Registration is open for 2025!
Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference is a transformational program that welcomes hundreds of middlers and their leaders from all over the country each summer. Participants attend keynotes, recreation, workshops, and worship designed by the Advocates (high school leaders) with them in mind. Encounter Groups provide an opportunity to reflect and learn alongside youth from other places, led by Advocates.
—2025 Dates—
Session 1: June 19-22
Session 2: June 24-27
Session 3: July 10-13
Session 4: July 15-18
Conference arrival is 1:30-3:30 on the first day,
and concludes with worship on the final day, usually ending around 11:30.
Registration deadline is two weeks before the conference starts
in order for our Program Team to finalize details.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Colleen Earp, Program Direcor:
colleen@massanettasprings.org
540-434-3829
Each year, the theme is determined by our planning team (Lead Advocates, Co-Directors, and Program Director) at the fall planning meeting, usually in early September. Each member of the planning team brings a scripture passage they think could make a strong conference theme. We spent the weekend studying, exploring, and praying about it, and narrowing down until we have our theme.
Our theme for middle school conference 2025 is “Holy Love, Wholly Loved,” taken from 1 John 4. We will explore the concept of God’s love for us which teaches us how to love others. We love God because God loves us and shows us perfect love. Loving God is loving people, and loving people is loving God. Additionally, we will think about how to navigate fear and how it hinders us from fully loving and being loved. Throughout each conference, we will explore this theme through movement and play, make it come to life through keynotes featuring skits, and reflect on it with discussions. -Lead Advocate members of the planning team
Massanetta Middle School Conference is an active, participatory event with worship, keynote, small group discussions, workshops, and recreation throughout our time together.
2025 Conference Costs
$457 for standard housing (Richardson or cottages, all linens provided)
$385 for cabins (rustic, camp-like housing with central bath houses; bring your own linens)
Price goes up by $40 for anyone registering after Monday, April 7, 2025.
We have a scholarship fund through the generosity of the previous year’s conference participants in the closing worship offering. To request scholarship funds, contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
Arrival and Departure
Groups should arrive between 1:30-3:30 on the first day. The conference concludes with worship with communion on the last day, usually ending about 11:30.
Housing
Standard Housing
Richardson: dorm-style suites have 2-3 twin beds per room, with two rooms sharing a full bathroom. All linens are provided.
Cottages: large houses with multiple bedrooms, hall bathrooms, and a common space. Massanetta has three cottages: Wilson, Hodge, and Virginia, each of which accommodates 16-24+ people. Some larger groups request these spaces; sometimes they are assigned out of necessity, and groups will be notified as much in advance as possible, usually one week. Cottage accommodations include all linens.
Cabins
Our rustic cabins at Camp Massanetta are a more cost-effective option, and also provide more of a camp experience. Cabins have 8 single beds each, with a separate bath house a short walk from the cabin. Adults and youth are housed in separate neighboring cabins. Some cabins include a central lodge for gathering. Linens are not included! Plan to bring sheets and blankets, or sleeping bags, as well as pillows and towels.
Housing Assignments
About one month before the conference, the registrar will send group leaders a blank housing chart, which will be due two weeks before the conference begins.
You know your group best! Follow the directions on the housing chart to assign roommates. Youth and adults will be housed separately and according to gender, in line with our child protection policy. In the case of trans or nonbinary participants, we will consult with the group leader and family to make a housing assignment that feels safe, affirming, and welcoming.
Depending on conference numbers, some participants may need to share a suite with participants from another church. Some adults may need to share a room with adults from another church. Every effort is made to give adults all the space we can; consider this a wonderful opportunity to meet another friend and colleague in ministry!
Packing List
Suggested Packing List
Bible
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Raincoat/umbrella
Alarm clock/watch
Prescription medications
Jacket/sweater/sweatshirt for evenings
Swimsuit, t-shirt, shorts, and towel for slip-n-slide*
Clothing for being active in warm weather (like t-shirts and shorts)
Sturdy/comfortable shoes or sandals (flip flops may only be worn poolside)
There will be a monetary offering collected at closing worship to be used for MSC scholarships for next year. There is also a gift shop with snacks and Massanetta swag.
*T-shirt and shorts must be worn on the slip and slide to reduce the risk of injury. Most people prefer to wear a bathing suit under. If your bathing suit includes swim trunks or board shorts, you don’t need to wear shorts over them! Shoes are not required on the slip and slide, but must be worn elsewhere on the lawn during this recreation session, so it helps to wear something like sandals or crocs (not flip flops!) that will dry easily later.
What Not to Bring
Do not bring: skateboards, scooters, rollerblades; alcohol, tobacco, or drugs; weapons of any kind; anything flammable or explosive; unnecessary technology or valuables.
