Information for Parents, Sponsors, Participants, and Team   

What is New Beginnings?

 NEW BEGINNINGS is a weekend especially designed to respond to the issues, concerns, and needs of teenagers in grades 6 through 9. It was created to help young people grow in their love of themselves, of others, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any person in grades 6 through 9 may attend a NEW BEGINNINGS weekend. Participants do not have to be Episcopalian but must be recommended by an Episcopal Church and have the backing of an adult (over age 21) from that church that will be attending the weekend as a sponsor. It is expected that all participants, sponsors, and team stay for the entire weekend due to the building nature of the talks and activities.

Where is New Beginnings held?

 

NEW BEGINNINGS is held in the fall at Camp Fortson in Hampton, Georgia, and in the spring at Camp Mikell in Toccoa, Georgia. Registration begins at 6:00 P.M. with dinner Friday evening and continues until Sunday at 5:00 P.M. The program consists of songs, skits, films, tapes, talks (by youth and adults), and small group discussions. The weekend focuses on the subjects of Self, Friends, Brothers and Sisters, Parents, School, God's Love, Jesus, and Prayer. There is a lot of time for playing, creating, and sharing. Participants will not only learn and grow but will have a great time!

What does a SPONSOR do?

 

As a sponsor, you will be expected to participate in ALL activities with the youth. It is critical for you to model the behavior of an active participant. You are NOT expected to lead discussions - that is the role of the high-school team members. Participants from your parish will benefit from seeing a friendly face, and we hope you will be able to build a shared experience that will deepen the Christian community with your youth at your parish. Sponsors are responsible for contacting participants, making sure that they bring appropriate supplies, and arranging transportation to and from the weekend. Additionally, you will also provide in-cabin supervision in the mornings and evenings while curfew is in effect.

Shortly before the weekend, you will receive a letter with information about the role of the sponsor, along with maps and other information. During the weekend, there are several sponsor meetings that will give you time to ask questions about sponsor roles and activities, or you can call the diocesan youth coordinator to discuss your role. The diocesan youth coordinator's number is 404-601-5354.

What does a TEAM MEMBER do?

 

We are looking for youth in grades 9 -12 to be the team for this New Beginnings weekend. Team members must have attended at least ONE New Beginnings weekends as a participant. Team members can participate in one of three teams: Prayer, Share and Care, Family Group Leaders, and as Music Team.

  • Prayer,Share and Care is a group of youth and adults who are responsible for skits,assigning prayer partners and snack breaks. They pray with all team members who give talks and maintain the orderliness of the meeting rooms.
  • A Family Group Leader is the leader of a small group and encourages the participants to share.They are often asked to give personal sharing in specific talks.
  • The Music Team is made up of musicians who lead singing that gives meaning to the program and encourages the involvement of the audience.
I want to go... What do I do now? The weekend costs $100.00 per person (including each sponsor) and is refundable only if the weekend is cancelled or filled. The fee must be included with the registration form that you can find here.