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Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership Discipling Event

WIYLDE 1 July 13-17, 2008
WIYLDE 2 and Extreme WIYLDE July 12-17, 2008

Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership Discipling Event is a ministry and leadership workshop for high school youth in Iowa. It is supported by all three ELCA Iowa synods.

Continuing in 2008- First year participants (WIYLDE 1) will register Sunday, July 13 at noon. Returning participants (WIYLDE 2 and Extreme WIYLDE) will register Saturday, July 12 by 5:00 p.m. This will allow extra time for WIYLDE 2 and Extreme WIYLDE to prepare Bible studies and for other leadership roles

Registration information

Registration fee is $200. Check with your synod LYO and church for scholarships. Registration deadline is June 20, 2008 or when full. Registration will be limited to 80 students including 40 first year, 25 second year and 15 third year. Click here for printable registration forms for Year 1--Word or Adobe PDF. Click here for printable registration forms for Years 2 and 3--Word or Adobe PDF.

For further information contact: Vocation Program Administrative Assistant at barcco01@luther.edu or call (563) 387-1327. See below for Frequently Asked Questions and more photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WIYLDE? WIYLDE (Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership and Discipling Event) is designed for youth, grades 9-12. It is a youth ministry leadership workshop. It is an opportunity for young people to grow in their own faith and take tools back to their home congregations to provide leadership in the youth ministry program. Each participant will learn:

• How to help plan and lead worship
• How to lead a Bible study
• Where to find youth ministry materials
• How to help organize youth events

EXTREME WIIYLDE will include more intensive leadership training and opportunties. Participants are asked to write a faith statement and send it to Sara McCaw at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi St., Dubuque, IA 52001. Please send your statement by
July 1. Please include the following in your statement of faith:

1. A scripture verse that is meaningful to you and an explanation of why it is meaningful.
2. A statement of your understanding of the trinity (God the father, God the son, and God the Holy Spirit)-you may use the Apostle's Creed as a guide.
3. A statement of your understanding of justification of grace through faith.
4. A statement about the importance of being involved in a church community.
5. Way that you are presently or think that you can be engaged in Christian service.
You are encouraged to talk to your parents, friends, pastor, or youth minister about your faith statement.

This is the eighth year for WIYLDE and we will have many second and third year students back who will provide peer leadership for the first year students.

What do you mean by grades 9-12? Students just finishing 8th grade are eligible with the approval of the pastor or youth director. Some students are not mature enough yet to handle the intense week. It should be decided on a case by case basis. Students finishing high school are eligible; college students are not.

How do I register? Your pastor or youth leader should have registration forms on hand.. Download forms here. Year 1--Word or Adobe PDF, Years 2 & 3--Word or Adobe PDF. Our office will also have forms which may be obtained by contacting Connie Barclay, Vocation Program Administrative Assistant, at (563) 387-1327 or barcco01@luther.edu.

What is the registration fee? The fee is $200 this year. Luther College's "Sense of Vocation" program is underwriting WIYLDE this year but on a greatly reduced basis. Please ask your church about a campership. The Northeast Iowa synod LYO offers scholarships. Contact Mark Anderson at the synod office for information: andersonm@neiasynod.org.

What should I bring? The weather will be warm so bring suitable clothing . Please be careful, however, that clothing is appropriate for a church environment. A modest swim suit is a must, as well as some grubbies that you don't mind getting dirty. Old tennis shoes for tubing down the river are good, too. Rain gear would be good, too. A little spending money for Whippy Dip runs or souvenirs is helpful but all your meals are provided. Cell phones are allowed but we respectfully ask that you limit your use to emergencies. Bring your Bible and your 3 ring binder if a second or third year participant. Former WIYLDE participants suggest bringing an extra blanket because the dorm can be cold. We are asking all participants to bring a copy of their church's 2007 annual report. Ask the church office for a copy.

Who staffs WIYLDE? WIYLDE is staffed by a variety of adults, all with experience in youth ministry or camp counseling. 2008 co-directors are Sara McCaw, youth leader at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Dubuque and Culynn Curtis, youth leader at Calmar Lutheran in Calmer.

Is transportation available? Yes, a limited number of Luther vans will be available to return students to locations in Iowa. Due to the early arrival of WIYLDE 2 and Extreme WIYLDE, some carpooling or church vans will need to be coordinated. Our office is willing to help with this.

What happens in an emergency? Luther College provides security 24 hours a day so if there are any problems, help is available. WIYLDE staff should be contacted immediately. Also, there are resident hall personnel on duty for help as needed. Parents, if you need to contact your student during the day, call Connie Barclay in the Vocation Program Office, Main 125, at (563) 387-1327. Otherwise, all calls during the evening and night should be directed to (563) 387-2000. There are phone cards for sale in the Luther Book Shop if participants need access to long distance service. If medical help is needed, staff people will help and consult with parents as needed. A copy of your insurance card should be included with registration.

The excitement for WILYDE 2008 is growing-join us!