Unlikely Leaders Retreat
April 12-14, 2024
Leadership event for youth in grades 6-8
(maximum of four youth participants and one adult leader per congregation)
Throughout this weekend retreat, we will be exploring places where water shows up in the Bible and what we can learn about ourselves, our faith, and our role as leaders in the church and the world.
For youth in grades 6th, 7th, & 8th who are interested in exploring leadership or who adults have identified as having leadership potential. This is a small group centered event, where middle school youth will be grouped with other youth of the same age/grade.
In addition to the small groups, large group gatherings will introduce the theme progression through worship and music, games will help form this weekend’s community, and service projects will invite youth to apply what they’re learning to hands-on service.
Registration costs , as listed below, include program, lodging, and meals. Registration closes on April 1, 2024.
Youth - $150.00
Congregation Adult Leader - $150.00
LYO Member - $120.00
The event begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and ends at noon on Sunday. Please plan to feed your group dinner on Friday and lunch on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Youth, LYO, and adult leaders will be assigned cabins based on congregation and gender. If your congregation is sending a mixed gender group, we will make sure that youth who do not have an adult of the same gender are housed with an adult leader from another church who is capable and trustworthy.
When and where can I drop off and pick up my child?
Adult leaders will check in at the Potomac Lodge on Friday between 7-8 p.m. If you are dropping off your child but are not the adult leader for the weekend, you may bring them to the Potomac Lodge where they will hang out until their adult leader arrives. Pickup is at the chapel on Sunday at 12 p.m. If you are coming to pick up your child, you are welcome to join us for worship (exact start time to be announced shortly).
What does my child need to bring with them for the retreat?
We will share a full packing list, but your child should plan to bring weather-appropriate clothing and outerwear, including sturdy close-toed shoes (like sneakers).
How to register
Distribute the 2023-2024 Youth Event Individual Registration Form (please check "Middle School Leadership Retreat" as the event you're registering for) to all participants. Your church’s primary leader will use these forms to complete the registration online. You’ll need to turn in the originals of these forms for each participant when you check-in (if you need to retain them for your own records, please make copies). Remember to collect any scholarship applications also.
Deadline to register is April 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Using the Individual Registration Forms, register your group online: Unlikely Leaders registration.
If you received any scholarship applications, please enter them into the online form.
Once you have completed entering the information online, you may pay in full with a credit card directly in the form.
If you prefer to pay by check, or you are awaiting scholarship decisions, you may enter the promo code “CHECK” in the appropriate box and click “Apply Discount.” If you are awaiting scholarship decisions, you will be contacted directly with your adjusted total and information about how to submit your payment.
If you are paying by check, make sure to note your total before clicking “Apply Discount.” Please send a check made out to “Delaware-Maryland Synod” with the name of the event in the memo line and send to:
Delaware-Maryland Synod, ATTN: Treasurer, 5699 Meridale Road, Baltimore, MD 21228.
If you have any difficulties with the registration form, contact Deacon Julie Stecker at jstecker@demdsynod.org.
Please DO NOT bring checks with you to the event as these can be easily lost during the busy-ness of it!