I hope everyone had a great summer! Now that summer jobs are winding down and school is winding up, I thought it should be time to do another blog post to look back at last year, and get excited for the upcoming year.
Since our first meeting last October, we have accomplished quite a bit as a group. Firstly, we managed to have a room in the church designated as a Youth Room, and we have furnished and painted it... and thanks to Jim Gougeon and Jack Drew have been able to secure it!
In April, we did the 30-Hour Famine... more than 15 of us were locked in the church overnight, and didn't break anything! And more importantly, we raised $1180.00 for World Vision! Congrats to our top fundraisers, Hillary Flinn and Jeff Freyters, and thanks to the St. Paul's congregation for your generous contributions!
Our next initiative, taking place in late May was our annual fundraiser with a twist. Our Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success, and we had fun with the Murder Mystery aspect. We raised just under $1000 for youth group use. With this money we purchased a desk for the youth room, and helped to subsidize a canoe trip in Algonquin Park. Thanks again to those who donated their time to help us: Mark Drew, Karen Aucoin, Sharon Morrison, The Taylor Family, all of the parents who helped with clean-up, and of course our Yard Boss, Jack Drew. Also, thanks to our generous sponsors: A&P (Brampton Mall Location) and Coffee Culture.
To cap off the year, Angela organized a wonderful trip with Creative Toolbox to Algonquin Park. We canoed out from Canoe Lake, went up to Sunbeam lake, and returned through Burnt Island Lake. It was amazing to see how all of the participants grew individually and as a group through this 5-day adventure.
So, what's coming up? We need to have a meeting to discuss some of what you want to do, but here are some of my goals for the group for the upcoming year:
- Host a youth-run service
- Raise $1500 for World Vision through the 30-Hour Famine
- Host another dinner, with 2 sittings!
- Go on a Service Trip next summer (More on this at the next meeting)
Our first meeting of the year will be held this Sunday, September 20 following the service from noon to 1:00... Lunch will be provided. The meeting is open to all high school students who wish to attend. Welcome to our new members, and to those who have moved on, best of luck in whatever you have moved on to, and stay in touch!
I'm looking forward to seeing you all!
