Are there youth in your congregation, currently in grades 8-11, who are leaders, or potential leaders, and who might be interested in connecting with other high school youth across the presbytery by serving on the Presbytery of West Virginia’s Youth Council? The Nurture Committee is hoping you will encourage them to consider applying to do so. Please share the information below and this flyer with youth, parents of youth, adults who work with youth, and adults who might be interested.
The Youth Council is composed of up to 14 youth and 8 adults, representing different areas of the presbytery and as many churches as possible. Looking at the fall of 2023, there will be 2 youth members and 2 adults remaining on Youth Council. In an effort to encourage more participation, the Nurture Committee has made some changes: 1) those who will be in 9th grade in the fall (current 8th graders) are eligible to apply, and 2) up to two adults from a particular church may apply in the same year (this has been true for youth for several years). Youths’ terms of service are until they graduate high school; adults’ terms of service are for three years, with the possibility of a second 3-year term.
Youth Council usually meets three times a year in person: a leadership/planning retreat in late summer; the Fall Youth Retreat weekend in mid-November at Bluestone Camp and Retreat; and the Spring Youth Retreat weekend. In addition, there are meetings on Zoom to make final plans for retreats.
There are several parts to the application. First is the application form, which all youth and adults who wish to apply need to fill out. Second is the Session Nomination form, which must be completed for every applicant. Third, youth applying need a Parental Support form completed by their parent or legal guardian. And fourth, adults applying need to submit Volunteer Information and Background Check Consent forms in keeping with our Child Protection Policy.
All forms must be completed in their entirety and mailed to: Susan Sharp Campbell, Presbytery of West Virginia, P.O. Box 11720, Charleston, WV 25339. They should be sent no later than May 1, 2023.
If you, your youth, or their parents/guardians have any questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.