Youth

We have a number of active youth programs at OUMC which focus on learning together from the Bible, real conversations about our faith, service project opportunities, mission and wilderness trips, and tons of fun! Middle and high school ministries are organized by Zoe de Boer, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries (youth@onalaskaumc.org or 608-783-3380).

SOAR & Doves

Our Wednesday evening youth programs at church are energetic, fun, and a popular opportunity for all youth, 5th-12th grade, to get to know each other, play some creative games, and grow in their faith! Programming runs from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We use interactive experiences, discussions, service projects, games, trips, and more to deepen our connection with God and with each other. Youth meet in separate middle school (5th-7th) and high school (9th-12th) groups, SOAR being the name of our high school group, and Doves being the name of our 5-7 group. Newcomers and friends are ALWAYS welcome! 

To register for our one of our youth programs, visit: https://forms.gle/ZyDAqRiJLq6sWz5K8

 

Confirmation

Students in 8th grade participate in a year-long exploration of their faith guided by the pastor, mentors, and parents. Confirmation activities take place during SOAR on Wednesday evenings. Our emphasis is on helping kids learn to think about their own personal faith in Jesus Christ, rather than on rote memorization. After one-on-one discussions with the pastor, students may choose to confirm their faith and claim the vows made on their behalf in baptism. This usually happens in a special Sunday worship service late in April.

We also welcome older youth and adults who wish to explore their faith, learn about Christianity and Methodism, and renew their vows.

For more information about confirmation, contact Pastor Krysta Deede (pastor@onalaskaumc.org or 608-783-3380 x22).

YOUTH 2023

This summer, a group of 12 students and 15 adult leaders are heading to Daytona Beach, Floria for the National YOUTH Conference for the United Methodist Church! 
To learn more about what the conference week will be like, please visit: https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/youth2023/about-y23/schedule

Youth Mission Trips


Almost every summer, our senior high youth group travels to a different mission site around the country for a week in order to learn from the local people, help with service projects, and see what God is up to in their lives and their community. We also offer periodic short mission trips, retreats, and conferences for our middle school youth.

Past mission trips:

  • 2022 – Bayou La Batre, Alabama
  • 2019 – Benton Harbor, Michigan
  • 2018 – Blackfeet Nation, Montana
  • 2017 – Puerto Rico
  • 2016 – McDowell County, West Virginia
  • 2015 – Marvell, Arkansas
  • 2014 – Newport, Tennessee
  • 2012 – Northern Cheyenne Reservation
  • 2011 – Ozark Mountains
  • 2010 – Raleigh County, Appalachian Mountains
  • 2009 – Northern Cheyenne Reservation 
  • 2008 – St. Louis, Missouri
  • 2007 – Cortez
  • 2006 – Eastern Kentucky
  • 2005 – Benton Harbor, Michigan
  • 2005 – Quad Cities
  • 2004 – Ozark Mountains
  • 2004 – Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • 2003 – Duluth, Minnesota
  • 2002 – Juarez Site Two
  • 2002 – Northern Cheyenne Reservation
  • 2001 – Toronto, Canada
  • 2000 – Bayou La Batre, Alabama

 

Youth Wilderness Trips

We offer occasional wilderness trips for our high school youth, like our 2021 trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. Students are challenged in new ways and encouraged to connect with God through the beauty of creation.