Youth Service and Outreach Projects
As part of our mission to be active in service, St. Columba’s sponsors several annual summer outreach projects for youth in middle or high school. Participants engage in various efforts to help others, and in the process they have the chance to learn about themselves and to deepen their faith. Participants often say that these projects are among the most meaningful of their young adult years and that even years later, their experiences on these service projects continue to help form them as people and as Christians.
Third-Saturday Youth Service
During the program year (September through May), we partner with local social service agencies to provide opportunities for youth to reach out and make a difference in our world. On the third Saturday of each month from 11 am to 1:30 pm, youth are encouraged to join in the work—and the fun—and parents are invited and encouraged to serve with their young person. For details, contact the Rev. Jason Cox. Dates for spring 2012 are: Feb. 18, March 17, April 21 and May 19.
Serving Our Neighbor (SON)
Serving Our Neighbor (SON) is a week of summer service for middle schoolers who are 13 years old by July 15. From Martha's Table to the Anacostia Watershed Society to So Others Might Eat (SOME), our middle schoolers spend the mornings doing service work in downtown Washington and lunchtime together discussing their experiences. Using public transportation and serving within their own local community, participants of SON learn how we are called as Christians to serve one another. SON usually takes place during the last week in July and registration is available in October.
Click here for photos from the 2011 SON outreach project.
St. Columba’s Appalachia Project (SCAP)
Since 1989, St. Columba’s has partnered with Heart and Hand Ministries in Barbour County, West Virginia, to work with families who need help repairing or rebuilding their homes. Every summer, approximately 30 of St. Columba’s young people and adult leaders travel to West Virginia to participate in this week of home repair, camp living and Christian community. The trip includes nightly opportunities for worship and reflection that help youth (and their college helpers and adult leaders) process the meaning and impact of their work. Registration is in October and monthly meetings begin in January.
Click here for photos from the 2011 SCAP outreach trip.
Senior High Mission Group
Many years, our rising 9th through 12th graders spend a week in the summer on a national mission trip. In recent years, the group has helped tackle home repair at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, built homes in Mexico through Habitat International and engaged in hurricane relief work in Galveston, Texas. Participants meet throughout the spring to plan and organize the trip. Registration is in October and meetings begin in February.
Click on the following links for more information:
Martha's Table
Anacostia Watershed Society
Service and Outreach
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Contact: The Rev. Jason Cox (youth@columba.org)
Top Photo: Wayne C. Fowler. SON: Mikey Funston.
