West Pres Youth

GREATEST CAMP EVER REGISTRATION OPENS!

2012-01-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Greatest Camp Ever Part Eleven registration has begun! This is an extremely high energy camping program that runs every July with our Presbytery and is literally loved by every student who has ever attended! Camp is July 22-27th at Suttle Lake Camp in Sisters, Oregon. Join us for a week of Milli Vanilli, Wacky Video, Undignified Worship, Great Session Speakers, Wild Campfires, Foursquare, Boating, Swimming, Flippin the Wax, Cardio Activities, Gourmet Food, and many many many more GCE traditions!!! This is a lifetime of memories made in one week at camp!

Cost is $350 if you register by May 5th (FYI, camp sells out by early deadline every year)
Partial scholarships are available through Westminster and the Presbytery on a need-basis. Contact Vik for financial assistance. We want you to go to camp!

CLICK THE LINK TO THE RIGHT UNDER "YOUTH LINKS" TO REGISTER.

High School Lock-In

2012-01-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

The high school lock-in will be February 3-4, 2011.
We will be headed to Portland for a night at Sky High Trampolines, dinner at Pepinos Burritos, Dessert at Palio coffeehouse, and a scavenger hunt on Hawthorne Blvd!
Cost is $15 (covers sky high, dessert, and transportation). In addition, students should bring Money for dinner at Pepinos ($5-8)

Students must register to attend. Registration coming soon via email, blog, and facebook.

MISSION TRIP APPLICATIONS DUE

2011-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that CAMP ATTITUDE mission trip applications with $50 deposit are due Jan 8th at 5 PM. You don't want to miss this amazing trip and life-changing opportunity!

CHRISTMAS YOUTH GROUP THIS SUNDAY!

2011-12-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

The youth room looks AMAZING. Christmas Jeopardy is coming together...and the food....the food is unbelievable! Santa Hat Crazy Chex Mix, Peppermint Pretzel Bites, Cheesy Garlic Sticks, Sour Watermelons, Fun Size Candy Bars, Tim Tams Cookies, and Butter Beer (like Harry Potter) :) .......Don't miss it. Santa will be here with PRESENTS FOR ALL! This Sunday the 18th from 11 AM-1 PM in the youth room!

We Made The News!

2011-12-07T10:56:00.001-08:00

See what one of our volunteers, Dick Hughes, has to say about our awesome youth group! CLICK HERE

BRUNCH THIS SUNDAY!

2011-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Our first fundraiser is this Sunday! Our 3 fundraisers this year are a vital part of supporting the youth program at Westminster!
There is no regular youth group this week, the brunch takes the place of weekly program and all youth should plan to attend and help serve.

Mid-Highs work 8:30-10:30 AM
High Schoolers work 10:30 AM -12:30 PM

If you signed up to bring something and can't remember what it is--the sign up list is on the right of this page.

Thank you for supporting Westminster Youth!

3rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS YOUTH GROUP IS COMING!!!

2011-11-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

When: Dec 18th
Time: 11 AM- 1 PM
Who: All ages 6th grade-12th grade
Where: Youth Room!
Why and How? To celebrate Christmas! We will be learning about the origin of the 12 days of Christmas, playing Christmas jeopardy 3.0, eating amazing and delicious christmas treats and cheesy bread, there will be presents for all (yes, all), and SANTA will be here! I heard a rumor that Santa got a brand new sleigh!

You don't want to miss this annual tradition for Westminster Youth!

Mid-November Update

2011-11-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Parents and Youth! Here are the 4 most important things you need to know!

1. MISSION TRIP APPLICATIONS have been given out. They are due by Dec. 31st with a $50 deposit (it will be credited to your students account). The full cost of the trip to your family is $250. This will cover your students entire week at Camp Attitude, Van Rental, Transportation costs, Lodging on the road trip, 2 team tshirts, and food. What a deal! It will be a life changing experience!

2. MID HIGH WINTER LOCK IN Registration has been sent out. Cost is $5 and registration and payment is due to Vik by Dec. 11th. Your students don't want to miss this!

3. YOUTH WINTER BRUNCH FUNDRAISER is Dec. 11th from 9-Noon. All youth are expected to attend and serve. All proceeds benefit the youth mission trip, CITY CAMP, and the youth program. Mid high serve 8:30-10:30 AM, High School serves 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. We need just a few more items (baked goods). If you are able to donate something, please click the link to the right and sign up :) !

4. CPYA high school retreat is this weekend! The van meets at 5:45 on FRIDAY in the Westminster parking lot. Students should bring warm clothes, sleeping bag, and money for a Shari's run and coffee on campus. Leave those cell phones and electronics at home :) We'll be home around Noon on Sunday.

2012 High School Mission Trip!

2011-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

CAMP ATTITUDE 2012 Mission Trip Applications coming soon. Application deadline, Dec. 31st. Total cost of the trip will be less than $250. Mission trip is August 5-12, 2012. Mark your calendars and apply soon!

Winter Youth Brunch Dec. 11th!

2011-10-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Our first fundraiser of the year will be December 11th from 9 AM-Noon. All youth should plan to attend and serve this event. We will be serving breakfast casseroles, pastries, fruit, juice, coffee, and more to the congregation. All proceeds will benefit the youth program, the 2012 Mission Trip to Camp Attitude, and City Camp 2012.

An email will go out shortly to the parents requesting donations for the meal. We greatly appreciate all donations you make and support you give to the youth program at Westminster! We could not do this without you! Thank you for serving Westminster Youth!

