St. John the Baptist Youth Ministry
SJB offers a wide variety of youth ministry opportunities and we encourage students in grade 6-12 to participate in as many as they are able. We have created one liability form that will allow your child(ren) to participate in all youth ministry programs such as Open Youth Room, Middle School Summits, Dgroups, High School Youth Events, Middle School Youth Events, small group meetings and one-on-one meetings with a mentor. Separate registration for Wednesday Night Bible Study/Middle School Formation and for Confirmation is still required.
Sign the Youth Ministry Liability Waiver!
Extreme Faith Camp
For Middle Schoolers
When: June 23-June 27, 2025
Where: Trinity Woods Camps in Trego Wisconsin (formerly Heartwood Resort)
Who: Our parish community! Current 5th-8th graders attend as campers. Current 9th-12th graders attend as leaders. Adults participate as leaders and chaperones.
What: High adventure activities, lake time, Mass, prayer experiences, messages of God’s love and so much more!
Cost: TBD
Registration for Middle Schoolers Open Here
For High Schoolers
If you are a high schooler or adult who is invested in your faith and the faith of our middle schoolers, please consider volunteering at Extreme Faith Camp next summer, June 21-27. See the role descriptions below. Applications are due March March 31!
Extreme Team
10th-12th graders who have already done prayer team are encouraged to apply to Extreme Team where they will lead or co-lead a group of middle schoolers throughout the week.
Extreme Team Application
Prayer Team
9th graders and those high schoolers who have not yet done prayer team are encouraged to apply. Students will spend their week in service, prayer, and formation to help them grow as disciples of Christ.
Prayer Team Application
Adult Leaders
Any adults who are interested in helping to put on camp this year– whether they are parents, teachers, or volunteers–are encouraged to fill out this interest form. Roles include leading small groups, supervising activities, acting as a camp nurse, giving testimonies, assisting with dramas, helping with prayer team etc.
Adult Interest Form
Contact Sarah with questions at wilders@stjohnnyb.org.
Merit-Based Scholarships!
Students can apply for a variety of scholarships based on their parish involvement as altar servers, liturgical ministers, serving at parish events, and participating in bible studies and discipleship groups. Each student may apply for multiple scholarships using one application. There is no limit to the amount of money that a student can be awarded. Applications will open on May 1st and are due on June 1st and will be based on the previous program year from June-May. For now, you can make a deposit of $100 per camper and follow up with the scholarship application later. Open the pdf to read a description of each scholarship. We encourage you to set goals with your child to earn a variety of scholarships over the course of this year.
Step 1: Read the scholarships and identify which ones your child may be able to qualify for.
Step 2: Set goals with your child to achieve the requirements.
Step 3: In May apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for.
Step 4: By July 1st, pay the remaining balance.
SJB Youth Ministry Scholarships 2024-2025
Middle School Opportunities
(Grades 6th-8th)
Wednesday Night Bible Study – Encounter the Story in Scripture
Our Middle School Formation program is growing and developing! We want this program to be a space where your child belongs and is built up in their Catholic faith and Catholic community! Your child will grow in their relationship with God, their familiarity with the scriptures, and their relationship with other faith-filled middle schoolers. Over three years, students will develop a firm foundation of faith to carry with them into high school and beyond. Incoming 6th graders will study the Old Testament. 7th graders will encounter the person of Jesus through the gospels. 8th graders will study the early Church through the lens of Acts. The program features a weekly scripture study, prayer, and a competition for the kingdom cup. The scripture study we will be following will be the Great Adventure Bible Timeline (modified by Sarah for middle schoolers). Not sure if you want to register? Come check it out first. Scholarships are available for students.
Program Components
Weekly Bible Study in Small Groups – Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm
Each group will have focused content that will challenge them to grow in their faith.
Monthly Parent Session – 1st Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm
Parents will be in small groups for discussion and large group for a presentation.
Cost $95
Middle School Formation Calendar 2024-25
Contact Sarah with questions at wilders@stjohnnyb.org.
Middle School Summit
Come join our middle school community on the 2nd Friday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm. The evening will include games, snacks, messages, and prayer. This is an opportunity for our middle schoolers to gather to grow in faith and fellowship with one another.
Schedule:
October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 7, March 14, April 11.
High School Opportunities (Grades 9-12)
Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Registration
Confirmation 2024-2025 Registration is now open for those in grades 9th—12th!
Here at SJB, our Confirmation Preparation is a 1-year, weekly, small group-based program including an off-site weekend retreat. Small Groups meet onsite on Sunday evenings the program runs from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
Program fee is $120 (price does not include the retreat). Registration will close soon.
Contact Sarah Dehnbostel with any questions at dehnbostels@stjohnnyb.org.
High School Youth Ministry
St. John’s high school youth ministry includes a monthly youth night and weekly discipleship groups. 9th-12th graders are invited to join a discipleship group for the year! Discipleship groups are groups of 6-8 teens with adult mentors who meet weekly to support one another in following Jesus! This year we will be doing bible studies on the new testament books of the bible. Students should fill out the form below.
The monthly large group events are open to any 9th-12th grader.
High School Youth Ministry Calendar 2024-2025
Contact Sarah if you or your high school student is interested in joining a discipleship small group to meet weekly to grow in their faith. wilders@stjohnnyb.org
Want to get on our email list?
We send out a weekly communication every Monday with an overview of our many programs and events. Send your contact information to wilders@stjohnnyb.org and we can add you!
Youth Ministry Communication Policy – updated 10.2.23
In accordance with Archdiocese communication policies, Youth Ministry now has a direct number! This number allows volunteers, parents, and teens in 9th grade and up to communicate directly with youth ministry staff. The Youth Ministry # is used by Sarah Dehnbostel and Sarah Wilder. It is monitored by Jill Fink, our Director of Discipleship and our Safe Environment Coordinator to ensure its proper use. For the purposes of our policies, direct messaging this number is not considered a private message because it is monitored by St. John’s staff. Therefore, high school youth may directly text the youth ministry number with a question about youth group, meeting locations and times, or a question of faith. For the full policy, see the attached document.