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This just in!!!!
Michelle Admas has been hired as the Tahoe Coordinator 2007.
Michelle has served as the Volunteer Youth Ministry Coordinator at St. Mary's Parish in Gilroy for over 10 years.
She has earned her national certificate in Youth Ministry from the Center for Ministry Development.
Michelle has served as co-coordinator for several Tahoe Retreats; NCYC; and several World Youth Day Pilgrimages over the last decade.
Welcome Michelle!
The first meeting of the planning committee will be Saturday November 25, 10 AM at the St Joseph conference Room at the Chancery.
At this meeting the committee will decide the following:
The theme
The youth chaplain
The Keynote

Tahoe Task Force Meeting, August 24, 2006

"At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish"

Youth from the Intersection

Summary
The Tahoe Experience is of such value to the faith life of the young people who attend, that it must be supported for the long term by the DSJ Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries .


Challenges:
Ø At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish

Ø Most youths in the DSJ are priced out of the experience

Ø Scholarships need to be made available in a way that is sensitive to the families in need

Ø Does not reflect the various ethnic groups in the DSJ-culture and parental discomfort is a factor

Ø Tahoe is far to travel, especially for clergy and other lay ecclesial ministers who could otherwise become advocates of youth and the experience

Ø Disconnect between the experience and parish life-no follow-up or mystagogy for youth back home

Ø Language of the retreat is primarily focused on a generic "Jesus-me" spirituality and needs to move toward the language of the Church which is focused on the Risen Christ in the community (catechesis) Weak with regard to Catholic Social Teaching

Ø No accountability to ensure that workshops, liturgies, reflect the pastoral theology of the DSJ Office of Youth and Young Adults

Ø Direct Service aspect of the retreat is out of line with the primary function of the Office of Youth and Young Adults

Ø Time of year is getting more difficult for the summer

Ø Expenses are increasing faster than the ability to increase the price

Ø Participant numbers need to be solidified 90 days in advance to make budget

Ø Present structure is unsustainable leading to possible burn out


Values:
Ø At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish

Ø Young people experience acceptance and community from their peers and staff

Ø Liturgies are energizing and engaging

Ø Music energizes the youth

Ø Friendships begin and continue long afterward

Ø Reconciliation is a deeply relevant experience

Ø Community

Ø Evangelization

Ø Young Adults are role models that the youths want to emulate

Ø Great mix between, evangelization, fun and activities

Ø Workshops engage youth and set the stage to go deeper into their experience.

Ø Reaches out to teens where they are at

Ø Directors and staff understand where kids are at

Ø Most components of comprehensive YM can be found at Tahoe to some extent


Consensus on the following:
A Tahoe Board comprised of experts in their field who are Keepers of the Vision with the Associate for Youth and Young Adults and who will provide the following:

Long term planning toward solutions to the challenges such as:

1. Fiscal accountability
2. Rising costs
3. Representation of all ethnicities
4. Pastoral theology that reflects the office of youth and young adults and the pastoral plan of the DSJ
5. Understanding of comprehensive youth ministry location
6. Time of year change
7. Support and connection to parishes


This board, because of their expertise, is available to the Tahoe Directors for consultation* in the various ministries that comprise the Tahoe experience. For example, a liturgist for liturgies, an accountant for budget concerns, a priest who can advocate this experience to the body of presbyters, a catechist who can be consulted regarding catechetical processes, etc. The board does not supervise the Tahoe Directors, but their work needs to be reviewed by these experts for theological and liturgical correctness, and for possible suggestions/recommendations.


The Tahoe Directors Implement the Vision

Next meeting: Early September to flesh out and clarify with Associate definitions and distinction between the Board and the Directors

Tahoe 2006 Registration Forms Here

Q & A:
1.If our parish sends a check for $1,500 to the Diocese as a deposit for 15 children to attend Tahoe Unplugged, is the deposit refundable, and / or can it be applied to the balance if less than 15 children attend?

The deposit is non-refundable, but it is transferable up until May 14th to another youth to go to Tahoe. It will not be applied to the balance. Ifyou have trouble finding a youth to take the spot of a slot you have reserved, please let us know. We may have a youth from another parish on our waiting list that it can be applied to and they will re-pay you the deposit. Also, the 15 is the max for the initial slot reservation. From there, if applicable, we will take youth on a first come, first served basis until the retreat is full.

2.What are the things to bring and not to bring?
What to Bring:
· Sleeping Bag & Pillow
· Beach Towel
· Towel
· Toiletries for the Stay
· Clothing for the Stay (5 days)
· Flashlight
· Food Money (at least $30 to cover food to and from Tahoe)
· Other money (Optional activities and additional daytime snacks)
· Bug Spray
· Sunscreen
· Water Bottle
· Bible
· Paper, Pen & Pencil
· Any Prescription Medications you are taking: These must be turned in to the Retreat/Camp Leader or Nurse upon arrival and check-in if you are a minor.
· Copy of Insurance Card
· Hospitality/snack items
· Service Project donation

What not to bring
· Drugs%

Retreat Experiences are Essential for Young People

The following is from the book: Effective Practices for Dynamic Youth Ministry. Thomas East, Ann Marie Eckert, Dennis Kurtz, and Brian Songer-Towns. Saint Mary's Press, 2004
Youth Retreats have a unique ability to touch the hearts of young people. Retreat Expereinces help build communities of faith, help youth grow closer to God, and draw them back into active involvement in parish life. Simply put, retreats have the power to change the lives of young people, calling them more deeply into Christian discipleship.

Tahoe 2005--We provide workshops on non-violence...

...peace and justice......

Tahoe 2004--Are young people spiritual?

WALKING THE LABYRINTH

Tahoe 2004-Group picture

One rule for Tahoe is the group picture we take right before leaving. It takes a while to fit us all in the frame of the camera person-but we manage !!!!
Can you see me? I am wearing a white T-shirt.

Tahoe 2002--Sitting On the Dock By the Lake

Free time on the dock. We always have two licensed lifeguards on duty.

Tahoe 2004

This is another view of the amphitheatre. This was the last Mass on Friday before leaving. The youth were asked to come up around the altar for a blessing if they were considering vocation in Church ministry.

Tahoe 2002- Amphitheatre

This the amphitheatre at Tahoe where all our mass celebrations take place

Tahoe 2003 Logo

Tahoe 2005: Tahoe Film Festival

Tahoe 2004 Logo

Tahoe 2004: Encountereing Christ Within
Logo for T-shirts by Steve Do.
"God Created humankind in his own Image"
Genesis 1:27