Dress code
Pack comfortable clothing that will allow you to participate fully in a fun conference! Summertime at Massanetta Springs is hot and humid, and we’ll be active. Please DO NOT bring clothes that run the risk of “wardrobe malfunction” or exposing any underwear. Make respectful choices about logos and symbols on clothing. Conference leadership as well as your own church leaders reserve the right to send participants back to their rooms to change if their clothing will prevent them from actively participating in the conference.
Schedule
Groups should arrive between 1:30-3:30 on the first day of the conference, with programming beginning at 4 and facilitated fun while churches are checking in. The conference concludes with worship with communion on the last day, usually ending by 11:30.
While the schedule varies slightly conference to conference, this is a typical full day:
7:45-8:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:15 Session (energizers, music, theme/keynote)
10:15-11:00 Encounter Groups & Travel Time
11:00-12:00 Workshops
12:00-12:45 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Large Group Recreation
3:00-5:00 Free Time
3:00-4:30 canoes and pool open
5:00-5:45 Dinner
6:00-7:15 Session (energizers, music, theme/keynote)
7:15-7:45 Encounter Groups & travel time
7:45-8:45 Workshops
9:00-9:45 Evening recreation
9:45-10:15 Back Home Group Devotions/QUIET TIME
10:30 Lights out
Frequently asked questions
What grades are included in “middle school”? Because middle school grades vary, as do the needs and configurations of every congregation and youth program, we try to be flexible about this; some churches bring students who have finished 8th grade, some only bring rising 7th and 8th graders. In general, we design the program for students who will be rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders when the conference happens.
Will a youth with special needs be able to attend? We have worked with youth groups and families to support individuals with autism, anxiety, mobility and other accessibility needs. This program might not be the right fit for everyone, but we’d be glad to talk through potential challenges and solutions! Contact the Program Director, Colleen Earp, with questions: colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
What does the registration fee include? All programming, housing, meals (from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day), and conference t-shirts are included in the registration fee.
How many adult chaperones does my group need to include? You will need ONE adult advisor (21 years or older) for every SEVEN youth you bring of each gender. Adult advisors are expected to fully participate in the conference.
Can I bring an adult chaperone who is under 21 years old? Some churches have young adults serving as summer interns and leaders. We require a 1 to 7 ratio for adults over 21 to youth; you may bring trusted adults 18-20 if you still meet the ratio requirement.
How does registration and housing work for nonbinary and transgender participants? Massanetta Springs is a place for all people! Our Campwise registration system will force a binary option under “gender”, but then allow non-binary as an option under “sex”. While that’s not a perfect system, we trust people to know their gender, and will contact individual families and youth leaders to discuss housing options that best suit our non-binary participants. Colleen is happy to answer any questions about this—give her a call at 540-434-3829.
What is Massanetta’s refund policy? Groups that cancel before May 5 will receive a full refund less the credit card processing fee. After May 5 will receive a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the start of your session start date. Generally, there are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the conference start date.
Do you offer scholarships? Yes. At each Middle School Conference, an offering is collected at closing worship to support a scholarship fund for participants the following summer. To request a scholarship for a participant, the group leader should contact the Program Director (colleen@massanettasprings.org). We will ask for a name because a discount needs to be applied to an individual registration; no other information is needed. We will award scholarships as we are able until funds are exhausted for the year.
Registration Process
Registration is open!
Give us a call if you’re having any trouble! Cherokee serves as registrar and can be reached at 540-434-3829.
1. Leaders: church group leaders fill out our online form with general group information and estimated numbers to reserve spaces for your group. We will then generate a “group hold code” and send it to your leader.
2. Everyone: church group leaders share their “group hold code” with their group. The leader as well as families will follow a participant link to register their youth and adult chaperones themselves using that code. Families do not pay individually online; the leader will pay for everyone registered at once through a separate leader account.
3. Everyone: There are four required forms your parents/youth and adult advisors will encounter while registering online: Camper Profile Form, Covenant Form, Media Release Form, and the Middle School Conference Waiver. These must be completed to participate in the Middle School Conference. (Copies may be viewed in the appendix at the end of this document.)
4. Leaders: you will be able to log in through a separate leader link with the same username and password. There, you will be able to view registrations as well as the bill. This is where leaders will make the full group payment.
2025 Cost per person
Standard Lodging (Richardson & Cottages): $457 per person
Cabins: $385 per person
Price goes up $40 for anyone registering after Monday, April 7, 2025.
SCholarships
To request a scholarship for a participant, the group leader should contact the Program Director (colleen@massanettasprings.org). We will ask for a name because a discount needs to be applied to an individual registration; no other information is needed. We will award scholarships as we are able until funds are exhausted for the year.
FOR current 5-7 graders
Do you have a Netta Day Camp Graduate,
or a teenager who doesn’t have a regular youth group to join?
