BYM Camps
BYM Camps is a family of four summer camp programs spread along the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and Maryland. Operated and stewarded by the Baltimore Yearly Meeting Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), these four programs are unique and distinctive but tied together by a belief in the importance and value of every person. We build communities and experiences that allow everyone — campers and staff — to find their light, shine their light, grow their light, and share their light. Check out the BYM Camps website for more information!
Junior Young Friends
The BYM Junior Young Friends program hosts weekend retreats for 6th-8th graders.
"JYF Cons" are held at different Quaker Meetinghouses throughout the school year. Cons are a fun way to see friends from other Meetings or camp, make new friends, have fun, and retreat from the pressures of pre-teen life while developing skills for living in community. The BYM Youth Programs Manager and JYF Assistant facilitate these weekends in conjunction with the Youth Programs Committee. To see the general schedule we follow, click here!
- Check out the calendar below for upcoming JYF Cons and registration!
Young Friends
Young Friends, sponsored by Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, is a community of 9th-12th graders that builds community, nurtures the personal and spiritual growth of all youth and adult participants, and provides opportunities to take an active part in the broader community of Religious Society of Friends. Young Friends promote individuality as well as the unity of being in community. Decisions are made according to Quaker process, seeking unity among those gathered. With the exception of certain legal and bureaucratic matters, youth are responsible for all aspects of the Young Friends community.
The basis of our community and our system of governance is acceptance. Our Quaker community expands beyond the borders of our Meetings. High school-age youth who are not affiliated with a monthly meeting are welcomed to attend all Young Friends’ conferences. All new attendees of conferences will be thoroughly welcomed into the community with plethoric gusto. As a self-governed community, Young Friends maintain their own handbook.
- Check out the calendar below for upcoming YF Cons and registration!
- Con Medical & Consent Form
- Nuts & Bolts Young Friends Planning Committee
- Young Friends Self-Maintained Website
Friendly Adult Mentors (FAM)
Friends Adult Mentors provide support, encouragement, and supervision to our Junior Young Friends and Young Friends. Alongside professional staff, FAM lend their judgment to younger Friends without being judgmental. In addition to providing 24/7 chaperone presence at all Youth Programs events, FAM offer workshops - especially for JYFs - on topics of interest including art, outdoor skills, Quaker process, and more!
Our dedicated FAM undergo screening and youth safety training in accordance with the BYM Youth Safety Policy before they are allowed to participate in a JYF Con or YF Con, and all FAM are accountable to the Youth Program Manager and General Secretary. No FAM is ever allowed to be one-on-one with a JYF or YF, and BYM has a zero-tolerance policy for adult behavior that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of minors.
We rely on FAM to support youth programming, and FAM report a high-level of joy in their service to younger people. FAM Trainings are held throughout the year. To apply for the next FAM Training, email YPC@bym-rsf.org.
Scholarships & Grants for Students
Several grants and scholarships are available for technical or trade school and undergraduate studies for young people affiliated with BYM and BYM monthly meetings. Visit our Scholarships & Grants page for more information.
