Do you have teens who are on fire for God and love hanging out at the parish, and who want to serve as leaders in the youth ministry program? Great! What kind of training is available to them that is both fun and educational? Take a look at what one diocese offers its young leaders.

Each summer, high school youth and young adults from parishes throughout the Diocese of San Diego gather for five days of training and fellowship at Camp Emmaus. It is named for the Scripture passage that describes the post-resurrection journey of Jesus with two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walked, the disciples shared with Jesus (not knowing to whom they were speaking) their knowledge of his ministry, his sacrifice, and what they had heard about his resurrection. Jesus listened to them and then shared with them the scriptural basis for all that had occurred. At the end of the road they shared a meal together, and after Jesus spoke the blessing and broke the bread, he disappeared when the two disciples recognized him as their Lord. The two disciples then went eagerly into Jerusalem to share the news of what they had experienced.

The Emmaus story provides both the model and the goal for this leadership camp. Adult youth ministry leaders walk the journey with the teens who attend the camp, discussing and sharing faith stories, praying together, eating together, and celebrating the Eucharist. The teens that complete this training then go back to their parishes to share the journey with the young people in their communities. The idea is that they will take what they learn at camp and apply it to their parish youth ministry programs.

Teens are empowered to lead with confidence and proficiency by equipping them with tools and experiences that will assist them in their ministry. Over the course of the week, working side-by-side with their adult mentors, the young people learn such skills as facilitating small groups, leading discussions and games, planning prayer and liturgical services, practice listening skills, and take time to reflect on their own personal relationships with God. Young people are given opportunities to share their own faith as they learn from one another how God is working in each others’ lives. Keynote speakers address the teens on subjects of spiritual growth and practical leadership. Also included in the week are a concert and a talent show. Through this camp, the Diocese of San Diego provides a well-rounded program that is edifying to the participants and, importantly, is also a lot of fun.

Camp Emmaus has various tracks:

• beginners track for first time attendees
• veterans track for those who have previously attended the camp
• young adult track for 18-20 year olds who are actively serving in leadership positions in their parishes

The cost for this program is $250 per person. Many parishes pay for some or all of their young leaders’ tuition because they recognize the importance of such training. The youth are encouraged to raise, or earn, the balance of this fee as part of their commitment to their leadership team.

This model of training is valuable and effective because it is based upon a scriptural model. As Jesus did with two of his disciples, the adults in this program walk the journey with the teen leaders; they listen to their concerns, hopes, and experiences, while sharing with them the scriptural basis for everything connected to discipleship. At the end of the program, the youth leaders are excited and eager to return to their parishes (their own Jerusalem) to share what they have learned.