Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want..." Many of us have heard this phrase, but what do these words really mean to us? Welcome Home will examine Psalm 23 in a deeper way and explore the familiar words through keynote, recreation, workshops, and encounter groups.
Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference is a transformational program that welcomes hundreds of middlers and their leaders from all over the country each summer. Participants attend keynotes, recreation, workshops, and worship designed by the Advocates (high school leaders) with them in mind. Encounter Groups provide an opportunity to reflect and learn alongside youth from other places, led by Advocates.
—2023 Dates—
Session 1: June 22-25
Session 2: June 27-30
Session 3: July 13-16
Session 4: July 18-21
Questions about registrations?
Sarah Grace Hall, our Program Assistant, will be serving as conference registrar if you have any questions about the process: sarahgraceh@massanettasprings.org
Questions about the program itself?
Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director:
540-434-3829 or colleen@massanettasprings.org
Massanetta Middle School Conference is an active, participatory event with worship, keynote, small group discussions, workshops, and recreation throughout our time together.
Conference registration costs
$459 for Richardson or Cottage housing (suite-style, bathrooms in room or building, linens provided)
$399 for Cabins (rustic camp-style, separate bathhouse, must bring your own linens)
$40 discount per person for all individuals fully registered by Monday 4/17/23—fully registered means all forms have been filled out and full payment is made for the group.
Some scholarships are available. To request scholarship funds, contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
Arrival and Departure
Groups should arrive between 1:30-3:30 on the first day. The conference concludes with worship with communion on the last day, usually ending about 11:30.
Housing
Cabins: do not include linens. Bring your own sheets/sleeping bags, pillows, and towels! Our rustic cabins are more cost-efficient and provide more of a summer camp experience.
Richardson/suite-style: two rooms with 2-3 twin beds and a shared bathroom. Adults and youth do not share suites unless members of the same household desire to do so. Suites include linens.
Cottages: in some cases during particularly large sessions, we utilize cottages for larger youth groups. We will contact your group before finalizing this housing option. Cottages include linens.
Packing List
Bible
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Raincoat/umbrella
Alarm clock/watch
Prescription medications
Jacket/sweater/sweatshirt for evenings
Swimsuit, t-shirt, shorts, and towel for slip-n-slide
Clothing for being active in warm weather (like t-shirts and shorts)*
Sturdy/comfortable shoes or sandals (flip flops may only be worn poolside)
There will be a monetary offering collected at closing worship to be used for MSC scholarships for next year. There is also a gift shop with snacks and Massanetta swag.
Do not bring: skateboards, scooters, rollerblades; alcohol, tobacco, or drugs; weapons of any kind; anything flammable or explosive; unnecessary technology or valuables.
*Dress code: pack comfortable clothing that will allow you to participate fully in a fun conference! Summertime at Massanetta Springs is hot and humid, and we’ll be active. Please DO NOT bring clothes that run the risk of “wardrobe malfunction” or exposing any underwear. Make respectful choices about logos and symbols on clothing. Conference leadership as well as your own church leaders reserve the right to send participants back to their rooms to change if their clothing will prevent them from actively participating in the conference.
Typical Day
7:45-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:15 Energizers, Music, & Keynote
10:15-11:00 Encounter Groups & Travel Time
11:00-12:00 Workshops
12:00-12:45 Lunch
1:15-3:00 Lawn recreation
3:00-5:00 Free Time (3:00-4:30 canoes)
5:00-5:45 Dinner
6:00-7:15 Energizers, Music, & Keynote
7:15-7:45 Encounter Groups & Travel Time
7:45-8:45 Workshops
8:50-9:50 Dance/evening recreation
10:00-10:30 Candlelight Vespers
10:45-11:00 Back Home Group Time
11:30 Lights Out
Frequently asked questions
What grades are included in “middle school”? Because middle school varies, as do the needs and configurations of every congregation and youth program, we try to be flexible about this. In general, we design the program for students who will be rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders when the conference happens.
Will a youth with special needs be able to attend? We have worked with youth groups and families to support individuals with autism, anxiety, mobility and other accessibility needs. This program might not be the right fit for everyone, but we’d be glad to talk through potential challenges and solutions! Contact the Program Director, Colleen Earp, with questions: colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
What does the registration fee include? All programming, housing, meals (from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day), and conference t-shirts are included in the registration fee.
How many adult chaperones does my group need to include? You will need ONE adult advisor (21 years+) for every SEVEN youth you bring of each gender. Adult advisors are expected to fully participate in the conference.
How does registration and housing work for non-binary and transgender participants? Massanetta Springs is a place for all people! Our Campwise registration system will force a binary option under “gender”, but then allow non-binary as an option under “sex”. While that’s not a perfect system, we trust people to know their gender, and will contact individual families and youth leaders to discuss housing options that best suit our non-binary participants. Colleen is happy to answer any questions about this—give her a call at 540-434-3829.
What is Massanetta’s refund policy? Groups that cancel before May 15 will receive a full refund less a 3% processing fee. After May 15 will receive a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the start of your session start date. Generally, there are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the conference start date.
Mark your calendar!
—2024 Dates—
Session 1: June 20-23
Session 2: June 25-28
Session 3: July 11-14
Session 4: July 16-19
Registration Process
Please follow the instructions below CAREFULLY.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Step 1: Your church/group leader must fill out this form with general group information and estimated numbers to reserve spaces for your group. We will then generate a “group hold code” and send it to your leader. If you have questions, please call 540-434-3829 to speak to our registrar.
