Youth Programs

FCCB is home to an active and exciting youth ministry program. Activities are available for youths in grades 6-12. In an atmosphere of trust, acceptance, and fun, FCCB’s youth ministry provides opportunities for friendship, service, self-expression, and growth in a progressive Christian community. In addition to regular programs, there are special retreats and service opportunities during the year that help to develop a strong community and healthy friendships. All youth programs are facilitated by a team of caring, dedicated adult youth leaders, led by Adam Blons, Minister of Community Life.

Confirmation

A group of 14 young people have been participating in the 2008 confirmation program. They have had significant theological discussions, attended other churches, and met with mentors. On May 4, 2008, those who choose will be confirmed and will be leading the worship service that morning.

Please call Rev. Adam Blons if you have any questions about this program 510/848-3696 ext. 27.

YES

YES is a junior high youth program open to any youth entering grades 6th through 8th seeking a caring community where they can play, explore themselves and the world, and grow in Spirit. Led by a group of trained volunteer adults and supervised by the Minister of Community Life, we meet on Sundays at 6 pm in the YES room at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA.

Download YES Program Schedule.

As a celebration of Earth Day, a group of middle school students helped Helen Wadman do some gardening on the First Church property. (If the photos aren’t showing, click on the box in the upper right hand corner of the photo box.)

Winthrop

For high school kids, 9th through 12th grade, Winthrop is a weekly program designed to encourage self-discovery, healthy relationships and spirituality. Winthrop meets Sunday nights at 4:30 p.m. in the church’s youth room for music, games and discussion. Activities also include overnight camping trips, service projects and involvement in the life of the church. The Winthrop year culminates in a week-long work camp see below.

Download Winthrop Program Schedule.

Work Camps

A week-long experience of travel and service for high schoolers. Youth travel together to another part of the state to learn about different social and economic issues through service projects and experience. Past work camps included rebuilding a school for a migrant farming community and teaching young children in an inner city preschool.

Winthrop Work Camp Blog

This year’s Winthrop Senior High Work Camp took a group of youth and adult leaders to Fresno for its annual work camp from June 16-24.

The group worked with the Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, a program working within the southeast Asian community there. About 60,000 southeast Asian refugees live in the area. In December of 2003, the U.S. Department of State decided to allow 15,000 Hmong residents of Wat Tham Krabok, Thailand to resettle in the United States. About one third of them resettled in California.

The youth stayed at First Congregational Church of Fresno and worked with Rev. Sophia DeWitt, program director of the Hmong Health Navigation Project and friend of FCCB. During the day they tutored elders who are learning English and working towards taking their citizenship test. In the evening, they co-led a community children’s program offering games and activities to primary school aged children and their families.

Read stories from the youth about this powerful trip on the Winthrop Work Camp Blog.

Youth Choirs

Details to come!