David Crowder Band High School Concert Trip

2011-10-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

The High School youth group is going to see the David Crowder Band on Tuesday, October 11th. If you reserved a ticket for the show with Vik, you are lucky, because it is sold out! It's going to be an awesome time with great music and fun!

We are leaving Westminster at 4 PM on Tuesday the 11th.
Bring $5-10 for dinner and snacks.
We are planning to be home by midnight.

FALL RETREATS ARE COMING!

2011-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for Middle School Mania and CPYA registrations coming to your home soon! They will also be available on the youth bulletin board at church. Mark your calendars!

Mid High Mania-Oct. 14-16, $87
CPYA-Nov. 18-20, $85

*Partial scholarships available.

Youth Mission Thank You Dinner

2011-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sept. 11th is our annual youth mission thank you dinner!
All youth who attended CITY CAMP or the Nashville Mission Trip are expected to attend and serve. There are opportunities for students to speak and provide musical entertainment as well--contact Vik if you are interested.

Students should plan to arrive at 5 PM and dress nice (no jeans).
Dinner is served from 5:30-7 and students should be free to go home by 7:30.

Come hear about all the awesome ways our students served this summer!
Also--if you would like to provide a tray of brownies for dessert, please contact Vik asap. westpresvik@hotmail.com

NASHVILLE on SUNDAY!!!

2011-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our high school youth mission team is headed off to Nashville on Sunday to rebuild homes that were destroyed in the 2010 flash floods in Tennessee. We are looking forward to a week of life changing adventures and unbearable humidity! Say a prayer for us as we will be working in 90 degree temps! Thank you all for an awesome commissioning last Sunday! Van leaves church at 9 AM on Sunday! Please be in prayer for the following members our team this next week:

Rachel Hook
Hayley Wargnier
Elena Goodenberger
Emily Burney
Wyatt Bray
Colby Lindsey
Rie Tanabe
Deza Byro
Mahealani Schreindorfer
Sean Duffy
Vik Schaaf
Jay Lugenbill

Greatest Camp Ever Sunday!

2011-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello High School Campers and Parents,

I am so very excited for my favorite event of the entire year-THE GREATEST CAMP EVER--and I am so excited that your students will be joining us for an awesome and life changing week at camp! Here is what you need to know:

1. The church van will be leaving from Westminster at 1 PM THIS Sunday. Students should bring $10 cash for the round trip ride to cover the cost of gas. Our Associate Pastor, Adam Grosch will be driving the van over to camp on Sunday, and two of our Parents-Chris and Ted Speak-Burney will be picking the youth up from Camp on Friday at Noon. The van should be back in Salem between 2 and 3 PM on Sunday (depending on if it stops at the Cheese Factory or not on the way home).

2. Students should plan to bring a group snack to share with the entire camp. There were details about this in the camp letter home, but if you have lost it or forgot it, just pick up a bag or two of chips :)

3. There is a big dinner at the end of the week that mashes together two very different things into one theme. This year's theme is Harry Potter Luau. Basically this means that students should try to bring an outfit that makes them look both Harry Potter-ish and Hawaiian. I'm going to leave the interpretation up to them :)

4. The Greatest Camp Ever has a very strict policy when it comes to the use of cell phones and ipods This is because of the unique community we try to build amongst the campers. Electronics of any kind are not allowed in camp. We have also had some theft in recent years with students bringing phones/ipods/computers to camp. It's just not a good idea. Please have your students leave their cell phones and ipods at home. Every leader in camp will have access to phones if there is an emergency.

5. Please pray for our seven students and leaders who will be at camp this week:
Rachel Hook
Elena Goodenberger
Emily Burney
Karina Gonzalez
Wyatt Bray
Leah Adams
Vik Schaaf

MISSION TEAM LOCK-IN FRIDAY!

2011-07-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Our Mission Team-Building Lock-In is this Friday-Saturday. We have hired Scott Crane from Menucha Retreat Center to lead us in Team-Building Initiatives on Friday night. We will start these promptly at 6 PM, so I would suggest students plan to arrive no later than 5:45 on Friday. We will spend time Friday night preparing ourselves for the trip, putting together a community covenant, and bonding as a team. On Saturday morning we will be headed over to a Habitat for Humanity site to work from 8-noon on a house for a family in need. Every student and volunteer (regardless of age) will need to bring a filled out and signed copy of the Habitat for Humanity Release Form which can be printed HERE: http://salemhabitat.org/images/Youth_Volunteer_Waiver.pdf

Any parents who would like to work with us on the Habitat day are more than welcome to join us! We will be building on Samaritan Lane SE in South Salem.

CITY CAMP SUNDAY!

2011-06-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

CITY CAMP starts Sunday at 9 AM sharp. Don't forget your sleeping pad or your snack to share with the group! We are looking forward to an awesome week of service in Salem and Portland!

We have T-shirts and lots of props built for camp!

Kicking Off CITY CAMP Early

2011-06-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

The youth kicked off CITY CAMP a week and a half early this year--cooking and delivering a meal to members of the congregation. We had a great time putting together chili, cornbread, cookies, cards, and wrapping it all up for 4 members of the congregation. Judging by the cards we got back this week thanking us, I think the congregation appreciated the hard work of our kids!

"Youth Sunday"

2011-06-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

June 12th is a HUGE day for the Youth Program at Westminster! Both services on the morning of the 12th will be featuring and celebrating the Youth Program at Westminster! The music, music performances (youth orchestra and youth choir), the sermon, and special elements of the service will be all about our Youth Program! This is an opportunity for the youth to be featured to the congregation and for the congregation to see how dynamic our program is! As we look forward to a new school year in the Fall, the staff at Westminster is very focused on getting the congregation involved in mentoring our students and becoming regular volunteers in the Youth Program on Sundays. For these reasons, we would like to have as many youth and families in the service as possible. Please plan to join us for the 9:45 AM contemporary service on June 12th. We will also be recognizing and congratulating our 10 high school graduates in this service. See you the 12th!

