The Episcopal Youth Event

EYE (pronounced E-Y-E) stands for Episcopal Youth Event. It is a gathering of youth ages 15-19 or grades 9-12 from around the world who assemble on a college campus to learn, laugh, and worship together. It is the single greatest and second most significant event the Episcopal Church does.

The culture of EYE is like summer camp…a really, really big summer camp! Until you have seen it first-hand, the sight of over a thousand young people and adult leaders in one place is unimaginable. The enthusiasm of the young people in attendance is infectious, equaled only by the compelling commitment to their faith, showing the vitality of The Episcopal Church both now and in the future. This is also a time to show the Episcopal Church that there are Indigenous Episcopalians/Churches!

This event is also designed by youth for youth! With close to 1,500 people in attendance (including youth, their adult mentors, clergy, and bishops from around the church), EYE focuses on developing leadership skills, spiritual practices, and early stages of vocational discernment. Time is spent in worship (amazing, awesome, and authentic worship), large group presentations (from entertaining, educated, engaging folks), small group discussions, and workshops on a variety of topics (Participants select the workshops they wish to attend.), and time to hang-out and meet Episcopalians from around the world. Youth will get to know people who share their Episcopal faith in all of its diversity. They may even learn new things, grow, and change as they broaden their experience and watch God move in others (and in themself). And they’ll be able to sleep in a college dorm and experience college cafeteria food (ok, maybe not always a selling point, but still an experience!). Not to mention, our youth get to see, hear, and feel a new environment in Baltimore, Maryland.

Specific details about who the speakers will be and what workshops will be offered are not available…yet, but the proposed agenda breakdown is available below. A diverse team of youth is currently planning EYE from across the church to address the needs, interests, and realities of today’s young people. Do you think you can lead a workshop or a talk about Navajoland/culture? EYE is looking for youth-led workshops if you feel you have something to offer. If you are interested and need help planning, I can help! Just let me know so I can save you a spot on the event agenda!

Over the next few weeks, interested youth, whom their Clergy or GJ has contacted, will fill out the required forms to register before March 31^st. Then, over the next few months, youth will be required to gather at least once a month to meet and learn more about what to expect and more about the Episcopal church and some other youth who will attend. We will also find ways to fundraise to purchase shirts to wear each day at EYE. Please make sure you can attend these days and that you meet all the requirements below. A list of what to pack will be sent later. We are so excited about the opportunity to attend and that you are thinking of attending. Thank you, parents, for supporting your child and allowing them to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Attendance Criteria:

EYE23 participants must have turned at least 15 and be no older than 19 by July 4, 2023. Participants should be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2022-2023 school year, or equivalent, for students in non-traditional or non-US school settings. Current 9th graders who will be 14 on July 4, 2023, will have an opportunity to attend EYE26 as the Episcopal Youth Event is on a three-year cycle.

All EYE23 participants must be vaccinated in accordance with Executive Council’s recently adopted Model Vaccination Policy, which incorporates CDC Guidelines. Exemptions from vaccinations is only permitted for those who provide a physician’s notice for exemptions due to health concerns.

The Episcopal Church does not recognize nor does it provide religious exemptions from vaccinations.

All participants, youth and adult, are required to sign the Community Covenant for Behavior. Parents/guardians must also sign youth covenants so they understand the requirements and potential consequences if their child breaches the covenant.