The Episcopal Youth Community of Southwest Florida

Youth & Young Adults

The Episcopal Youth Community of Southwest Florida (EYCSWFL) strives to be open, authentic, and welcoming group of emerging adults (Third grade through College) that walk alongside each other in our journeys with Christ. Wherever you are in that journey, we invite you to join us whether that be through our retreats, summer camp, youth groups, or other activities.

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Explore Our Programs

We offer several programs throughout the calendar year that allow young people to have fun, build friendships, and experience God in meaningful ways.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings is a retreat weekend for Youth in the Diocese of Southwest Florida at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center. This retreat weekend is focused on Middle School participants but staffed by High School youth and adults from our Diocese. The goal of New Beginnings is to help youth recognize and grow in their relationships with God, each other, family, and friends. On the retreat weekend, youth can expect to hear short talks, sing songs, play games, see skits, and participate in small group discussions. Join us at our next retreat on September 27-29 at DaySpring.

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Happening

The goal of Happening is to offer an experience that strengthens one’s personal relationship with God. Happening is created to allow space for high schoolers to have an experience that strengthens their personal relationships with God. Throughout the weekend, students will experience talks, skits, and worship that allow them to think about the ways that they see God working in their lives. Join us at our next retreat on April 5-7 at DaySpring.

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Upcoming Summer Camp Sessions:

Session 1: June 4-7, Half Session Elementary Camp (Grades 3-5)

Session 2: June 9-14, High School Camp (Grades 9-12)

Session 3: June 16-21, Middle School Camp (Grades 6-8)

Session 4: June 23-June 28, Elementary Camp (Grades 3-5) 

Session 5: July 7-12, Middle School Discovery Camp (Grades 6-8)

Session 6: July 14-19, High School Discovery Camp (Grades 9-12)

DaySpring Summer Camp

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is proud to offer summer camp at DaySpring Conference Center. Established in 1983, DaySpring is located on a historic 97-acre campus along the Manatee River.

Campers experience fun, spiritual, and challenging activities that aim to deepen their faith and strengthen their friendships. In groups, campers learn team-building skills and are challenged on the ropes course, canoe, and kayak on the Manatee River. They play games, create arts and crafts, and experience God’s love through great music, worship, and food.

Campers love returning to DaySpring each summer to see their old friends and make new ones. The camp sessions are led by chaplains (Episcopal Priests and Youth Ministers) that work with summer staff to offer programs that are meaningful and celebrate our Christ-centered diversity.

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Convention and Water & the Word

We love the curiosity, joy, and excitement youth bring to our events and want to nurture their spiritual gifts through programming at diocesan-wide gatherings including the annual Convention in October and Water & the Word Conference in the Spring.

Visit these events to learn more about youth offerings available each year.

Other Young Adult Ministries

  • School-Based Ministries

    The primary and secondary schools of the Diocese of Southwest Florida offer an array of youth programs, including camps, in-school, and after-school programs. In addition, many of our Episcopal schools in the Diocese of Southwest Florida employ full-time chaplains.

    Click Here for our Episcopal Schools Directory

  • College-based Ministries

    USF Campus Ministry Chaplain

    St Anselm’s Episcopal Chapel Center’s four core values are Spiritual Formation, Sacramental Life, Local Mission and Service, and Leadership Development.

    Our community seeks to nurture balanced living characterized by study, worship, mission, and spiritual depth. This focus is at the heart of our everyday life in Jesus Christ at the Episcopal Chapel Center.

    The Chapel Center is located on the USF campus in Tampa.
    12849 USF Sycamore Drive, Tampa, FL 33620.

    The Rev. Scott Nonken
    [email protected]

    SCF Campus Ministry Chaplain – Vacant

    The Campus Ministry Building is “a house of prayer for all people,” and a place where everyone feels welcome to find a quiet place for prayer or for study, as well as a place to come and relax and meet with friends.

    The mission of the Chaplaincy at State College of Florida is to be a welcoming house of prayer for all, providing a place of fellowship, counseling, and spiritual growth for the students, faculty, and staff.

    If you need a quiet place to study and spread out your materials, this is the place.
    If you want someplace to pray – no matter what your religion, this is the place.
    If you need a cup of coffee or just a friendly smile, this is the place.
    Campus Contact: Thomas Waters email (Student Volunteer).

    Contact information:

    Thomas Waters
    [email protected]

  • Parish-based Ministries

    Youth Leaders at individual churches offer a wide variety of programs, from weekly bible studies to mission trips.

    To find a church-based youth ministry near you, click on our Find A Church page.

    Programs offered at the parish level may include:

    • Episcopal Youth Community, or EYC
    • Confirmation and First Communion
    • J2A, or Journey to Adulthood
    • Messy Church
    • Godly Play
    • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Logos
    • Summer mission trips to sites including the U.S., Israel, Europe, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic

Meet Your Director

Matthew Bowers

Director of Youth Ministry and Programming
(941) 720-5514
[email protected]

Connect with Us