CITY CAMP PARENTS MEETING

2011-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

There will be a CITY CAMP parent's meeting from 1-2 PM in Russell Hall on June 5th!

If you have a student attending camp, please plan to be at this meeting. We will be giving you schedules, last minute paperwork, and letting you know what we need from you to make camp even more awesome than the youth remember it being last year!

See you June 5th at 1 PM in Russell Hall!

FUN-draisers THIS SUNDAY!

2011-05-09T16:28:00.003-07:00

This coming Sunday is our biggest (and LAST) fundraising day of the year! We have both the Geranium Sale and the BBQ Lunch fundraisers happening! We need as many youth as possible to come out for these events to make them streamline and a success! This is an awesome opportunity for the youth to be in front of the congregation and for the congregation to be informed on all the awesome mission and service projects we are doing this summer! All proceeds from these events help to provide the built-in subsidies our youth receive for participating in CITY CAMP and the Mission Trip. Here is the schedule for Sunday:

8:30 am-12:30 pm-Nashville Juniors/Seniors run the Geraniums Sale
10:30-1:30 pm-CITY CAMP-ers and Freshmen Nashville Team serve the BBQ Lunch

Please drop off all food and items by 10:30 AM!

See you Sunday!

SPRING EXPLOSION THIS WEEKEND

2011-04-26T16:50:00.001-07:00

15 Youth and Leaders will be headed off to Spring Explosion Mid-High Retreat this weekend up in the Gorge. Please pray for safe travel and the spiritual development of our awesome students who are going!

Chrysta Friday
Meredith Todd
Abby Hudson
Mikaila SanFelipe
Alison Gardner
Adele Underwood
Sophie Velasco
Cooper Dorn
Jonathan Hall
Wyland Morales
Colin McLean
Braden Gardner
Adam Grosch (Leader)
Vik Schaaf (Leader)
Cody Larkin (Leader)

NASHVILLE BBQ LUNCH & GERANIUM SALES

2011-04-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

Our last two fundraisers of the year are coming up! Here is what you need to know:

May 8th: Geraniums Sales-Nashville Mission Team will sell 9-Noon

May 15th: Geranium Sales-Nashville 11-12th Graders will sell 9-Noon

May 15th: Nashville Themed BBQ Lunch. Freshmen and Mid-Highs will work. 10:30-1:30

To sign up to provide an item for the Lunch, click HERE, scroll down, click "edit this page", sign up for an item, click "save" in the top right.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WESTMINSTER YOUTH MISSION PROJECTS!!!

NASHVILLE SERIES

2011-03-21T14:27:00.001-07:00

Sunday begins our High School Series on Nashville. We will be talking about what happened in Nashville, What our response is as Christians, What we will be doing in Nashville in August, and we will be learning about the culture of the city. It is going to be a mind-opening experience! If you are going on the trip, you are expected to attend. Don't miss it!

Freshmen 3:30-5
Seniors 5-7

8th Grade Small Group

2011-03-16T11:58:00.001-07:00

Each Spring, in order to begin transitioning the 8th grade class out of the mid-high youth group and into the high school youth group, we have an 8th grade small group that meets for 7 mid-week small group sessions. All current 8th grade students are invited to meet with us every Wednesday afternoon from April 6th-May 18th. We will meet from 3:30-4:30 at the Starbucks on Commercial across from Fred Meyer. Our study for April and May will focus on the person of Jesus. Each week we will look at a different role He played throughout the New Testament including his role as a teacher, a servant, a shepherd, and a healer. Students should plan to bring their Bibles to these sessions. We will have Bibles available if your student does not own one. Please send your student with a few dollars for a drink or treat as well.

I hope your student will join us for this small group! In the past it has been a very positive experience and an opportunity for the incoming freshmen class to bond together as they get to know each other better. In the Fall, the current 8th graders will join the high school youth group which will be meeting Sundays at 5 PM starting September 18th.

SPRING EXPLOSION MID HIGH RETREAT

2011-03-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

A weekend away with the youth group in the Gorge. April 29-May 1. Learn about God and how the distractions in your life keep you from him (the theme is SQUIRREL--think the movie UP), play night games, sing songs loud and obnoxiously, eat amazing food, win prizes, do crafts, activities, live entertainment, and much more! Cost is $70. Partial scholarships available on a need-basis. Registration available on the youth bulletin board at church OR on the right side of this page-- Print, fill out, and turn in to Vik by April 24th--No late registration is available, so please register asap. If you are a new student to the youth program, you will also need the Emergency Release Form (available on the right side of this page).

SPRING/SUMMER 2011 Retreats and Camps!!!

2011-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of Mid-High & High School Retreats and Camps Coming Up This Spring/Summer!

*Counselor In Training/Confirmation Camp Weekend. April 1-3. $100. Register online www.campcascades.org by March 15th. This even is for 8th-12th graders. Sign up for either Counselor-In-Training or Confirmation Camp.

*SPRING EXPLOSION April 29-May 1. $70. Register by April 24th. Make checks payable to Lake Grove Presbyterian Church. This event is for Mid-High.

*CITY CAMP 2011 June 26-30. $80. Register through Vik by March 6th. Only 24 more spots! This event is for Mid-High.

*The Greatest Camp Ever Part Ten. July 17-22. $325 before May 5th for Early-Bird registration fee. This event is HIGHLY recommended for 9-12th graders.

