In a day and age where religion is not the main topic of conversation in adult conversation much less in youth circles one must be surprised to see the desire, anticipation and excitement bubbling over from our youth attending the St. Michael’s Conference.

Many have asked: Why go through so much effort to raise money so our youth can attend the Conference? What is it about the St. Michael’s Conference that is so special? Well it is not easy to answer that question, especially because it is so personal for each individual. 

Daily worship is taken from the Anglican traditional Offices: Morning Prayer, the Holy Eucharist, Noonday (Angelus), Even Song and Compline. Even though Morning Prayer and Compline are optional worship services, many youth choose to participate of their own volition.  One might say that a show of spiritual growth has been watching the youth choose to attend these optional services even after or before long, fun filled days.

 Classes in SUMMER? Who would think that anyone would choose to go to ‘school’ during summer break? Well, if you had the opportunity to be taught by some of the finest and best-educated priests found anywhere – you would too! The youth choose their 3 daily classes from a variety of topics often suggested by them in years previous. Some topics are taught based on need. A mandatory curriculum of learning about: Basic’s of our Faith or ‘Survey’ as it is called, the Mass, Church History, and the Bible ensures that they are educated on who we are as ‘Anglicans’.

Fun? Sure, there is lots of fun to be had! There is plenty of free time for the youth to select an activity to participate in. Ultimate Frisbee, Kick the Can, Capture the Flag, resting, reading or playing the piano are great ways to spend afternoon free time. Evening fun is focused on team building and mental challenges. One might find oneself: on a Quest for the Holy Grail, Conference Clue, the Game of Sevens, St. Mike’s Olympics, or Square Dancing the night away.

So what is it that draws these kids to give up a week of their summer vacation to spend most of their day talking, worshipping and discussing our Risen Savior? Well, frankly that’s it – Our Risen Lord! The opportunity given to our youth at St. Michael’s Conference is the ability to speak, learn and worship freely with those in their own peer group and see others as joyfully committed to walking their life’s journey with God.