Every three years, in accordance with General Convention Resolution #1982-D079, the Episcopal Church convenes an international youth event so “that the energy of the youth of the Episcopal Church can continue to be utilized in active ministry as members of the Body of Christ.” Since the first EYE (pronounced E-Y-E) in 1982, this popular event has welcomed thousands of young people from across the Episcopal Church for celebration, worship, learning, and leadership training.
The next Episcopal Youth Event (EYE20) will be held in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Washington D.C. from July 7-11, 2020. Cost per participant for EYE is $100. EYE is open to youth currently in 9th – 12th grades, or equivalent and who will be between the ages of 15 and 19 at the time of the event. Applications are due online by January 6th, 2020. Decisions will be released by January 13th, 2020. For more info visit https://events.episcopalchurch.org/eye/
What is the Episcopal Youth Event? EYE is a triennial event for the entire Episcopal Church About 1500 people (high school students, their adult mentors, and Bishops from across the church) come together and live on a college campus for 5 days. Time is spent in amazing and memorable worship, large group presentations, small group discussions led by peers, workshops on a variety of topics plus a lot of time hanging out and meeting people from around the world.
Why would a student want to go? EYE is a once in a lifetime experience for an Episcopal youth! You can meet Episcopalians from all over. You’ll get to know people who share your Episcopal faith in all of its diversity. You’ll be able to take part in HUGE and EXCITING liturgy (people can volunteer as acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers). You’ll learn some new things, grow and change as you broaden your experience and watch God move in others (and in yourself). And you’ll be able to sleep in a college dorm and experience college cafeteria food (ok, maybe not a selling point, but still an experience!).
Why would you want your child/parishioner to go? Back in the middle ages, communities used to send forth pilgrims. Knowing that the entire community couldn’t travel to a holy place for prayer and supplication, they’d choose one person and send that person to go to represent all. This is what you would be doing. The young person you send will grow and experience things in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Then he and she will come back and bring that experience into your community. You will all grow and change because of this one person’s experience.
Who should apply? While we encourage everyone to apply, we will be bringing a delegation of diverse young leaders who represent the breadth of our Diocese. We will be choosing people through an application process to ensure that the selected youth are ready to experience the greater church and her diversity, and who also demonstrate capacity to bring home what they have experienced and learned to share with their peers and members of our Diocese. We will have a diverse group of faithful, mature high schoolers, along with adults enthused about learning with them, and empowering and equipping them to be disciples in the world. All members of our delegation will need to be able to handle travel (air & public transit), to speak up in groups, to have the language to share their own faith journeys, and to be trustworthy in honoring the covenant for behavior required of all participants.
Concerning the price: The estimated total cost for EYE is $1000 per person. This amount includes meals, lodging, program costs, and all transportation, and a t-shirt. Youth should bring additional money for souvenirs, personal snacks/drinks, and meals while traveling. The Diocese is generously subsidizing this event, which will reduce the amount each participant must pay to $100, in addition to personal spending money.
How do I apply? Using this form, submit an application before January 6th. Additionally, you will need 1 reference submitted by the clergy by January 6th. The reference form can be found right here.
How do I pay? Once our youth delegates to EYE have been selected they will be notified by email in which they will receive a link to an online registration page. There you can pay by credit card or find instructions to pay by check.
Why is the application deadline so early?
Yes, applications are due January 13th, but we don’t leave for another 7 months. Why?
Spots are limited. If the application is left open, the page will time out and your application will not submit. You will recieve a confirmation immediately when your application is properly submitted.
I hope you will consider applying (or giving this to a young person who is interested). Do not hesitate to contact Katie Chapman (Katie@epiwla.org) if you have any questions!