Individual registrations are available for youth who don’t have a group to attend with! This program was designed with Netta Day Camp graduates and small churches without youth programs in mind.
Join us for Massanetta's Middle School Conference, Session 4, July 14-18. You’ll arrive a day early to get to know your group and enjoy the site before the conference starts. Individual registrations will be accompanied by our own Netta Day Camp counselors, attending keynotes, recreation, workshops, encounter groups, and worship. The program is designed by the Advocates (high school leaders) with middle school youth in mind.
Middle School Conference is a transformational program that welcomes hundreds of middlers and their leaders from all over the country each summer.
This five day, four night program is $559, including all programs and a t-shirt.
Group size is limited! Register expected to open Monday, November 4, 2024.
Each year Massanetta Springs invites up to 44 leadership-minded high school youth, called Advocates, to serve and lead within the Middle School Conferences. This dynamic program provides a place where youth can lead alongside adults as mentors, facilitators, encouragers, and older siblings in faith.
Current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are eligible. The application involves a few short-answer questions as well as references (two supportive adults from outside of your family, at least one of whom you know from church like a pastor, youth leader, or Sunday school teacher).
The first deadline to apply is Monday, January 13, 2025. Questions? Please reach out to Colleen Earp, Program Director: colleen@massanettasprings.org.
Peyton Jenkins
June Co-Director
Newbern, NC
Rev. Leigh Anne Ring
June Co-Director
Midlothian, VA
Rev. Seth Lovell
Seth grew up around Massanetta, attending the Middle School Conference as a middler, serving as an Advocate in high school, and coming back years later as an adult leader. Currently, Seth serves as Pastor at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, where he is passionate about fostering a community where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging and is encouraged to live the life God has called them to. Seth lives in Charlottesville with his wife, three children, and two labrador retrievers. Seth finds joy in cheering on his favorite sports teams and spending quality time outdoors with his family.
Rev. Catherine Campbell
Catherine is the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in her hometown of New Bern, North Carolina. She is a Campbell Camel, a yoga teacher, and is ordained as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor. In her free time, Catherine and her husband Drew enjoy spending time on the water, playing with their dog Maggie, and tending horses and cattle on the family farm.
Cortney Morgan
July Co-Director
Durham, NC
Rev. Todd Davidson
July Co-Director
Richmond, VA
Katherine Peiper
Katherine is the Director of Congregational Life at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church in Wake Forest, NC, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her current role challenges her to be a bridge builder...between and among all ages and stages of life, as well as all ministries of the church and the broader community. She has been in ministry for over 10 years now and is always finding herself being humbled by the Spirit reminding her she doesn't know it all. Her background is in public education and nonprofit children's services work, which ultimately led to her sense of call to the church! Katherine is a huge fan of the written word, chocolate, and very much enjoys watching her son and daughter grow into the people they are intended to be!
Rev. Megan McMillan
Megan serves as the Pastor of Mills River Presbyterian Church in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Megan hails from Columbia, SC and is a graduate of Presbyterian College. She earned her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2019. Megan has served the PCUSA in a variety of ways over the years; she was a youth director, camp chaplain, associate pastor. Megan has loads of recreation experience, serving as a Rec leader at Montreat in 2019 and was the Rec assistant at Massanetta back in 2015. She looks forward to spending July with you! In her free time you can catch her on the trails with her rescue pup and her partner running, hiking or biking. She loves live music shows and an early morning cup of hot tea on her porch.
Calling church leaders!
Are you a church leader who would make a good workshop director? Do you know one? All church leaders are welcome, whether you are a pastor, church educator, an elder, seminarian, or just someone who loves working with amazing youth! Reach out to Colleen Earp, Program Director, to learn more about leadership opportunities.
COMMUNION BREAD RECIPE
We share a common loaf for communion that is gluten free, nut free, soy free, and vegan (but the mix sometimes comes made with honey). Below is a link to the bread mix we use (we do not receive compensation for sharing this link!) as well as the recipe. We make a batch for every 100 people or so. The recipe below is shared by Union Presbyterian Seminary and Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, where our Program Director attended seminary and church!
From the Pamela’s website
Ingredients
Sorghum Flour, Tapioca Flour, White Rice Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Inulin, Millet Flour, Honey, Rice Bran, Sea Salt, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Packet (active dry yeast).
Pamela's Products are manufactured in a Gluten-Free Certified Facility and peanut-free facility. Our products are produced on equipment that processes Tree Nuts, Coconut, Eggs, Soy, and Milk.
JUNE RESOURCES
Theme song sheet music and lyric video by Rev. Casey Carbone
List of songs used in theme and worship
All June resources (theme, worship, workshops, etc)
JULY RESOURCES
Theme Song by Rev. Kim Mendoza
All July resources (theme, worship, etc)