivers below. Please make sure they are signed and send them to Matushka Rachel Rose via email (rmrose83@gmail.com) – either scan them or take a photograph of the completed form.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Contact Fr. Nicholas: frnicholaspark@protonmail.com or 972-839-2439.
Registration, Waivers and Payment Links
REGISTRATION
****Register here****
After you register, please fill out and send in the waivers below and make payment using the links below.
If you are unable to pay in full for registration and travel, please inquire about scholarships. We want you to come!
WAIVERS
After you register, please download and complete these waivers and send them to Matushka Rachel Rose via email (rmrose83@gmail.com).
Under 18 | 18 and over |
PAYMENT LINKS
LINK TO PAY THE $250 REGISTRATION FEE: Donate to ROCOR Diocese of Chicago and Mid America
CLICK HERE TO PAY SOME OTHER AMOUNT: Donate to ROCOR Diocese of Chicago and Mid America