All diocesan youth events are places where we strive for ALL youth to feel safe, seen, known and loved just as God sees them. We will continue to grow and learn and explore what it means to be a child of God no matter your race, ethnicity, orientation, or gender identity. The community we build together will always be a space of love and acceptance for all.
Upcoming Events:
New Beginnings #28
February 27-March 1, St. Andrew’s Des Moines
6th-8th (Participants)
New Beginnings is an opportunity for young people to "retreat" from their ever hectic world to consider some of the important relationships in their lives through skits, videos, activities & worship. Come join the fun!!
Registration costs:
$40 for Participants (registration closes on February 13)
Iowa Safe Schools Annual Governor’s Conference for LGBTQ+ Youth
April 3, 2026
6th-12th graders
The Governor's Conference—Gov Con—while it goes by many nicknames, since 2005 it’s always been more than just a conference.
The Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth is a place where Midwest LGBTQ+ youth can come together, celebrate who they are, and find the support they deserve. It’s a day to connect with friends, meet allies, plan for the future, and learn how to make a difference in their schools and communities.
At a time when LGBTQ+ young people are facing more challenges than ever, this conference is a reminder that they’re not alone—they’re part of a strong, joyful community that has their back.
If your school does not have a group going and you want to attend, join our Episcopal Youth Group!
Registration ends March 27. Cost $45, scholarships are available.
EPIC Summer Camp
June 15-19 - Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese.
More information to come.
Early Bird registration is $400 (ends March 30).
Registration closes June 1, 2026
Save the Date:
Provincial Youth Gathering: Empowered Discipleship
July 7-11, Denver, CO
The Provincial Youth Gathering is a Multi-Provence youth event put on by the Episcopal Church in Colorado. When the decision was made to postpone the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) previously scheduled for this summer, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe sent a message hoping that there would be regional gatherings to fill the gap this time around. PYG is the answer to that call. The 3-day youth retreat will be in the same spirit as EYE with youth flying in from all over, staying in dorms on a college campus, and attending workshops and large group plenary sessions. The event is being planned by a board of Colorado youth and their trusted adults.
The cost to attend PYG (alone) will be $550.
Total cost will be coming. Fundraising will be helpful!
Keep checking back for updates and a registration form.
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Not every teenager is ready for group travel and an event the distance or size of the PYG. For some teens, the PYG will change their lives and their church engagement forever. For some teens this trip and size event may be overwhelming or over stimulating. We invite you into discernment to help identify the best possible delegation you can convene to travel together.
The PYG event will focus on helping develop leadership skills, spiritual practices, and understand what a life of discipleship can look like. Teens who are struggling with high anxiety and depression may find themselves under greater stress with travel and large scale interactions in unfamiliar places.
Chaperones have perhaps the greatest impact on the CYE experience for the youth in attendance. They are expected to set excellent examples in behavior and attitude as they provide safety for participants through diligent discipline regarding appropriate and healthy boundaries.
Youth should have full participation during the event, discern opportunities, and help bring their PYG experience home in hopeful ways.
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PYG participants must be 14 on or by Aug. 15, 2026. Participants should be enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2026-2027 school year.
PYG youth participants may not be older than 19 years of age and must have graduated from high school in May of 2026.
All PYG participants must be vaccinated in accordance with the Executive Council's recently adopted Model Vaccination Policy, which incorporates CDC Guidelines reinforced by the court on January 29th, 2025. Exemptions from vaccinations are only permitted for those who provide a physician's notice for exemptions due to health concerns.
The Episcopal Church does not recognize nor does it provide religious exemptions from vaccinations.
All participants, youth and adults, are required to sign the Community Covenant for Behavior. Parents/guardians must also sign youth covenants so they understand the requirements and potential consequences if their child breaches the covenant.
Mental Heath Funds Request Form
The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, through a GILEAD Grant, has limited funds to assist with co-payments for mental health related appointments. You may request incremental funds for up to $50 per appointment. A completed request form is required for each appointment. You must submit a receipt for reimbursement or have a bill sent to the Diocesan office. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Staff Contact
Amy Mellies, Missioner for Children & YoutH
Want to be in the know about all Youth Ministry news, events, and announcements? Join our Facebook Page Diocese of Iowa YOUTH and follow us on Instagram @DioIAyouth!
Offering formation opportunities as a church for your congregation? For resources at home, please click here. Also, be sure to check out this short video on Safe Church and Online spaces that cover guidelines for maintaining our Safe Church, Safe Communities policy in this new way of being church.
Requirements for Adults Volunteering or Working at Youth Events:
Must belong to a congregation for at least six months
Completed Safe Church Training (within 3 years)
State of Iowa Background Check
State of Iowa Sex Offender Registry Check
State of Iowa Driving Record