*Partial scholarships available for all camps on a need-basis. Contact Vik for financial assistance as it is limited.

11/12 Lock-In & Trampoline Trip

2011-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

The 11/12 Lock-In is Feb 25-26th. Youth should plan to arrive at Westminster by 5:30 PM on Friday the 25th. Pick up will be at Noon on the 26th. Students should bring $10 for the SKY HIGH JUMP Studio and $5-8 for dinner. All students need the Sky High waiver found HERE. Friends are invited, but need waivers and an emergency release form as well as $$ for the events. Just imagine, a giant gym, filled with floor to ceiling trampolines....

It's going to be an awesome evening!

CITY CAMP Registration

2011-01-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Registration has begun for CITY CAMP 2011! There were once 48 spots available and there are now 44. Camp is going to sell out fast so look for the LIME GREEN registration pack that was sent to your house. Additional packs can be picked up from the youth bulletin board at church. There will be NO ONLINE registration available to print, so please use the one that was sent to you or pick one up.

We are busy choosing our resource and counselor staff and are getting excited for a great week of camp! You don't want to miss this awesome opportunity to learn and grow in your faith with your friends and leaders!

CITY CAMP UPDATE

2011-01-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

CITY CAMP registrations will be going out in the mail this week! There will be 48 total student spots available. 8 Youth Programs in our Presbytery will be involved with camp this year! You do not want to miss out on an awesome week of serving our community, bonding with each other, and learning more about what it means to be a Christian who lives out their faith! The theme for this year's camp is "Guide My Sole". Spots will fill fast! Save your spot asap!

9/10 Lock In & Mystery Trip

2010-12-29T11:00:00.001-08:00

The 9/10 youth group lock-in is fast approaching! We are going to go on a mystery trip in the van. It will be an evening of activities, amazing food, adventure, night games, movies, hanging out, and more. Why wouldn't you want to crash at the church?

Cost is $15. Registration forms are in the mail and available on the bulletin board at church. It is going to be an awesome night you do not want to miss!

NASHVILLE UPDATE

2010-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

We have airfare! We will be flying Delta Airlines out of Portland on July 31st. There are 13 students and leaders on the mission team this year. We have 2 open spots currently. One is being reserved for a student, and the other we will fill if we can afford to send another leader as we get closer to the time of departure. We also have a potential leader already on the ground in Nashville. Our 2011 mission team will be joined by a contractor on site in Nashville who will instruct us our on deconstruction projects.

The 2011 Mission Team is:

Colby Lindsey
Colton Gardner
Wyatt Bray
Rachel Hook
Emily Burney
Hayley Wargnier
Elena Goodenberger
Rie Tanabe
Deza Byro
Mahealani Schreindorfer
Sean Duffy
Vik Schaaf (Leader)
Jay Lugenbill (Leader)

The mission team will be housed at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Downtown Nashville. Our projects will be in the areas of Nashville most devastated by the 2010 Flash Floods. It's going to be an awesome week.

Youth 2nd deposits of $250 are due March 31st by 5 PM.

2nd Annual Christmas Youth Group!

2010-12-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

Join us for a day of random presents. It's happening again! I have hilarious and random gifts for all of you and all your friends! Don't believe me, bring a friend and watch me give them the most hilarious gift of their entire life! This is for all youth! 6-12 grade! We'll have caramel apples, snacks, christmas games, a 12 days of christmas lesson, and Vik's famous gift bag!

See you Sunday 11-12:30 in the Youth Room.

CPYA HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

2010-11-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

November 19-21 our High School students will be attending their Fall retreat at MacLeay Retreat Center outside Salem. Along with 150 other students from our Presbytery we will be playing games, learning, singing, attending seminars, and bonding. This years theme is Micah 6:8 Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. Please be in prayer for our 15 students and leaders attending this event:

Taylor Todd
Leah Adams
Alicia Andersen
Emily Burney
Rachel Hook
Elena Goodenberger
Hayley Wargnier
Katie Hammitt
Colby Lindsey
Colton Gardner
Wyatt Bray
Cody Larkin
Ariana Recher
Adam Grosch
Vik Schaaf

NASHVILLE MISSION TRIP

2010-11-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

It is with great joy that we announce our 2011 High School Mission Trip to
NASHVILLE! The dates for the trip are July 31-August 6, 2011. The youth will be helping to deconstruct homes damaged by the 2010 Spring floods. Your do not want to miss this trip! Total cost to students for the trip will be $550. Each student's trip will be subsidized about $250 through fundraising this year (total cost of the trip is about $800/student). Applications have arrived at student homes and are due to Vik by November 30 with a $100 deposit.

Freshmen/Sophomore Halloween Party

2010-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Freshmen/Sophomore Halloween party at Rachel's House. We need 20 high schoolers to attend! No more, no less. So invite your frenz. We are going to hang out, watch a movie, eat food, play some games, mostly just be awesome. Oh and probably go on adventures in the church van.

Everyone needs an Emergency Info Form. Bring it with you. Print one off on the right side of this page.

Saturday October 30th. 5 PM- 10 PM

FLAMINGO SALE SUNDAY!

2010-10-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

The youth will be selling flamingos on Sunday to the congregation! Come out and support youth missions at Westminster!

Flamingo a friend: $20
Insure yourself: $30
Guaranteed Flamingo: $100

Sale goes from 8 AM- 12:30 PM!

Any and all students are invited and welcome to help sell our awesome product!

KICK OFF FRIDAY!

2010-09-21T13:40:00.001-07:00

Help us kick off fall at Westminster Youth this Friday! Join us in Boulder Hall from 5:30-9 for games around the property, night games, nachos, a movie, prizes, and more! Bring the most friends and win a sweet prize!

