Young people need opportunities to encounter the Lord, learn about their faith, and witness others following Jesus. My wife and I have been privileged to sponsor some of our godchildren for various encounter opportunities, and we have had people generously sponsor some of our children as well. 

A number of excellent apostolates in our region offer teens opportunities to encounter Jesus and to be inspired to follow him more closely. Many demands are put on the schedules of our youth, and it is important to help them balance their school and extra-curricular activities with opportunities to help them stay connected to our Lord and other faithful disciples who can accompany them in their discipleship. Though many of these opportunities take place in the summer, registration usually takes place in the winter. Why not consider sponsoring our teens to attend one of the following encounter opportunities this summer? 

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

The Diocese of Lansing hosts a weeklong opportunity each summer called Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC). Attendees not only have the opportunity to encounter Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and small group ministry, but they also learn various leadership skills to become equipped to go out and share the faith with others. 

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville Youth Conferences have been a consistent opportunity for young people around the country to encounter Jesus through dynamic presentations, worship, and the sacraments. The main campus is in Ohio, but there are satellite conferences around the country.

Catholic Youth Summer Camp (CYSC)

CYSC is run by an apostolate called Damascus in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio. They also run weeklong high-adventure, high-faith camps for middle- and high-school students at Our Lady of the Fields Retreat Center in Brighton. 

Pine Hills Girls and Boys Camps

Pine Hills Camps are weeklong opportunities for middle school boys and girls, sponsored by Renewal Ministries of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Each summer, attendees experience a week of faith alive in the Spirit, authentic friendships, and outdoor adventure.