Our Ministries
For more ways to connect with OVYM Youth Ministries, visit the
OVYM Middle Youth and Teens Face Book Page and
the OVYM MIddle Youth and Teens Instagram Page.
The Children's Program
The Children's Program is a vital part of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting's ministry. Our annual sessions include activities based on the Yearly Meeting theme for the children through age 10 (childcare for the little ones is available when needed). Paid staff and volunteers plan programs that are fun, active, and focused on Quaker values such as community, service, peace, and care for the environment.
NOTE: Youth move to the next age group based on their age/grade at Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions (third week of June). 10 year-olds who will enter 6th grade in the next school year and are ready for more independence may join the Middle Youth program with the approval of the co-clerks of the Youth Services Committee. 10 year-olds who have completed 6th grade may choose either the Children's or Middle Youth Program.
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| Children's Program at our 2016 Annual Sessions |
Middle Youth
At our annual sessions, typically held the third week of June at Earlham College in Richmond, IN, the OVYM Youth Secretary, staff and volunteers provide age-appropriate programming for the middle youth, ages 11-13, that build community, provide opportunities for fun and service, and develop knowledge of Friends principles and practices. There are crafts, service projects, and a rafting trip included in the Annual Session activities. During Annual Sessions, middle youth enjoy programming for activities during the day and evening, but are otherwise in the care of and housed with their parents or adult sponsors. Middle youth also enjoy programming at quarterly meetings, typically in the fall and late winter.
Connect with Us!
Contact , the Youth Secretary, with questions
Find us on Facebook at OVYM Middle Youth and Teens
OVYM Middle Youth and Teens Instagram Page
Middle Youth Retreat Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17, 2019, Lexington Friends Meetinghouse, Lexington, KY
Join other Middle Youth for outdoor adventures, art, fun games and more. Contact to learn more.
Middle Youth Program - OVYM Annual Sessions, June 19-23, 2019. Save the Dates and watch for registration information
NOTE: Youth move to the next age group based on their age/grade at Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions (third week of June). 10 year-olds who will enter 6th grade in the next school year and are ready for more independence may join the Middle Youth Program, with the approval of the co-clerks of the Youth Services Committee. 14 year-olds who have completed eighth grade may choose either the Middle Youth or Teen Program.
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| Middle Youth at our Annual Sessions - Photo by Rachel Moore |
The Teens Program
At our annual sessions, typically held the third week of June at Earlham College, in Richmond, IN, the OVYM Youth Secretary, staff and volunteers provide age-appropriate programming for teens, ages 14-18. These activities build community, provide opportunities for fun and service, and develop knowledge of Friends principles and practices. Drama games and music, serious discussions and fellowship, glow-in-the-dark Ultimate Frisbee and the annual canoe trip are highlights of these Annual Sessions. Teens also enjoy programming at quarterly meetings, typically in the fall and late winter. The Quake that Rocked the Midwest takes them to Evanston, IL for a conference in January that brings together teens from Illinois Yearly Meeting, Scattergood Friends School and Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting. The annual summer Service Trip provides the OVYM Teens with the opportunity for bonding and relationship-building with one another through service, and connection across differences in the communities served. This is also a time to grow by learning and taking on leadership skills.
Connect with Us!
Contact , the Youth Secretary, with questions
Find us on Facebook at OVYM Middle Youth and Teens
OVYM Middle Youth and Teens Instagram Page
Teens Service TripJuly 24-28: Wednesday-Sunday, Teens Service Trip (high schoolers). Join other Teens for bonding and relationship-building with one another, and connection across differences while serving with Hand in Hand Ministries in Louisville, Kentucky. Contact , the Youth Secretary, to learn more.
Teens Program - OVYM Annual Sessions June 19-23, 2019. Save the dates and watch for registration information.
Examples of past Teens Service Trips:
Philadelphia. Teens, ages 14-18, worked with the SHARE Warehouse and Gardens, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and the Philly Aids Thrift Shop, and also visited several Quaker
sites including the Friends General Conference offices. Read the Service Trip Report for information about this trip.
Washington DC. Teens, ages 14-18, worked with the William Penn House work camp program and stayed at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle. There's more information and photos in the
After Action Report.
NOTE: Teens move to the next age group based on their age/grade at Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions (third week of June). 14 year-olds who will enter high school in the next school year and are ready for more independence may join the Teens program with the approval of the co-clerks of the Youth Services Committee. 18 year-olds who have completed high school may choose either the Teens program or the Young Adult/Adult program.
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| Teens giving a report of their activities at an Annual Session |