High School

• Fellowship
• Love
• Obedience
• Outreach
• Discipleship

Mark Chapman
Director of Student Ministry
(949) 837-4765, ext. 211
mchapman@genevapres.org

Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 1 | Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 2

January 2008 Parent and Youth Newsletter (.pdf, opens in new window)

Our high school "FLOOD" group has a mission — to provide a place where every 9th through 12th grader feels comfortable, is greeted by name and is ensured a high five or hand shake. And, perhaps most importantly, it's a place where everyone feels accepted and wanted, not only by God, but by each other. High school is a time where students can not only continue to mature in their own faith, but prepare to share their faith with others. The programs offered for our FLOOD students listed below allow them this opportunity.

Sunday Worship
Geneva's Middle and High Schoolers meet Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM in the youth room - complete with ping-pong table and old, beat-up couches - for a time of worship and Bible study. The two groups begin the morning together singing contemporary praise songs with guitar accompaniment, then separate for Bible study. Many of our youth also attend our 9:30 AM contemporary worship service which is held in Simpson Hall.

Core Groups
These small groups are at the center of Geneva's youth program. Two adult volunteers lead each group of approximately 6-12 students (divided according to grade and gender) in all activities, from discussion time during our midweek LOGOS program (see below) to fun days at the beach. Core Group Leaders receive training and nurturing from the Team Leaders and Pastors. Members of a Core Group bond together to become a church "family". These groups give students the opportunity to develop and nurture close friendships as well as provide a more intimate and safe environment for spiritual questions and discussion.

Music
Geneva has a tradition of nurturing highly skilled musicians and vocalists within the local church family. Middle and High School bands lead worship for both the Wednesday night LOGOS program and on Sunday mornings. All band members are comprised of Geneva youth and practice weekly, or as needed.

Retreats and Camps Summer (week-long); Winter (weekend only)
Camps are a vital part of the youth ministry at Geneva. Students can get away from their everyday schedules in a safe and nurturing environment, grow in their relationship with God and build lifelong friendships.

In the summer, the FLOOD group enjoys a week together on a house boat, shared with high school groups from other churches.
Houseboats 2009 August 9-14: Register Now! Spots are still available. $475; $100 non-refundable deposit.

In the winter, a weekend away in a more traditional camp setting gives kids a chance to bond and worship.

Summer Drama Camp
Geneva is thrilled to make the wonderful world of musical theater come alive! High school students up to age sixteen can participate in this week-long, morning program which culminates with two evening performances in front of a live audience. Geneva's drama camps are lead by Kathleen Chapman and Nancy Matossian.

The original musicals are written and directed by Kathleen and are tailored for each cast. Nancy is a professional choreographer and co-directs. Not only do Kathleen and Nancy produce a musical theater experience through a fun learning environment pleasing to the Lord, they are also experts at identifying the level of participation that is comfortable for each participant.

Short-Term Mission
One of the highlights of the year for the FLOOD group is the week-long Vacation Bible School they both prepare and lead for children in Mexico during spring break. It's an opportunity for our high school students to step out of their "comfort zone" and see the world through different eyes. It also allows them to use their gifts, abilities and resources to share the compassion of Christ with others.

However, mission work doesn't necessarily mean helping people far away. Our FLOOD group does plenty to reach out to others within the church who need their help. For instance, many of the programs designed for younger children could not be done without the help of our high school students. Vacation Bible School, the Pumpkin Carnival and Easter Egg Hunt are successful in large part to their contributions. Additionally, our High School kids are beginning to get involved in youth ministry as leaders-in-training for the Middle School, "Shine" group.

Fundraising and Scholarships
Each student at Geneva has an "individual scholarship account" where money they earn through church fundraising may go toward participation in future youth events. Partial and full scholarships are also granted on an individual basis.

Kevin O'Neill Scholarship
This is a fund-raising and grant program for students who are continuing their education beyond high school. This ministry designates awards based on scholastic achievement, Christian commitment, goals, contributions to the community and faith at Geneva. To download the 2008 application, click here and follow the instructions. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 29. A copy of your most recent transcript must be included.

Advent Celebration
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, youth and adults gather for an evening of making holiday crafts and decorating the sanctuary for the Christmas season. Dinner is provided. The highlight of the evening is carol singing in the sanctuary and singing "Silent Night" under the stars in the courtyard.

Father/Daughter Dinner
Fathers and daughters get to enjoy dinner together followed by a special speaker or musical act, or both! However, the highlight of this annual Spring event is the awards ceremony. Bring your appetite and your sense of humor to this highly anticipated event.