The youth programs on Star Island are not your typical summer camp experience, and that’s just fine with us. Three distinct programs provide youth an opportunity to engage with others of a similar age going through an important, and hopefully memorable stage of life. Star Island offers a safe place to learn about leadership, spirituality, social justice and the power of community. These youth programs provide outlets for creative endeavors, personal growth, and spiritual practice.
Any youth is welcome to these valuable programs which find their basis in one of two religions: the United Church of Christ or Unitarian Universalism. The Star Gathering 1 and 2 Youth Conferences are built upon UCC traditions. The Youth Empowerment and Spirituality Conference is formed around the principles of the UUA. Learn more about these opportunities below:
Youth Empowerment & Spirituality
Saturday, June 27 to Saturday, July 4
for ages 15 – 22
Every summer, this entirely youth-led conference occurs on beautiful Star Island. Escape from everyday life and build an open, spiritual community. YES is a transformative week of adventure, thought-provoking workshops, and self-empowerment. Daily workshops bring youth closer to understanding social justice issues, learning the nuances of softball on Star, and the opportunity to create art. This open, collaborative conference allows any attendee to lead their own workshop.
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click here to check out the YES blog
Star Gathering 1 Youth
Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8
for youth entering grades 9 to 13 (high school graduates)
What is Holy to you? What is the Sacred? Is it your family? The Earth? God or Spirit of Life? Do you wonder what role you play in our universe? Or with the universe within yourself? These are important and exciting questions, ones that courageous and adventurous people have asked since our minds understood the wonders of our existence. Join SG 1 Youth for a week of enriching community experiences providing a chance to learn and grow.
Star Gathering 2 Youth
Saturday, August 8 to Saturday, August 15
for youth entering grades 9 to 13 (high school graduates)
Spend this week exploring and learning about the major steps Star Island is taking to become a sustainable environment, and you will also see how those steps can apply to your own life as you move from teenagers to adults. Spend the week hiking, swimming, talking, taking once-in-a-lifetime excursions and building new things on the earth to learn more about how to not just survive adult life in our 21st Century world, but how to thrive in it.
Looking for something else? We have programs focused on a myriad of topics like history, religion, and the arts. Click here to explore our complete 2015 program list.