Step 2: Once your church/group leader has the “group hold code,” they will distribute it to your group. Parents/guardians will be able to register their youth (completed 5th - 8th) and adult advisors will be able to register themselves using that “group hold code.” They will not pay individually online. The church/group leader will pay for everyone registered at once through the separate leader account.
Step 3: For church/group leaders only. Leaders will be able to log into their separate account to view who has registered and the remaining bill for the group. This is where the full group payment will be made.
Step 4: Your church/group leader will receive an information packet. It is also linked below. The church/group leader and all adult participants and parents should read this information packet in FULL. It contains critical information about the conference and registration.
2023 Cost per person:
$459 for Richardson or Cottage housing (suite-style, bathrooms in room or building, linens provided)
$399 for Cabins (rustic camp-style, separate bathhouse, must bring your own linens)
$40 discount per person for all individuals registered by Monday 4/17/23.
Some scholarships are available. Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org to request scholarship funding for individuals in your group.
AVAILABLE FOR PAST DAY CAMPERS WHO HAVE
COMPLETED 6TH, 7TH, OR 8TH GRADE
New this year for Netta Day Camp graduates: join us for Massanetta's Middle School Conference, July 17-21. Our NDC counselors will accompany campers through keynotes, recreation, workshops, and worship designed by the Advocates (high school leaders) with them in mind. Encounter Groups provide an opportunity to reflect and learn alongside youth from other places, led by Advocates. Middle School Conference is a transformational program that welcomes hundreds of middlers and their leaders from all over the country each summer.
This five day, four night program is $559, including all programs and a t-shirt. Sign up before 4/17 to receive a $40 early bird discount.
To register, enter Group Hold code MSCC23 in Campwise when prompted.
Group size is limited.
DETAILS
Schedule: Overnight program, Monday morning-Friday Afternoon, July 17-21
Cost: $559
Includes overnight Massanetta Springs Housing and meals during the program
Each year Massanetta Springs invites up to 44 leadership-minded high school youth, called Advocates, to serve and lead within the Middle School Conferences. This dynamic program provides a place where youth can lead alongside adults as mentors, facilitators, encouragers, and older siblings in faith.
Current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are eligible. The application involves a few short-answer questions as well as references (two supportive adults from outside of your family, at least one of whom you know from church like a pastor, youth leader, or Sunday school teacher).
Applications are due Monday, January 9, 2023. Questions? Please reach out to Colleen Earp, Program Director: colleen@massanettasprings.org.
Jonathan Moelker
June Co-Director
Roanoke, VA
Ann Elyse Hicks
June Co-Director
Marion, VA
Ekama Eni
June Keynote
Ekama (she/her) is a British-Nigerian immigrant, life-long Presbyterian, voracious giggler and lover off most-things involving food. She is currently a candidate for ordination in Grace Presbytery (North Texas). When she’s not re-exploring her current home of NYC she’s moonlighting as a youth pastor and works in the Dean's office as an Executive Assistant at the oldest Episcopalian seminary in the country. Ekama loves getting to share time and space and learn new skills with (and from) middle schoolers as they grow and learn in God's world. She is also warming up to idea of Tik Tok and is also attempting to gain some Mario Kart skills.
Annie Franklin Arvin
June Rec
Annie has the privilege of being the Associate Pastor for Youth and Mission at St Simons Presbyterian Church on St Simons Island in Georgia. Annie loves witnessing God at work in the lives of youth, delivering food to the food pantry, and mopping the floors at the soup kitchen. In her free time, she enjoys being with her daughters, running alongside Nana Polar Bear (the dog), and listening to Taylor Swift.
Timothy Wotring
June Music
Timothy Wotring originates from the Appalachian Mountains in Western Maryland. He relocated to Philadelphia for his studies at Eastern University and later moved to New York City to attend Union Theological Seminary. Presently, he serves as the pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase in Northeast Philadelphia. Timothy began playing drums and guitar in worship teams during middle school, and he still plays guitar at his church, during ordination services, and at occasional Presbytery meetings. His passion is to help individuals of all ages connect with God through music and creative endeavors.
Matt Hartley
July Co-Director
Jacksonville, FL
Rachel Erb Birch
July Co-Director
Hanahan, SC
Sandra Moon
July Keynote
Rev. Sandra Moon is a bi-vocational pastor who serves as a Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation and practices as an attorney in Kentucky and Indiana. Sandra earned her BA in religious studies and political science from Vanderbilt University, her MDiv from Louisville Seminary, and her JD from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her partner and two dogs, and she enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, backpacking, mushroom hunting, and all things music.
Nick Carson
July Rec
Nick Carson is the Resident Pastor at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Massanetta holds a special place in his heart as Nick grew up coming to Middle School Conferences. He’s excited to be leading recreation and working with the Advocates to create space for youth to play, find joy, and belong together. Nick loves playing fetch with his dog Hazel, sipping warm coffee, reading, dancing, board games, and general tomfoolery. His favorite energizer is “Open Your Heart!”
Steven Hall
July Music
Steven is the Worship Arts Director at burlpres church in the San Francisco Bay Area. A North Carolina native, Steven's first experience at Massanetta was in the year 2000 as a 6th grader and he finds any excuse he can each summer to find his way back to this magical place. When there isn't a guitar in his hand, you can find Steven on a hike with his wife and pup (Jess & Sprout), out on a bike ride or at your local pickleball court! Favorite songs today are Bigger Table by Matt Maher, Citizens by Jon Guerra and Go In Light by Marcus Mumford.
Calling church leaders!
Are you a church leader who would make a good workshop director? Do you know one? All church leaders are welcome, whether you are a pastor, church educator, an elder, seminarian, or just someone who loves working with amazing youth! Fill out the form below to become a workshop director for the 2023 Middle School Conference.