DYLC

Every summer teens from all over the diocese gather together in Dewitt for a weeklong leadership camp. By the end of the week students walk away with the skills necessary to bring out the best in their team, manage difficult personalities, organize group events, be an active listener and more! In addition, there is daily prayer, Mass with the Bishop, confession and adoration. Ask Heather for more information or to help sponsor parishioners attending.

What is DYLC?
DYLC is a weeklong leadership training retreat for Catholic high school youth in the Diocese of Lansing. It engages and empowers young people to become leaders in and around their home parish, school and community.

What takes place during DYLC?
Campers learn what it takes to be successful servant leaders by developing skills including:

• Listening
• Affirmation
• Small Group Dynamics
• Meeting & Event Planning
• Vision of Youth Ministry
• Servant Leadership
• Spirituality
• and more!

What do the teens have to say?

“I cannot imagine where I would be if I had not gone to DYLC.  It changed my whole outlook on life. I am now more confident in myself and the decisions I am making than I have ever been.  I have a very supportive group of friends who have encouraged me ... I truly gained knowledge and great friends that are priceless.” – Conor Urban

“I met some of the greatest friends of my life at DYLC. I still have contact and know I can go to them if I have a problem.  DYLC had a part in making me who I am today because it strengthened my faith in so many ways. It was amazing to wake up for a week with fellow Catholics and live your faith every second. I would do anything to be able to go back and I hope some of my classmates and other parishioners decide to take that step. You won't regret it.” – Kelsey Bogrow

“Everything about DYLC is an incomparable, glorious party of love, Jesus Christ, and people with warm hearts. From waking up and dancing with new, life-long friends, to getting deep by letting go and sharing your life struggles with a small group; this camp is well-rounded and an unforgettable time. I talk to the friends I met in my small group all the time; they are always there for me when I'm down or just find myself feeling trapped in sin.  Apply to DYLC and be ready to bring an open heart and an open mind; if accepted you will experience the Catholic Church in an invigorating and fantastic new way. I will never forget waiting in line for Reconciliation with a friend from my small group who calmed my nerves and helped me experience the amazing mercy of Christ through confessing my sins, and then being welcomed back into Christ's arms by the one and only Jake Knepper. This camp has changed my life and opened doors to new and exciting ways to be a youth leader for this church by participating in things like the Jamboree steering committee.” – Brendan Hagan

“The most powerful thing about DYLC for me was that in one short week, you get to see the best of everyone around you and by the time you leave you have made some lifetime friends.” – David Marsh

“DYLC is unlike any camp I’ve ever been to.  It is really hard to put that experience into words, but I have to say it was one of the best weeks of my life.  You should apply to DYLC because, not only do you become closer to God (I mean, who doesn’t want that?!), but you get to know yourself as a person so much more.  I came out of camp as a person even stronger rooted in my faith, ready to share my fire with the world.” – Alissa Mickevicius