See you all Friday!

MID HIGH MANIA!!!

2010-09-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

MID HIGH MANIA! The fall Mid-High Annual Retreat is October 22-24 @ Camp Canyonview. Why should you go? It's a weekend full of games, great food, music, fellowship, fun, learning, small groups, night games, a hoedown, and much much more! The theme for this year’s retreat is SANCTUARY. There are a number of ways to register

1. On the right side of this page is a registration link. Go, register, pay online.
2. You can fill out the registration form you got in the mail and return to Vik by Oct. 5th.

Cost is $80. Scholarships are available from the Presbytery and from Westminster on a need-basis. Let Vik know if you need one.

See you all for MANIA!

YOUTH GROUP TIMES CHANGING

2010-08-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Youth group times are changing for the Fall!

SUNDAYS
Mid-High 6th-8th----- 11 AM-12:30 PM (no lunch)
9th/10th grade------- 3:30-5:30 PM
11th/12th grade------ 5-7 PM
High School dinner is served 5-5:30

YOUTH GROUP STARTS SEPTEMBER 19th!!!

CITY CAMP AND NEW ORLEANS BOTH BIG WINS!

2010-08-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Mission Trip to New Orleans was very successful! We helped in stage 8 of a house (pre-tile, pre-insulation, pre-fixtures, and interior and exterior paint). We also got to work on stage 12 of a house (pre-inspection, final touches). It was a very HOT week (112 degree heat index) and a very adventurous week...I am quite positive we drove that rental van over every inch of the city. Cultured and exhausted we arrived home. New Orleans will definitely be a future destination for the Westminster Youth Program. Thank you to everyone who made it a success! CITY CAMP was also a huge success for the youth program! 21 students came together to volunteer in Salem and Portland for a week in July. If you see a mid-high, ask them about it! It was too fun to explain in a blog!

The 2010 New Orleans Mission team is invited to Vik's house on Friday, August 20th @ 6:30 PM for dinner and movies of our trip.

Don't forget to come to the Youth Missions Thank You Dinner for New Orleans and CITY CAMP on Sept. 12th @ 5:30 PM. Students should arrive at 5 PM.

Congrats to all CITY CAMP and NEW ORLEANS participants!!!

NEW ORLEANS ON SUNDAY!

2010-07-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, August 1st the High School Youth will depart for our 2010 Mission Trip to New Orleans. We will be spending a week rebuilding a home for a family in need and learning about the culture and life in New Orleans. We are looking forward to this life changing week in the gulf! Please be in prayer for our students and leaders who are attending this trip:
Taylor Todd, Jay Lugenbill, Grace Lugenbill, Rie Tanabe, Rachel Racke, Kyra Stillman, Lila Neahring, Sean Duffy, Mitch Meabe, Vik Schaaf, Mahealani Schreindorfer, & Deza Byro.

CITY CAMP DETAILS

2010-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you are coming to City Camp, this is what you need to know:

1. Each student needs to have the appropriate paperwork filled out. When you check in on Sunday the 11th, please make sure you have all paperwork filled out.

2. Please do not drop your student off before 11 AM on Sunday the 11th. Leaders will be meeting and setting up for 9-11 preparing for camp and we won't be ready for you if you arrive early.

3. Attached you will find a packing list.

4. Please do not send your student with their cell phone or ipod. These items dramatically break down the community of the camp. All 6 leaders will carry cell phones and we have phones at the church for emergencies.

5. Each student needs to bring a healthy snack to share with the group. Group snacks are collected and distributed throughout the week. When we run out, we're out, so make sure your student brings something so we have enough for the whole week! Some suggestions for snack are chex mix, ritz crackers, cheese slices, cheese sticks, trail mix, grapes, dried fruit, oranges, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. Just think less sugar=more fun.

6. If your student is taking medications during the week, please be prepared to drop that off during check-in with leaders.

7. If you signed up to provide a meal for camp and you need to be reminded of what day you signed up and where your should plan to bring that meal, CLICK HERE

Thank you all for allowing your students to participate and be a part of the first CITY CAMP in Salem! It is going to be an awesome week full of life-changing experiences for these middle schoolers!!!

SUMMER DATES TO REMEMBER

2010-06-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

June 17-18: END OF THE YEAR CAMPOUT!

June 21-25: VBS

June 23: Neighborhood BBQ and Mad Science

June 20-25: SUTTLE LAKE MID HIGH CAMP

June 27 NOON: CITY CAMP PARENTS MEETING

July 11-15: CITY CAMP

july 18-23: HIGH SCHOOL CAMP "GREATEST CAMP EVER PART NINE" @ Camp Magruder

July 25, 11 AM: NEW ORLEANS PARENTS MEETING

August 1-7: New Orleans Mission Trip

August 8-13: M.A.D. Camp @ Magruder

September 12th: YOUTH MISSION RE-CAP DINNER (This is a dinner for the congregation to thank them for their support this year and share our experiences in New Orleans and during CITY CAMP).

BANNING BANDZ

2010-05-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Schools across the country are banning Bandz. What are Bandz? They are those little rubber bracelets that sell in any color of the rainbow for $5 in a pack of 24 or so. Schools are banning them for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they are a distraction. These bracelets were HUGE when I was in middle school. We had different ways of tying them together and making patterns up and down our arms with them. This trend is coming back. To learn more about it's negative impact on schools click here.

Summer Brunch and Last Day of School Campout

2010-05-17T11:50:00.001-07:00

We will be having our final fundraiser of the year on June 13th from 9-11 AM. Students will sign up to work a shift between 8:30 and 11:30 AM.

