Youth

Programs for Youth

We are pleased to invite youth groups to join us for Youth @ General Synod 2011! The program will offer seven days of education, inspiration, challenge and friendship-building opportunities for senior high youth. Groups will arrive on Wednesday, volunteer in local organizations and agencies on Thursday and Friday and participate in General Synod worship, meetings and other activities through Tuesday night. Our program time will include an overview of General Synod, intentional reflection on the faith and justice aspects of our service projects and fun afterhours events each night.

Youth @ General Synod 2011 is open to high school youth groups (grades 9 – 12) with a minimum of two adults and two youth, with adult genders matching the gender of the youth. Groups may register as a local church, church cluster, and Association or Conference group.  Group leaders and their adult chaperones will be responsible for the supervision of their youth at all times. 

The cost of $480 for youth and $525 for adults includes: lodging; all meals on Thursday and Friday; daily breakfasts; service projects; youth programming; and General Synod events. General Synod registration is discounted for youth. Group can register for General Synod online. In addition, youth groups must complete the medical and covenant forms below. Youth group leaders should email Waltrina Middleton at middletonw@ucc.org or Gloria Otis at otisg@ucc.org for more information or with questions about Youth @ General Synod.

High school youth coming to General Synod with their parents, guardians, or youth groups that are not participating in the Youth @ General Synod program are invited and encouraged to choose from a variety of workshops held a General Synod on Saturday, as well as nightly after hours events for youth. Youth must be accompanied by an adult parent, a guardian or chaperone.

Youth@General Synod Invitation
Youth Covenant
Adult Covenant
Medical Release Form
Youth Group Registration Requirements
Safe Church Policy Concerning Abuse Prevention
Safe Church Self Disclosure Form

July 4th Celebrations & Virtual Scavenger Hunt

The Florida Aquarium, located at 701 Channelside Dr., is the site of Tampa's daylong FreedomFest. Live Music and Entertainment start in the afternoon, and end with a spectacular Fireworks Demonstration at 9 PM. More than 50,000 people turn out, but you can also view the fireworks from a variety of 'less crowded' spots nearby.

The Youth Virtual Scavenger Hunt will take place along the River Walk from the Tampa Convention Center to Channelside. Follow us on Twitter (TheUCCYouth) or friend us on Facebook (United Church of Christ Youth) to win prizes for your Youth Group, Monday, July 04, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. One prize per youth group (so find the clues along River Walk together)!

If you are attending General Synod as part of the Youth @ General Synod program, you will have the opportunity, as part of your registration, to sign up for and participate in a service project.  We ask that you select one service site per registrant.  Availabilty is limited.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Thursday, June 30 (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) and
Friday, July 01 (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Transporation to/from site and boxed lunch on-site will be provided.

Metropolitan Ministries Tampa
Thursday (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) and Friday (8:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Transportation to/from site and boxed lunch on-site will be provided.

Feeding America Tampa Bay
Thursday (8:30 am - 3:30 pm) and Friday (8:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Transportation to/from site and boxed lunch on-site will be provided.

Trinity Cafe of Tampa
Friday Only (10:30 am - 1:30 pm)
Transportation to/from site and lunch on-site will be provided.
- Health Department regulations prohibit flip-flops, sandals, or open toe shoes.
- Halter tops, tank tops and similar beach attire are not appropriate.
- The minimum age to volunteer is 16.

NOTE:  We cannot guarantee placement of a selected service project site.  However, every effort will be made to honor all requests.  Thank you for your understanding.

Gearing Up For Synod (How To Prepare)

Service Projects: June 30-July 01

• Dress comfortably for service projects. Lite jeans and light-colored t-shirts are recommended because of Tampa’s humidity and heat.
• Wear a hat or bandana and bring sunshades.
• Dress in weather appropriate layers. Weather may change throughout the day.
• Plan for rainwear and bring along sun screen and refillable water bottle.
• Wear closed toe shoes for safety and dress for safety.
• Team leaders, bring copies of medical forms in the event of an emergency.
• Bring your medications or any special needs gear to aid in your work.
• Stop and rest as needed. Your health and safety comes first!

Youth Programming: June 29-July 05

• Bring a notebook, journal or notepad and writing utencils.
• Casual and comfortable attire is acceptable, including shorts and t-shirts. But use good judgement when discerning appropriate wear.  
• We invite youth to sit on the floor for film screenings, break outs and afterhours activities. So bring along a special blanket or pillow.
• Technology is welcomed here and that includes your cell-phones, IPads, laptops, etc. when used respectfully and in the appropriate spaces.
• Use your cell phone to keep up-to-date with Flash Updates and to participate in the virtual scavenger hunt! Youth groups can win prizes if you are following us on Twitter (TheUCCYouth) or if friends on Facebook (United Church of Christ Youth). Sign up today!
• Technology can be used as a sacred tool of worship during plenary (Bible Applications; Hymns and Songs; etc.). Youth will be invited to text their prayers during worship!
• Afterhours activities are casual and fun learning experiences. Dress comfortably and come prepared to dance and exercise for Saturday’s Wii Game Nite; sit on the floor to watch movies for Friday’s Wiz Nite and showcase your talent at the Youth Open Mic Café Sunday night.
• Bring change for the trolley. Youth Discounts and cool sightseeing.
• Bring your smart phones and cameras to document your experience.
• Share your videos, pics and written blogs with youth@ucc.org.
• Bring your positive energy, team spirit and open heart and mind.

Highlights from GS 27