Branching Out

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.


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:

Both the Boys Group and the Girls Group meet regularly. You can see more information on those below. In addition to the Boys Group and the Girls Groups, please also consider joining us for our other Branching Out events. More Branching Out events will be added over time. But first, check out our plans for Summer 2027!

Damascus Camp

Join Branching Out at Damascus (Summit Lake Campus) for a week of Catholic sleep-away camp! Grow in faith and friendship while having a blast!

  • Dates: July 4 - July 9
  • Registration period: SJN reserved spots close on October 31!
  • Registration is done through the camp.
  • Cost: $670 (Scholarships can be requested directly through the camp. Please reach out to Angela Davis (by 10/25) if the cost is still prohibitive as the parish may be able to assist or find a sponsor.)
  • Who: All current 5th-7th graders at SJN. (Rising 6th-8th graders this coming Summer.)
  • Location: Summit Lake Camp in Emmitsburg, MD (7610 Hampton Valley Rd)
  • Transportation: Families are responsible for their youth's transportation.
  • Angela Davis will be present at camp during the majority of daytime hours and will communicate with parents throughout the week.


More information / helpful links:


Registration Information:

Branching Out WEEK

Join us for a day-camp style week of fun, service, outings, faith, and friendship!

  • Dates: July 19 - July 23
  • 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: Opens January 1
  • 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:

  • 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 10th graders and must apply and interview for this role. Youth Leaders do NOT need to register here. Youth Leaders will need to attend training meetings. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) or see the website if you have any questions!
  • JUNIOR LEADERS: Rising 9th grade youth may apply to be a "junior leader" but still need to register as a camper.

Small Group Communities for 6th-8th Grade Youth!

Want to dive deeper into your faith while building friendships and having fun? Join the Branching Out Girls Group or Boys Group and get started today!

Boys Group meets regularly (about twice a month) to grow in faith and friendship. Boys meet both on-site and at 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! Emails with information on how to RSVP will be sent out for each event. 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 rising 6th - rising 9th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)


SEE OUR SPRING CalendaR!

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! Show up and we'll email you the registration info! 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 rising 6th - rising 9th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)


GIRLS GROUP IS ON BREAK UNTIL

Branching Out WEEK

Join us for a day-camp style week of fun, service, outings, faith, and friendship!

  • Dates: July 6 - July 10
  • 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: REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Please email Angela at adavis@saintjn.org to inquire if spots are available.
  • Cost: $275 (full and partial scholarships are 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:

  • 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 10th graders and must apply and interview for this role. Youth Leaders do NOT need to register here. Youth Leaders will need to attend training meetings. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) or see the website if you have any questions!
  • JUNIOR LEADERS: Rising 9th grade youth may apply to be a "junior leader" but still need to register as a camper.