We will also be having an awesome CAMP OUT the same week to celebrate school ending! June 17th-18th at the Hammitt's property. Join us for a night of bonfires, games, night games, food, songs, and sleeping under the stars! The party will start at 6 PM and end at 10 AM. More info to come.

HELP US WIN $25,000

2010-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

VOTE FOR OUR YOUTH GROUP VIDEO ON http://www.ymilive.org starting MAY 1ST. VOTING GOES FROM MAY 1ST-JUNE 7TH. THE TOP 10 VIDEOS WITH THE MOST VOTES HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF TWO $25,000 ENDOWMENTS FOR THEIR YOUTH PROGRAM.

HOW DO YOU VOTE?
1. GO TO http://www.ymilive.org
2. CLICK REGISTER
3. CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION IN YOUR EMAIL INBOX
4. CLICK LOGIN
5. VOTE FOR "DAN AND JEFF'S ROAD TO REDEMPTION" BY WESTERMINSTER UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

GET OUT THE VOTE! TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK, EMAIL, AND FACE TO FACE!

2010-04-04T13:40:00.001-07:00

Spring Explosion is April 30th-May 2nd. It is a Mid-High retreat with 15 churches in Oregon and Washington!

We hope you can join us for a weekend of worship, crazy games, great food, and we might even kiss a moose! Register a friend!

The theme is OPERATION: We Are The Body

When? April 30-May 2
Where? Corbett, OR
Cost? $68.50/student

*partial scholarships are available through
Westminster. Contact Vik if you need one.

EASTER BRUNCH

2010-03-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Our second Youth Brunch is scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 4th, From 9 am– Noon. Youth and all food donations need to be at church by 8 am on Sunday. Youth will be participating in all forms at the brunch including serving drinks, cleaning tables, working in the kitchen, doing dishes, and collecting donations. This is a fundraiser for the Youth Program, City Camp, and the Mission Trip to New Orleans. All Mission Trip participants are expected to attend.

Youth Fundraiser

2010-03-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Youth are serving cake and food at Marion Minty's 90th Birthday Party!

When: Sunday, March 28th, 2-4 PM
Where: Westminster Prez
Why: To raise money for the Youth Program and the Mission Trips

Schedule for Sunday the 28th:

11-1 PM Sunday School and Youth Group
1-2 PM Games
2-4 PM Serve at Birthday
4-7 PM High School Youth

Annual Daffodil Trip

2010-03-09T13:02:00.001-08:00

The Youth are invited to deliver Daffodils to Southern Hills Care Center during the 9:45 service this Sunday, March 14th. If your student wants to come with us, be sure they are at church by 9:40 on Sunday morning.

Annual Daffodil Trip

2010-03-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

New Building Dedication Day!

2010-02-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday March 7th is the new building dedication day. All youth and their families are invited to join us to celebrate this new space! There will be one service on the 7th which starts at 9:45. A light meal will follow.

No Sunday School or Youth Group for Mid-Highs this day.

I hope to see you all there!

Peace,
Vik

YOUTH BRUNCH THIS SUNDAY

2010-02-18T09:51:00.001-08:00

Sunday from 9-Noon is our first youth brunch. Students need to arrive at church by 8:30 AM Sunday morning. The brunch is Mardi Gras themed and we'll be fundraising for the youth program and for our 2010 Mission Trip to New Orleans. Come out and support your youth!

Westminster Youth Care

2010-02-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Starting this spring the Youth will be joining the Adopt-A-Street program. We have adopted a mile stretch of Sunnyside Road from Commerical to Baxter. We will be cleaning the street during mid-high youth group three times this year, plus once during CITY CAMP. High School students are invited to help with the clean-up.

Also, this last weekend the youth raised $387 for Haiti Relief through the 30 Hour Famine. Great job everyone! Keep raising money to feed hungry kids!

CITY CAMP & 30 HOUR FAMINE

2010-01-26T09:41:00.001-08:00

City Camp registration is now available! Camp is July 11-15 and cost is $70 for a week of jam-packed fun!

The 30 Hour Famine Lock-ins have been scheduled as well.
Mid-High: February 19 @ 5:30 PM-February 20th @ 9:30 AM

High School: February 26th @ 5:30-February 27th @ 5 PM

Students need to register for both events and have an emergency release policy on file to attend.

CITY CAMP & 30 HOUR FAMINE

2010-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

City Camp registration is now available! Camp is July 11-15 and cost is $70 for a week of jam-packed fun!

Mid High Ice Skate Video

2010-01-18T22:48:00.001-08:00

WINTER KICK-OFF PARTY!

2009-12-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Come to the All Youth Winter Kick-Off Party! We'll be having a HUGE banana splits bar and playing crazy games around the church!!! Bring a friend....BRING TWO FRIENDS!

When: Friday, JANUARY 8th from 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: WESTMINSTER PREZ

See you there!!!

MISSION TRIP APPLICATIONS

2009-12-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

New Orleans Mission Trip applications will be available online January 1st and will be sent out to high school students the first week of January. Applications will be due the first week of February with a $100 deposit. We will be spending a week in New Orleans with Presbyterian Disaster Assitance working to rebuild a home. We will also be spending time in the city where we will have time to explore the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, French Cemeteries, Local Cajun Restaurants and Cafes, and ride the famous Steamboat Natchez down the Mississippi River where we will learn all about what happened before and after Hurricane Katrina in this historical American city. We hope you will join us for this life-changing trip!

Note: This trip is open to students ages 16-19. Age requirements do not allow us to travel with students younger than age 16. Alternate volunteer opportunities will be available this summer for students grades 6-9.

