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. Registration links and information for each event is below!
Morning at Monster Golf
Join us for a morning of mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and more!
- Date: April 10
- Time: 10am-12pm
- Registration period: now-April 8 (space may become limited)
- Cost: $25 (price includes mini-golf, laser tag, $5 at the arcade, and more) (use coupon code FREE if you'd like a scholarship)
- Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth
- Location: Drop-off and pick-up will be at Monster Golf in Chantilly.
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
Service Night
Come help us FEED THE HUNGRY! Join us for dinner and a night of service! We will be cooking to contribute to our SJN Shelter Meal ministry along with other service projects.
- Date: April 19
- Time: 6pm-8pm
- Registration period: now-April 19 (space may become limited)
- Cost: $5 (use coupon code FREE if you'd like a scholarship)
- Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth
- Service Hours: Youth will complete about 1.5 hours of service during this event.
- Location: SJN - Auditorium
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
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: April 25
- Time: 2pm-9pm
- Registration period: now-April 12 (space may become limited)
- Cost: $40 (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
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
Branching Out Youth Nights
Youth nights can have a variety of themes. We have a few upcoming Youth Nights who’s themes are still TBD. Mark your calendar now and check back soon for more details!
- Future Dates: April 19
- May 3 (6pm)
- May 17 (6pm)
- June 7 (6pm)
- Time: 6pm-TBD
- Registration: TBD
- Cost: TBD
- Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth
- Location: SJN
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
Adoration
Spend time with Jesus and friends! Join us for dinner and Eucharistic Adoration!
- Date: May 7
- Time: 5:30pm-7pm
- Registration period: now-May 6
- Cost: $5 (use coupon code FREE if you'd like a scholarship)
- Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth
- Location: SJN - Treehouse Room (B6)
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
Taize
Spend time with friends and in prayer! Join us for dinner and Taize prayer!
- Date: June 3
- Time: 6:30pm-8:15pm
- Registration period: now-June 2
- Cost: $5 (use coupon code FREE if you'd like a scholarship)
- Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth
- Location: SJN - Treehouse Room (B6)
Volunteers Needed: Adult chaperones needed. Please contact Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) if you would like to help!
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: now-June 15 (if the event is full, we will start a waiting list)
- 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.
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 26 - July 31
- Registration period: until camp is full
- Registration is done through the camp.
- It is essential that you inform that camp that your youth is part of St. John Neumann's group so that our youth can be assigned to the same small groups.
- It is also essential that you inform Angela (adavis@saintjn.org) once you register so that we can keep an eye out for your youth and ensure they are with our group.
- Cost: $645 (scholarships may be available though the camp, contact Angela at adavis@saintjn.org if the camp is not able to assist)
- Who: All current 5th-8th graders at SJN. (Rising 6th-9th graders.)
- Location: Summit Lake Camp in Emmitsburg, MD (7610 Hampton Valley Rd)
- Transportation: Families are responsible for their youth's transportation.
More information:
- For more information regarding the camp, please see the DAMASCUS WEBSITE.
- For more information regarding Branching Out's involvement in the camp, please email Angela (adavis@saintjn.org).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER THROUGH THE DAMASCUS WEBSITE!!!
***MAKE SURE THE CAMP KNOWS THAT YOUR YOUTH IS PART OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH AND ALSO NOTIFY ANGELA (adavis@saintjn.org) SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS ASSIGNED TO THE SAME GROUPS AS OTHER SJN YOUTH.
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! 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.) ***Current 5th Grade youth are invited and encouraged to begin joining us beginning on April 29!!!
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! 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.) ***Current 5th Grade youth are invited and encouraged to begin joining us beginning on April 21st and 26th!!!
SEE OUR SPRING CalendaR!
Family Resource: Exploring Racism
This is an at-home family lesson plan to explore the issue of racism together. It is intended for families with youth 5th-12th grade and can be used by anyone at our parish.
CLICK HERE to access this resource for your family.
