YOUTH VISIONING SUMMIT AT CAMP MOKULE'IA

[October 2019 E-Chronicle]  A Diocesan Youth Ministry Visioning Summit was held at Camp Mokule'ia on September 13 and 14, 2019.  17 people from around the Diocese participated in the summit that included camp staff, clergy, and lay leaders from O'ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua'i. 

The weekend gathering was an important step in the Diocese's desire to revitalize and support youth ministry in our churches and communities.  Camp Mokule'ia is leading this area of responsibility, and has enlisted the services of Ministry Architects, to help guide the process of establishing a vision and the implementation of a sustainable plan designed around our Diocese's unique challenges and needs.

Tackling this challenge are Sara Bailey and David Carroll, consultants from Ministry Architects, an organization located in Nashville, TN, that has helped over 900 churches build sustainable youth ministries throughout the world.  

Prior to the summit, they held listening sessions, interviews, and sent out surveys to clergy, youth, youth workers, parents and volunteers throughout the Diocese.  They were able to glean valuable information about the struggles and hopes for youth ministry in the islands, and put together a detailed Assessment Report.

The Assessment Report (available HERE) outlined an exciting and ambitious 3-year plan to rebuild Diocesan Youth Ministry.  The proposed plan includes training staff and volunteers, and establishing big bold signature events such as an annual Diocesan Youth convention and regional youth events on all islands.

Based on the Assessment Report, participants at this summit were tasked with establishing a mission statement and developing 3-year BHAGs, Big Hairy Audacious Goals!  Groups took turns fine-tuning ideas, wording, and logistics, in a highly productive session that ended all too soon.

Photos by S. Nishioka

Darrell Whitaker, Executive Director of Camp Mokule'ia, is pleased with the progress being made and is looking forward to seeing youth ministry grow in the Diocese.  "We are now in the process of forming a Diocesan Youth Ministry Design Team that will assume the responsibility of implementing the plan,"  shared Darrell.  If you are interested in volunteering to help with the implementation of a bold and vibrant Diocesan Youth Ministry,  please e-mail Darrell Whitaker.

Hear from our Ministry Architect Consultants:

"​We had a collection of rich youth ministry experience and wisdom from the participants which was vital to the visioning process. We are very pleased with the work and the documents that came out of the weekend. There is so much promising, positive energy for the youth ministry in your diocese so we are very hopeful about the future. I loved hearing the newspaper articles and headlines (as you know) and was pleasantly surprised at how well everyone articulated their hopes and dreams. There is a lot of work ahead of us and the Design Team but we are very encouraged by the commitment of both the participants and the bishop, to youth ministry in the EDOH.

Personally, visiting Hawai'i was such a gift! I had an extra day of relaxation and rejuvenation plus healing. My ankle/foot was incredibly better when I flew home! I think that has something to do with the spirit of the people, Camp Mokule'ia, and the beauty of Oahu/northern shore.  I hope to come back someday!"
​-- Sara Bailey, Lead Consultant

"​​Realizing that we are still just at the beginning of our work, words can hardly express the value of what we have learned already about the beautiful state of Hawai'i, the ongoing work of the church on the islands, and the unique nature of Hawaii's land, culture, and people. 

​We are at the same time honored and humbled, privileged and paused by the work that we are doing and will do alongside the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i. The youth of Hawai'i, both inside and outside the church, have a great treasure to find along the way of the spiritual journey, and it is our joy to work as fellow guides for the work.

May God bless us all as we walk this journey together. We are thankful for the vision, passion, and enthusiasm for youth ministry in the diocese and look forward to the next eighteen months of laboring together for youth ministry in the diocese."
-- David Carroll, Lead Consultant

​Participants at this summit were:  From Camp Mokule'ia, Darrell Whitaker, Seini Lino, Nara McDonald, Elizabeth Attaway; Diocesan representatives, the Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham and Sybil Nishioka;  Lorri Dillon from St. James, Waimea; the Rev. Heather Patton Graham from 'Iolani School, Honolulu; Cami Pascua from All Saints' Kapa'a; Gail Pottenger and Marcus Pottenger from Epiphany, Honolulu;  the Rev. Katlin McCallister from Holy Apostles Hilo; Jessie Hoffman and Jane Tonokawa from Emmanuel, Kailua, and the Rev. Amy Crowe from Holy Innocents, Lahaina.

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​Sybil Nishioka, Editor and Communications Contractor, Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i