CPYA Pictures

2009-11-30T14:13:00.001-08:00

We had a great time at CPYA with 7 students and 3 leaders. Here are some of the pictures from our weekend at MacLeay Retreat Center

Teen Depression Cause By Not Enough Sleep

2009-11-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

I think we all can agree that when we do not get enough sleep at night, our mood is greatly impacted. A new study by researchers at UC Berkley suggests that when teenagers do not get the recommended nine hours of sleep per night (yes, even on weekends), depression is more likely to occur. Today's students are spending their afternoons and evenings in sports practices, games, doing chores, hours upon hours of homework, and social networking. Student's have never been this busy and it's no wonder it takes them extra hours to unwind before falling asleep. In the past, the general view was that sleep disturbances were a by-product of depression. Now research is pointing to a lack of sleep as a cause of depression. To read more of this study, click here.

Mid-High Winter Lock-In Scheduled

2009-11-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

OUR FIRST Mid-High Winter Lock-In has been scheduled! We will be doing an assortment of Christmas related activities including caroling, baking cookies for shut-ins, a photo scavenger hunt, night games, a movie, great food, and much more! The event is FREE, but you MUST REGISTER. Pick up a registration form from the youth bulletin board or keep an eye out for a registration form in your December Newsletter.

When: December 19th @ 3pm -- December 20th after the Pageant

Who: 6-8th graders. FRIENDS ARE INVITED (but they have to register too)!

Cost: FREE, but you need to register with Vik!

Destination 2010: New Orleans

2009-11-09T22:28:00.001-08:00

Next August, the 16 and up senior high youth will be going to New Orleans for our annual mission trip. We will be working on one stage of rebuilding a house for a family who has been waiting to return home nearly 5 years. Much has happened in the city since the hurricanes in 2005, many of the residents are still without their homes or a place to call home. This can be a tragic situation, especially for young people who have grown up in the wake of the storm. There is much to learn about life and social systems from visiting a city like New Orleans. Even before the storm, the city had quite possibly one of the most corrupt government systems and police forces in the nation. The city also had and continues to have a failing education system. Many young people feel trapped in the system with no way out. The lack of a home to go home to at the end of the day does not lighten this burden. To read about a young boy turned teen who has experienced the roller coaster known as rebuilding, click here

Kids On Social Networks Too Soon?

2009-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Social networks and kids: How young is too young?
A new study article released from CNN this morning discusses the topic many parents are dealing with today with their youth. Is my kid too young for facebook? twitter? myspace? Will my child be safe or make responsible decisions as a result of participating in social networking. To read this article, click here

Mid High Mania Photos

2009-10-25T21:58:00.001-07:00

We had an AWESOME weekend at camp! Check out the pictures below to see what we were up to!

Mid High Mania This Weekend

2009-10-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Adam and I will be taking 17 middle school students from Westminster's Youth Program to Mid-High Mania this weekend!!! Please keep the following students in your thoughts and prayers this weekend:

Ed, Braden, Colton, Warren, Colin, Emily B., Rachel, Chrysta, Elena, Sophie, Meredith, Gen, Alison, Alyna, Samantha, Sydney, and Hayley.

Sept/Oct Pictures

2009-10-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Trick-Or-Treat For Canned Goods

2009-10-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

On Halloween (Oct. 31st), the youth group will be meeting at the church to go Trick-Or-Treating for Canned Goods for the Hungry! This is an excellent opportunity for your students to help out people in the Salem community!

Meet at the church at 5:30. Bring a pillowcase for candy!
Pick up will be at 6:30.

CPYA Is Coming!!!

2009-10-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Cascades Presbytery Youth Assembly is an annual High School Fall Retreat we will be attending November 20-22 and registration is now being accepted! On this weekend we will join together with youth from all over Oregon and Washington for a weekend of great music, games, speakers, food, and fellowship! The event is local this year and will be held at the Macleay Retreat Center in Salem. Registration forms were sent to your home in the mail, but more are available on the youth bulletin board at the church if you need a replacement. Cost for this event is $75 if you register with Vik by Oct. 31st. Registrations after the 31st will be $100. Scholarships are available upon request. Don't miss out on this awesome weekend!

The Duel: Katelyn VS. Sean

2009-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

This is what happened when we played games at high school youth tonight.

Youth Group Happenings

2009-09-20T22:07:00.001-07:00

Mid-High Mania Is Coming!!!

2009-09-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Mid-High Mania Fall retreat will be October 23-25 and the theme is R U Listening? The event will be held in Silverton at Camp Canyonview and is open to students and friends of students grades 6-8. Join us for a weekend of high-energy music, team-building games, and entertainment! Cost is $75 dollars and partial scholarships are available.Fill out the form mailed to your student or pick up a brochure from the Youth Bulletin board at church and return to Vik by Oct. 6th! You can also register online easily by clicking HERE

The Lego Bible

2009-09-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

There is a new resource that has just been published for free use in youth group settings. It is the entire Bible illustrated using Lego structures. This Bible, called The Brick Testament, is a one-man labor of love that has been a work in progress since 2001. To explore this creative work of the Rev. Brendan Powell Smith, click here

New Teen Drug Use Findings

2009-09-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

CNN issued a new report this week on findings of teen drug use in the U.S. today. This study reports not only new statistics--Like how forty percent of teens -- about 10 million -- say they can get marijuana within a day while about 25 percent -- 5.7 million teens -- say they can find marijuana within an hour, but it also shares stories of real teens struggling with drug abuse. These teens tell the story of the first time they tried drugs (and contrary to popular belief, it was rarely peer pressure that got them hooked). To read this new study, click here

YOUTH GROUP KICK-OFF SEPTEMBER 11

2009-08-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

The first youth group event of the Fall will be a pizza, game, and movie night on September 11! The party goes from 5:30 to 9 and is open to anyone grades 6-12. Bring friends!

