Youth Christmas Conference

In Winter of 2021, I was given the opportunity to go to Christmas Conference at Camp McDowell. I was in ninth grade then, and it was my first time attending an event hosted by the Youth Department. The minute I got there, I loved it. Everyone was so genuine, kind, and welcoming, especially the members of the Youth Department. Following this, I was able to go to every fellowship opportunity that the Youth Department hosted. I had the best time at each and there was no doubt that I would go to Christmas Conference in 2022.

I am always excited to arrive at Camp McDowell. I know from previous years that it’s always filled with unconditional love, endless laughter, and the most wonderful campers and staff. Going into Christmas Conference this past year, I really wanted to make the most out of it. I was eager to make lots of new friends and get closer with the ones that I already had, but I was especially excited to focus on program. This year, the theme of program was “Making Spirits Bright”. I think that Reverends Sarah Watts and Dillon Green did such an amazing job presenting program this year.

Sarah and Dillon were able to incorporate fun games and challenges into their lessons, making them more interactive and easier for us to apply to our own lives. I think that “Guess that Carol” may have been the hardest and most fun guessing game I’ve ever played. One program lesson that really stuck out to me was our second one. The theme for it was focusing on how Christ finds us in times of darkness. I think that the past three years have been so challenging for everyone. From COVID-19 and having to be separated from friends and family, to missing activities at school, church, and camp, it made it easy to find the darkness in the world and stay focused on that. It can be challenging to find Christ in these dark moments, and that’s why this lesson was so important to me. Finding your light in the darkness can be very difficult. It’s important to remember that something beautiful always comes from darkness and no matter what you may be going through, Christ will help guide you to a place you will feel safe.

Our third lesson was discussing how to reflect the light of Christ back into the world. I felt empowered as a youth to know that I can affect the people around me. That’s not the easiest job as a Christian, so having the support of adults as well as my fellow youth gives me courage.

Programs like Christmas Conference prove the particular importance of diocesan support of Youth Department events. The youth of our diocese are the future of the church. As interest towards the Youth Department grows, the diocese grows. To youth in our diocese, these events are a place where you can come as you are and show your true self. They are a great opportunity to make connections and the best of friendships while fostering your faith. I hope that each and everyone of you make the most out of these opportunities for fellowship. They truly hold a special place in my heart, and I can only hope they will do the same for you.

By Catherine Lam, Holy Trinity, Auburn