Annual Youth Events and Activities
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By providing a variety of events outside of Sunday School, we strive to build an open and trusting environment for our children and youth to ask questions, grow spiritually, and form distinct peer groups at St. Mark’s. Below is a list of various youth and family events offered throughout the year. See the website calendar for a complete list and calendar of events.
Special Events for ages 4-12
There is a wide array of events offered for children ages four to twelve outside of Sunday School that general occur in conjunction with a parish wide event. These activities include: carnival games at the parish picnic, Halloween party during the annual canvass dinners, children’s games and activities during the parish Mardi Gras dance, Easter Egg Hunt, and many more.
To find out what’s coming up next, join our e-mail list and receive invitations and reminders about our next event. Email Marcella Gillis, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information.
Christmas Pageant
We invite all youth and children to lead the re-telling of the Christmas story in our time honored Christmas Pageant held every Christmas Eve at 4pm. This event is organized by the “Mother of Mary” and includes a reception following the service. For more information, contact the Director of Youth Ministries.
High School
High School youth have the opportunity to participate in activities and events through St. Mark’s Youth Group. Events include: Fall Retreat, Cathedral Lock-in, Winter Lock-in, monthly outings, and more. For more information check out our Facebook group or contact the Director of Youth Ministries.
Middle School
Parents and volunteers arrange several events for our middle school youth to gather outside of Sunday School throughout the year. Youth events include: a fall outing ('11 day at a ropes course), Cathedral Lock-in, winter Lock-in at St. Mark’s, Summer Service Retreats, and other outings. To see what’s coming up next, check out the website calendar. For more information about Middle School events, contact the Director of Youth Ministries.
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Every year, our families take a recreational ski trip to the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. In 2011 we lodged at Windwood Fly-in Resort bunk houses in the remote Canaan Valley; during the trip, families get the chance to enjoy a weekend together playing games and roasting s’mores. Past (and future) loding at the YMCA Camp Horseshoe located in Parsons, WV. Local ski resorts include: White Grass Cross Country, Canaan Valley, and Timberline. Mark your calendars, the next Ski Trip will takes place either MLK Day weekend or Presidents Day weekend. For more information download the flyer below or contact the Director of Youth Ministries.
Shrine Mont
Children and youth activities are an integral part of the annual Parish Retreat to Shrine Mont in Virginia. Traditionally, children grades K through 7 rehearse and perform a play based off a Dr. Seuss book during the retreat. Programmed activities are also available for teens and children during adult sessions. Nursery care is available. For more information, contact the Director of Youth Ministries.