To view a full September youth calendar, click here

Regularly scheduled sunday school and youth group begins on the 13th of September.

Mid-High Sunday School 11-12 pm
Mid-High Youth Group 12-1
Senior High Youth Group 5:30-7:30

Teen Texting and Driving

2009-08-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

We all know driving drunk is bad, but what about texting and driving? One of my friends has just spent her summer paying back a friend for damages caused to the front of her car while driving. 750 dollars later, she swears she will never text and drive again. Studies show that it is nearly twice as dangerous to text and drive as it is to drink and drive. This is because reaction speed is dramatically reduced and drivers lose about 91% of their steering ability while they are texting. Many teens today use texting as their primary means of communication and would go as far as to call it a hobby. Should this be a hobby that continues behind the wheel of a car? New legislation this fall seeks to make texting while driving illegal, but will it be enough to stop the addictive behavior behind the wheel? To read more about texting and driving, click here

THE GREATEST CAMP EVER

2009-07-28T13:15:00.001-07:00

I have just returned from The Greatest Camp Ever Part Eight. When I was a freshman in high school, I got a letter about the camp my mom signed me up for that summer. The letter said, "Welcome to The Greatest Camp Ever!" I did not believe it. In fact, I was a pretty bitter freshman in high school and I was not looking forward to camp at all. But I went to camp and it was indeed the GREATEST camp ever! The following year the letter read, "Welcome to The Greatest Camp Ever Part Two....So good we're bringing it back." And it was the greatest again. Since then, the camp has continually built upon itself each year adding a new theme, new games, and new concepts. I attended this camp 4 years as a high school student and have worked as the media technician (make movies, running slides, etc) and a counselor for the last 4 years. I have seen this camp change my own life as well as the lives of hundreds of teenagers. This camp is what sparked my passion for youth ministry. I spent the week hanging out with two Westminster youth (Chet Emmons and Aja Neahring) and I hope to share this camping experience with many more of my students in the future. The Greatest Camp Ever Part Nine is only 350 days away and will be held at Camp Magruder on the Oregon Coast in July. Keep an eye out for a registration link on this page in the Winter!

Fearful Youth Take More Risks?

2009-07-08T02:29:00.000-07:00

There is a new study out by Forbes which shows that teens who believe they will die young are more willing to take risks. 15% of American teens believe that they will die young. But that isn't stopping them from sky diving, bungee jumping, or experimenting with drugs. To read the study, click here.

The American Teen

2009-06-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

A book was released last year called, The American Teen. It is a photo collage of various teens throughout the country living very different lives: some homeless, some very wealthy, some in the military, some teen mothers, some treated as outcasts at school and some dealing with their own identity and self-image. To check out the lives of teens in their own words, click here.

The Secret Life Of The American Teenager

2009-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Parents, if you have a teenager daughter (or even a son), odds are, this is one of her/his favorite TV shows. Tune in Mondays at 8 pm on ABC Family to see what all the hype is about. The show combines excellent writing with realistic portrayals of the various pressures teens are under today. Watch a trailer from season one, click here

Parenting Advice from Nickelodeon's Imagine That

2009-06-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Why it's important to be a good parent.
Click the link below to watch the following video...

Imagine That

A Conversation To Have With Your Youth

2009-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

What if you lost over half your entire summer vacation due to an error by school officials? That's what happened to students at two California elementary schools. To read more about this story, click here.

Struggling Teens Help Other Struggling Teens

2009-06-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

A group of struggling teens from a heavy drug ridden part of Brooklyn have embarked on a journey to South Africa to help teens struggling with an entirely different set of obstacles. Whether they have meant to or not, these teens have truly adopted the commandment to love their neighbors as they love themselves. They have chosen to serve the least of these. To read more about this group of young people, click here.

Teenage Toddler: Brook Greenberg

2009-06-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Brook Greenberg is not your average teenager. She has the body of a toddler, but she is sixteen years old. While Brook has become a medical focal point as many doctors believe she may hold the fountain of youth in her genetic make-up, her life is limited. In the words of her parents, "Brook will never drive a car, she will never play softball, she will never get married." But with the mind of a 9 month old, she has become the cornerstone of her family's lives. To read more about Brook, click here. This story causes me to ask a question that comes up at some point in a person's career in youth ministry: How do we effectively minister to students with disabilities?

In my first year in youth ministry, I was a freshman in college with a one-dimentional mindset when it came to how youth ministry was done. I will never forget a time when I became so frustrated with a student who has severe ADHD that I went complaining to one of my fellow leaders. I asked her, "What am I supposed to do? I don't know how to get through to this kid." Her answer: Love him. Love him until you cannot love him anymore.

After applying this practice and lesson more than once before, I believe that we must start from a place of love when ministering to students who are difficult for us to love.

Should We Limit Youth Texting?

2009-06-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Many young people have unlimited text messaging on their cell phones in order for their parents to avoid overage charges. According to T-Mobile, a small text plan is 400 messages. A large one is 1000. That equates to about 35 texts a day on the larger plan. But on an unlimited plan, youth can text an insane amount! How about a diet of 14,000 texts a month? (thats 400-500 a day!). Have many youth stopped communicating with each other face to face? Or even voice to voice? The side effects of texting may be negative (texting while driving, texting in class..), socially controversial even, but for some, they pay off. For more about how a teen won 50,000 dollars for her texting, click here