During the week of Annual Session, Young Friends (YFs) gather from Tuesday to Sunday in dorm style housing on the campus of Frostburg State University. The daily routine is much fuller than at a regular conference, and YFs are welcomed into the larger Yearly Meeting community for several all-age events. This year the schedule will make time to build the YF community through workshops, business meeting, committee meetings, worship sharing and games. YFs will integrate with the larger BYM community at meals, evening lectures, produce department, and coffee house. There is a Schedule of Events. If you have never attended Annual Session before, some of the information in the Interchange may seem confusing. If you have questions, contact the Alison Duncan at the Yearly Meeting Office or Young Friends BYM Co-planners, Brenna Walsh and Celeste Robinson. Read through all of the information in this Interchange to learn more.
The Young Friends program begins Tuesday afternoon. Anyone of high school age who arrives prior to this time should plan to participate in the Yearly Meeting Retreat. While Young Friends have the opportunity to room on their own floor during the program, housing on Monday night must be with a parent or sponsor.
EVERYONE must pre-register. (Complete forms and mail to the Yearly Meeting office.) If you realize that you can make it after the June 27 deadline, PLEASE CALL the Yearly Meeting Office. YFs are welcome to register for just a day, or for a few days. Keep in mind that, unlike Young Friends Conferences during the year, you must have an adult sponsor present at Annual Session.
PLEASE NOTE THAT to be on campus at all, you must GET YOUR NAME TAG from the registration desk. Please check the registration hours listed earlier in this Interchange. Please look for Alison Duncan if you show up on campus and have not checked-in yet at the registration desk.
Financial Assistance: First apply to your local Meeting for assistance. The Yearly Meeting Youth Programs will match your Meeting’s contribution. You could also consider a work grant from Junior Yearly Meeting as a way to defer costs. If you are able, please consider making a contribution to this Scholarship Fund. Also, if it is your first time attending Annual Session, you may request a 2-day ‘first time attender’ voucher from your local Meeting.
Workshops: YFs will participate in three workshops from three different workshop leaders along the theme for Annual Session this year.
Produce Department: There will be a planning session for this event on Tuesday at 11:30 pm.
