Hello friends,
I wanted to share a quick recap of an amazing summer we had with our youth program. In June, five of us packed up and headed to Colorado for a Jr/Sr high Camp where we partnered with three other mission centers. Together, we created an experience where we learned about other world religions with the intention to appreciate Community of Christ values more while finding the things we have in common with others. Through experiences and conversations, I gained a sense that our youth became more open to understanding others and respecting all. During that trip, three of those attending became interested in joining up as staff and so we did the RCYW training in the car on the drive home. A week later, we went up to Happy Valley to help staff their Elementary Camp. I was really impressed with our young CIT’s who took the role very seriously and engaged campers all day every day. After that, two of those CIT’s stayed to enjoy High School Camp.
A week later, we headed out to Iowa to SPEC! We had 10 youth with our mission center this year, and they each have incredible stories to share. While there, one of our youths was accepted to Graceland University and plans to attend in fall 2027. Another received the prestigious Cochran Volleyball Scholarship. If you get the chance, please ask them about the theme “Love First” and the things they enjoyed most about SPEC.
A mere 5 days later we were together again at Reunion! I was very happy that our teen class started the week with 20 youth. There were also dozens of younger kids engaged in classes with the preschool and elementary school groups. (Huge THANK YOU to all involved in helping with the youngsters!) Our last event to wrap up the summer was a family beach day at Ski Beach this last Saturday. We grilled out, played games, fished, and played in the water.
I want to say that I am very happy with the growth I have seen in both the youth and in the numbers of our youth. I will look forward to continuing to see you all at future events. If you are interested in working with us, I am looking for staff for our retreat at Buckhorn Camp September 18 – 20. Please contact me if you are free to come and make a difference in young lives!
Thanks again to all who participated and made this summer possible for our youth.
Clayton Troxell
PSI Youth Minister
