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
GET READY: Buckhorn Camp Youth Retreat!
Calling all Jr. High and Sr. High students! It’s time to pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable weekend away at Buckhorn Camp.
Join us from September 18 - 20 for three days packed with outdoor adventures, awesome games, campfires, and a chance to disconnect and grow together. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off the fall season, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
📍 The Details:
Who: All Jr. High and Sr. High aged campers
When: Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20
Where: Buckhorn Camp
Cost & Registration: TBD
🙌 CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! We Need Staff! An amazing weekend like this doesn't happen without an amazing team. We are currently looking for energetic, caring volunteers to help staff the retreat. Whether you're interested in being a cabin leader, helping run games, or just lending a helping hand behind the scenes, we would absolutely love to have you.
If you are willing to serve as staff for this weekend, please contact Clayton Troxell.
Join us for a Family Beach Day: San Diego Edition! ☀️
🌊 Sun, Sand, and Fellowship! Join us for a Family Beach Day (San Diego Edition)! ☀️
Get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy a beautiful day by the water! We are hosting a relaxed Family Beach Day at Ski Beach, and we’d absolutely love for you and your loved ones to join us.
This is a totally free, completely no-pressure event. Feel free to come and go as you please throughout the day—it’s all about relaxing, connecting, and enjoying some great fellowship by the water.
🏖️ The Details
When: Saturday, August 22nd. Clayton Troxell (youth minister) will be out there arriving by 9:00 AM, so drop by whenever works for you!
Where: Ski Beach (San Diego). Note from Clayton: I have never been to this beach before, so I can't provide exact location details like I normally do. Just look for our usual blue, yellow, and grey EZ-ups!
RSVP Needed: Because the exact spot is TBD, please let me know you are coming and provide your phone number so I can help you find us once we are set up! Contact me at ctroxell@cofchrist-psi.org.
🍔 Food & Fun
Lunch is on me! I’ll be firing up the grill to serve cheeseburgers and hot dogs, as well as some snacks.
Note: If you'd like a veggie or vegan option, just let me know ahead of time when you RSVP, and I'll make sure you're covered!
We will also bring whatever games we can to keep the fun going, plus the grill and plenty of EZ-ups for shade.
🎒 What You Need to Bring
Yourself and your family!
Beach chairs
Whatever you normally pack for a day at the beach (sunscreen, towels, sand toys, etc.)
Can't wait to see you out there for a fantastic day at the beach!