Archived Special Coverage

Summer youth events at Lake Junaluska

Summer youth events at Lake Junaluska

Church youth groups of all sizes are invited to Lake Junaluska for five Summer Youth Events June 17 to July 31.

Each event includes morning and evening worship led by a diverse panel of speakers and bands, small groups for spiritual formation and mission opportunities. Event speakers will draw inspiration from the theme, Get on the Boat!, based on Matthew 8:23.

“In the Gospels, the boat is a formational place where the disciples come together as a community to be taught, to learn to trust and to be launched into mission,” said the Rev. Mitzi Johnson, director of programming at Lake Junaluska. “We’re using the image of a boat, a historic symbol of Christian community, to help them see themselves as part of an adventurous crew with Christ as their able captain.”

Small groups, called “family groups,” will meet four different times per event to discuss different aspects of what it means to live in community. Youth will share ideas for how to create new communities, how to become a community in mission and how to pick up the pieces of a community shaken by trouble or tragedy. 

During each three or four-day event, youth will have afternoons free to explore the area. Lake Junaluska has partnered with Asheville Youth Mission, which allows groups the option to do an off-site mission project in the Asheville area for a nominal fee. Youth can also go ziplining or rafting, or simply stay on property and enjoy paddle boarding, slip-and-slide kickball or other recreation at Lake Junaluska.

One new element added to the 2018 Summer Youth Events is a time for spiritual formation workshops. Another addition is a special entertainment activity added to every event. Entertainment varies by event but includes outdoor movies, an illusionist, a special Sunday morning worship service in Stuart Auditorium and a talent show. 

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Lake Junaluska recently announced that it is investing more than $400,000 into youth and young adult housing. Many updates will happen by the start of the first summer youth event. The updates are made possible because of charitable gifts from multiple donors. The program is geared toward those in grades 6-12.

Groups can register by calling 800.222.4930, visiting www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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