Duke Divinity School is trying something a little different than the typical youth summer camp experience in which so many church kids participate. The folks in the Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation (DYA) are basically recreating a monastic/semarian experience.
From an article posted on the United Methodist website:
“Instead of typical youth ministry fare such as whitewater rafting or ski trips, DYA offers days that begin and end with worship and are punctuated throughout with study, work, common meals and rest.
It’s a strange rhythm for today’s youth: 16- and 17-year-old kids hear lectures from seminary professors and work with artists as they learn to integrate art and Christian faith. They engage in local service projects and they spend time intentionally doing nothing.
In short, for two weeks the DYA kids live something like a monastic life.
And get this: they love it.”
Read the full article here.