Register now for New Beginnings, a weekend retreat for Junior High students in grades 6th, 7th or 8th. The spiritual retreat is scheduled for Oct. 16-18 at Camp All Saints. Cost is $80 per person. 

What is New Beginnings?

New Beginnings is a weekend retreat for Junior High students specially designed to help participants grow in their love of themselves, others and our Lord Jesus Christ by focusing on the two great commandments: loving God with all of our heart, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. The event is a unique experience designed specifically to respond to the needs and concerns of Junior High students. The retreat is sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas Youth Commission and led by a team of youth and adults from around the diocese

What happens at a New Beginnings weekend?

The program begins on Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. when participants arrive, and continues until Sunday afternoon, around 1:30 P.M.

There is a series of talks given by youth and adults, skits, songs and small group discussions and activities. These presentations focus on such subjects as self, friends, parents, siblings, school, God's love, prayer, the Church and "Who is Jesus?" In addition, there is time for fun, creating, and sharing. Participants not only learn and grow, but also have a wonderful time. Clergy are present to assist with spiritual direction.

Who is New Beginnings for?

New Beginnings is designed for Junior High students who are currently in grade 6, 7 & 8. A young person may attend New Beginnings, as a participant or a team member, as many times as he or she would like to. Adults serve as staff for the event. Any number of youth from one church may attend. Youth and adults do not have to be Episcopalians to attend a weekend.

Are parish sponsors needed for New Beginnings?

In addition to the adult leaders who serve on the staff for New Beginnings, we ask that churches bringing three or more youth send an adult to help chaperone the event. This helps bridge the connection between the experience at New Beginnings and the home parish. It also helps provide supervision and safety as we seek to maintain a ratio of one adult per ever five youth at an event. Contact Deacon Pam Dunbar or Luke Trahan with any questions or if this is a hardship for your church. Adult chaperones must be current on their Safeguarding God’s Children certification and complete both a Registration Form and Release of Liability Form.

Where is New Beginnings held?

New Beginnings is held at Camp All Saints, 418 Stanton Way, Pottsboro, TX, 75076.

What do participants need to bring to New Beginnings?

All participants, students and adults, need to bring: Registration Form, Release of Liability Form, a Bible, sleeping bag or twin size bedding, towel, toiletries, seasonal clothing including closed-toed shoes, and a refillable water bottle.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Both a Registration Form and a Release of Liability Form are needed for each student and adult participant.
• Please submit an estimated head count for your church by October 6.
• The cost for this event is $80.00 per person. Do not bring checks or money, your church will be invoiced.

SCHOLARSHIPS

It is the goal of the Diocese of Dallas Youth Commission that no young person misses an event because of financial reasons. We offer scholarship assistance for all of our programs. Ideally we ask the family to pay 1/3, the parish 1/3, and diocesan scholarship funds 1/3. If you have questions regarding scholarships or would like to request scholarship assistance, contact Deacon Pam Dunbar, , or Luke Trahan,