The Bay of Quinte Conference Annual Meeting CAM 2011 is taking place at Cambridge Street United Church in Lindsay. The theme is the Tree of Life. The theme presenter is the present moderator of the United Church of Canada, Marti Tindal.
Running parallel to the general conference is the Youth Conference. Marly Bown and David Kai Numbers of those attending the youth portion are up from last year. 50 or so in 2010 and 60 plus in 2011. The youth and the adults associated with the youth forum follow a separate program that intersects at points with the general conference. The youth bring energy to the event and put on view their capacity for leadership. Some members of the youth section are also voting members in the court of the Conference.
I am one of the leaders of the small groups of youth -- identified under the sycamore tree. The first evening the group members shared something about background and current interests. They talk about "social justice" and "care for the environment" as personal priorities.
There is so much happening here. Michiko is flamboyant in striped pajama trousers. She is leading Yoga before breakfast. Later she is Spanish style long black skirt topped by a turquoise shirt. She is a student of politics at Western and has just returned from a group trip to El Salvador and Guatemala. We played with a Spanish language conversation over over pita supper last evening.
Jonathan (Jon) rapidly develops on all fronts. He has plans to replace his riding's M.P., if not four years, then eight years from now. At 17 he has time to make long range plans. His guitar skills advance and he leads us in a jam session of Beatle songs.
The volume of conversation rises in the rooms. We learn various techniques for gaining silence -- hand raised up, mouth closed shut. Shy youth learn to speak. The group show insight and compassion. Being with them lifts me up.
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