A hearty welcome awaits our young people with a program for each age group focused on Israel, the Land of Promise. Each age group will learn the history of notable heroes in the scriptures, where Israel and other Middle Eastern countries are located on a map of the world, and what God intends for the future of this land and its people. Included for some of the age groups will be lessons about behavior and decorum at the convention, life skills, and an age-appropriate discussion of how to properly use Social Media. For more details, please see the course descriptions below.
The Wednesday evening vesper service is entirely focused on our young people and, as in the past, singing classes are part of this year’s schedule. A meeting will also be held for Conscientious Objectors. As trouble in the world escalates, this meeting becomes ever more important for our young people.
Recreation is a wonderful way for our young people to relax, let off steam, and bond with one another—this year is no different. Several hours each afternoon are set aside for activities, swimming, and group sports. Plan on staying for the “famous” Tuesday evening, highly anticipated pizza party after group sports.
Bring your Bibles and swimsuits, and we look forward to seeing you in Johnstown!
Specifics for each age group are included below:
3-4 Youth Class: This age group is designed to be a Godly nursery care with a purpose. We have daily lessons combined with crafts, plus singing, outside time, snacks, videos and games. This year, the various lessons will include Noah, God’s promise to Abraham, Jacob and Esau, Moses parting the Red Sea, Joshua and Jericho, and Naomi and Ruth. One of the convention’s favorite services is the Wednesday evening vesper service, and it will feature this group singing together with the 5-7 group. Coordinators: Julieann Barrera, Morgan Kerry
5-7 Youth Class: The focal lessons for this age group include: Promise to Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Jacob’s 12 sons becoming 12 tribes, Joseph, Moses the Deliverer, the Ten Commandments, Joshua and the Spies, Gideon, King David, and Israel getting a homeland. Daily sessions include singing time with the 3-4 age group, plus crafts, activities, videos, snacks, and recreation. Children will also have the opportunity to witness the Baptismal Service with their parents. Coordinators: Tami Wesol, Janet Elbert
8-10 Youth Class: The subject of Israel remains a focal point, so the lessons will include finding Israel on a map, the Promise to Abraham and the good news of the Kingdom, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, the 12 sons, Joseph, Moses, Joshua conquering the land, Gideon, King David, King Solomon, Israel in Jesus’ Day, and Israel after Jesus’ Day until now. There will be classes on decorum, such as how to shake hands with older adults, and “With all I know, how should I behave.” Daily classes include singing with the 11-13 age group, plus crafts, activities, videos, and recreation. The singing classes will culminate in the Wednesday evening vesper service, a convention favorite. Children will also have the opportunity to witness the Baptismal Service with their parents. Coordinators: Julia Bivol, Sara Goodman
11-13 Youth Class: As Israel remains in the news, the subject for this age group is Israel. Daily lessons include the following topics: Israel-Who and Where They Are, Learning about Israel vs the Muslims, Cautions about using Social Media, the Promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, 12 sons, Joseph, and Moses the Deliverer. Lessons about Joshua conquering the land, King David, King Solomon, King Jehoshaphat, what the two kings Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus had to do with Israel, the rebuilding of the temple, and Israel in Jesus’ Day are also included. There will be classes on decorum, including the class: With all I know, How Should I behave? There will also be videos, singing, and recreation. The singing will culminate at the Wednesday evening vesper service, where this group will sing together with the 8-10 group. The young people will also witness the Baptismal Service with their parents. Coordinators: Shannah Dutka, Ela Niemczyk
14-17 Youth Class: : This group’s lessons have a focus on the importance of Israel as a nation, including who and where are they, God’s promise to Abraham and its effect on us, and the importance of certain individuals associated with Israel (Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s 12 sons, Moses, etc.), what land God gave to Israel, significant events in Israel’s history, how the Israeli-Arab conflict affects us, and how to effectively handle Social Media. The program includes a chorus, in which the group will sing at the Wednesday evening vesper service. In addition, there will be attendance in various adult sessions, including the witness to the Baptismal Service. Daily time in the afternoons include recreation, and the highly anticipated Tuesday team sports followed by a pizza party. Coordinators: Bill Dutka, David Wittbrodt
18-25 Youth Class: One class each afternoon is designed for this group, and subjects involve more mature scriptural and current day discussions. Coordinators: O.B. Elbert, Tim Malinowski