Transformers
We are at capacity for this event and cannot accept any more registrations.
March 17-19, 2023
3200 Mar Lu Ridge Road
Jefferson, MD 21755
Leadership event for youth in grades 6-8
(maximum of four youth participants and one adult leader per congregation)
Come and See!
Lies Christians Have Told Me
Try as we might, Christians have a way of getting things twisted. Sometimes it's about power. Sometimes it's about control. Sometimes it's about keeping things the way they have always been. Sometimes it's about saying something that sounds "nice" even if really isn't.
"Everything happens for a reason."
"Science and religion are incompatible."
God hates LGBTQIA+ people."
"Only Christians can be good people."
And more.
As leaders, as Christians, we have a responsibility to confront, unpack, and break down such things. And to proclaim the grace and justice of God in Jesus Christ to a church and a world which needs both of them so much.
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 March 1, 2023.
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 prefer there are multiple leaders of different genders to help with housing. If you all are not able to do so, we just need to 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?
Closer to the event date, we will have a finalized event schedule that will tell you the exact time when you can drop off your child on Friday.
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 2022-2023 Youth Event Individual Registration Form to all participants, and make sure all adult and youth participants, as well as parents/guardians of all minors attending, have reviewed our COVID precautions and expectations on the website. 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 March 1, 2023.
Using the Individual Registration Forms, register your group online: Transformers 2023 Registration (registration is closed)
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 “T2023CHECK” 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 Nicole Roop at nroop @ youngfaithmatters.com
Please DO NOT bring checks with you to the event as these can be easily lost during the busy-ness of it!
COVID PRECAUTIONS & EXPECTATIONS
All youth and adult participants and staff will be expected to:
monitor their health leading up to the event, staying home if symptoms arise or they have been exposed to COVID within 4 days of arrival;
report any new symptoms during the event to the event medics, arranging for transportation home if medics determine it is unsafe to stay at the event;
wash and sanitize their hands regularly;
practice casual consent by asking others for their boundaries around close contact (hugs, high fives, removing masks in outdoor settings, etc.), and determine their own boundaries as well; and
follow the guidance of event staff, including Small Group Leaders, medics, event security, camp staff, and food service providers.
Adults will be expected to:
register by the registration deadline (March 1, 2023) – no late registrations will be accepted;
remind youth participants to go through a symptom checklist every morning and escort them to a medic if symptoms have developed; and
be a good role model by following any masking rules and all other safety precautions throughout the entirety of the event.
If you have any questions about the precautions and expectations, please contact Deacon Nicki Roop.