YOUTH PROGRAMS
NAPF - National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship
NAPF is for youth who are entering 9th through 12th grade. NAPF allows teens to meet and bond with other Christians from throughout the country and to share their faith in a fun-filled atmosphere. Small groups are led by dedicated adult counselors, many of whom volunteer and use vacation time to attend. In conjunction with tremendous worship music, worship times may be led by members of the Commission on Youth Ministries or other adult leaders. Local church youth groups are also asked to prepare and lead morning and evening devotionals. Opportunities to express faith through acts of service are always a highlight of the conference. Any time a group of young people is gathered, there is always plenty of fun!
HOPE - Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor
HOPE offers young adults post high school through age 26 a great opportunity to further grow in faith with peers in an environment similar to NAPF. While still including worship, speakers, small group time, and mission work, HOPE promotes closer connection with peers and deeper discussion about faith through peer-led small groups. The experiences and perspectives that each person brings to their small group are valued and can enrich discussions about faith in remarkable ways. In addition, HOPE provides more opportunities for leadership involvement through prayer team, small group leader, or CYM (Commission on Youth Ministries) representative positions. HOPE creates a genuine, meaningful, and fun atmosphere to grow in faith while creating new friendships!
NAPF and HOPE Gatherings
Each group gathers annually for fellowship, spiritual growth and inspiration, and for mission work. The bonds of friendship that form endure for many years over many miles. Many participating youth go on to ministry in a variety of ways.
You do not need to have a youth group in your church to send someone to NAPF or HOPE. You need only encourage youth you know would benefit from such an experience to attend.
Both programs have one thing in common – a place, a time and friends, with which to share their faith. The leadership team, counselors and participants come back year after year.
If a yearly conference were all the youth programs consisted of, it would be wonderful enough. However, it is only part of the youth program. The camaraderie and closeness are established by individuals for a lifetime. They cannot wait for only once a year to contact each other. They stay connected through three Facebook pages (NAPF – National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship, H.O.P.E, and NAPF/HOPE Alumni), emails, Skype and individual communication.
You do not need to have a youth group in your church to send someone to NAPF or HOPE. You need only encourage youth you know would benefit from such an experience to attend.
Both programs have one thing in common – a place, a time and friends, with which to share their faith. The leadership team, counselors and participants come back year after year.
If a yearly conference were all the youth programs consisted of, it would be wonderful enough. However, it is only part of the youth program. The camaraderie and closeness are established by individuals for a lifetime. They cannot wait for only once a year to contact each other. They stay connected through three Facebook pages (NAPF – National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship, H.O.P.E, and NAPF/HOPE Alumni), emails, Skype and individual communication.