Middle School Youth Ministry
Branching Out is the Middle School (6th-8th Grade) Youth Ministry program at St. John Neumann parish. Branching Out aims to provide a number of opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to engage in service-oriented, social, and faith-growing experiences to complement the Rooted program. As we become more ROOTED in our faith, we are called to BRANCH OUT as Christ’s hands in the world around us. (Youth do NOT need to be in Rooted to join Branching Out opportunities.)
Please contact Angela Davis (adavis@saintjn.org) if you have any questions.
Related SJN Ministries:
- Rooted (SJN’s Middle School Faith Formation program for 6th-8th grade youth)
- Teen Confirmation (Information for teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation at SJN)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
According to Diocesan policy, cell phones and other “smart” devices (tablets, watches, etc.) are prohibited for youth during events.
During events, Angela Davis can usually be reached by call or text at her work cell at 571-306-3341. This number is NOT checked regularly except during specific events and we do not always get reliable cell service. This is not a good place to leave messages or texts except important information needing to be communicated DURING events.
Full and partial scholarships are available for most events, contact Angela to inquire.
Friends from outside the parish are often welcome, contact Angela to inquire.
ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are in need of adult chaperones and other volunteers for many of our Branching Out events and groups. Please consider volunteering! Email Angela Davis (adavis@saintjn.org) to discuss!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Parish Lenten Mission
Join us with other youth in attending our parish’s annual Lenten Mission! This year’s theme is “Practical Holiness” and the presenter is our own Fr. Michael!!! The Mission is open to all and below are the times/locations specific for our Branching Out youth.
- Dates/Times:
- March 23 – 6pm-8pm
- 6pm-7pm – Dinner in the Narthex (and then downstairs in the Treehouse room)
- 7pm-8pm – Mission in the Church
- March 24 – 6pm-8pm
- 6pm-7pm – Dinner in the Treehouse room
- 7pm-8pm – Mission in the Church
- March 25 – 6:30pm-8:15pm
- 6:30pm-7pm – Snacks in the Treehouse room (no dinner)
- 7pm-8pm – Mission in the Church
- 8pm-8:15pm – Dessert in the Narthex
- March 23 – 6pm-8pm
- Registration period: now-June 15 (space may become limited)
- Cost: Free
- Who: All current 6th-8th grade youth
LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING SO WE CAN HAVE ENOUGH FOOD!
More information can be found on the SJN page about Lenten opportunities.
8th-12th GRADE YOUTH ONLY!
Lenten Youth Ministry Lock-In
The High School Youth Ministry has invited all 8th grade youth to join with them for their annual Lenten Lock-In! Enjoy a special time of fellowship, food, and faith as you prepare for and reflect on the coming Holy Week together.
- Dates: April 11-12
- Time: 5:30pm-8:30am
- Registration period: now through April 6
- Cost: $15 (scholarships are available)
- Who: All current 8th-12th graders at.
- Location: SJN
More information can be found on the SJN page about Lenten opportunities.
BASH
BASH is like a big Catholic carnival just for 6th-8th graders. It is offered by the Diocese each Spring and includes youth from all over the Diocese. BASH consists of Mass, dinner, delicious treats, games, gaga ball, rides, inflatables, a speaker / performer, and quality time together!
- Date: May 10
- Time: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Registration period: now-May 1 (space may become limited)
- Cost: $35 (Scholarships available, email Angela at adavis@saintjn.org) (price includes transportation, food, activities, and a BASH t-shirt)
- Who: Current 6th-8th Grade Youth
- Location / Itinerary:
- 2:00pm – Check-in at SJN
- Transport to Bishop O’Connell High School (Arlington, VA) via Chariots for Hire or other similar bus service.
- Arrive back at SJN for pickup around 9:00pm
More information:
- Promo video COMING SOON!
- Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
WEEK (Branching Out WEEK) – Summer 2025
Join us for a week of fun, service, outings, faith, and friendship!
- Dates: July 7 – July 11
- Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
- Participants are welcome to arrive as early as 8:30am with prior notice.
- There will likely be approximately two days when everyone must arrive earlier for outings.
- Friday will likely end with an ice cream social for family and friends.
- Registration period: now-June 15 (space may become limited)
- Cost: $250 (full and partial scholarships may be available) (this cost includes all activities, fees, food, and transportation for outings)
- Who: All current 5th-8th graders at SJN. (Rising 6th-9th graders.) (If you would like to request to invite a friend/guest from outside the parish please contact Angela at adavis@saintjn.org to ensure space is available.)
- Service Hours: Youth will complete about 10 hours of service during Branching Out WEEK.
- Itinerary: An official itinerary will be published closer to the event. The week will likely include three outings, one for fun, one for faith, and one for service! We will also do activities and service work on-site at the church.
- Location: SJN will be our primary location.
- Transportation: We will transport to outings using a private bus service such as Chariots for Hire.
More information:
- Check out our video’s from year’s past below (found at the bottom of this page).
- Adult volunteers needed! Youth registration is discounted for children of volunteers. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
- YOUTH LEADERS: We are hoping to add Youth Leaders to the program this year. Youth Leaders must be at least rising 9th graders and must apply and interview for this role. Youth Leaders do NOT need to register. Youth Leaders will need to attend training meetings. More information will be available soon. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you have any questions!
Small Group Communities for 6th-8th Grade Youth!
Want to dive deeper into your faith while building friendships and having fun? Join the Girls Group or Boys Group and get started today!
BOYS GROUP
Boys Group meets regularly (about twice a month) to grow in faith and friendship. Boys meet on-site and do various outings throughout the year. Boys with busy schedules who may need to miss frequently are strongly encouraged to still join us when able!
- Registration Period: On-going. Youth can join at any time! New members are always welcome!
- Dates / Times: Dates and times vary, see the calendar linked below for more information.
- Commitment: We understand that youth and families are busy. We, of course, would prefer that every member makes it to every meeting/event we schedule, but we know that this is not realistic for everyone. Youth with an otherwise busy schedule are encouraged to join the group and show up when possible. We will be better because you are here!
- Location: Location varies. Most meetings are held at SJN in the Treehouse Room (B6) but we also do frequent outings.
- Cost: Free (Some outings require a fee but scholarships are usually available.)
- Who: All 6th-8th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)
Click Here to Register!!!
Current Members:
Get ready for our next meeting!
GIRLS GROUP
Girls Group meets regularly (about weekly) to grow in faith and friendship. Girls with busy schedules who may need to miss frequently are strongly encouraged to still join us when able!
- Registration Period: On-going. Youth can join at any time! New members are always welcome!
- Dates / Times: We have two groups. One who meets most Tuesdays 5:00pm-6:30pm and one who meets most Sundays 10:30am-12:00pm. Additional events / outings are scheduled at various days and time. See the calendar linked below for more information.
- Commitment: We understand that youth and families are busy. We, of course, would prefer that every member makes it to every meeting/event we schedule, but we know that this is not realistic for everyone. Youth with an otherwise busy schedule are encouraged to join the group and show up when possible. We will be better because you are here!
- Location: Most meetings are held at SJN in the Treehouse Room (B6).
- Cost: Free (We will occasionally send out a “wish list” for needed/wanted items. Some outings require a fee but scholarships are usually available.)
- Who: All 6th-8th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)
Click Here to Register!!!
Current Members:
Girls Group SPRING 2025 Calendar
Check out these photos and videos from past Branching Out events:
EDGE Camp – August 2022
Branching Out WEEK – June 2022
EDGE Camp – August 2021
Upper Room Zoom – April/May 2021
