BYMC 2023
April 28-30, 2023
So, what is BYMC?
BYMC is The Bridge's annual youth retreat/conference in Pennsylvania where students from Elizabeth, NJ and its surrounding areas can go to get away from home for the weekend, have a great time with concerts, games, activities, and food as well as learn important things about themselves and the God who created and loves them.
In the last eighteen years, the Bridge has had the privilege to offer an annual weekend getaway at Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center in Mt. Bethel, PA for the youth in our city and the surrounding areas. The Bridge Youth Ministries Conference, or BYMC, is an action-packed weekend specifically geared for young people in grades 6-12.
While each BYMC is unique and unforgettable in its own way, there are many things that attendees can expect. This weekend offers a great variety of activities and experiences: live music, positive messages, open discussions, relaxing free time, comedy shows, five square meals, sports competitions, and newly built friendships! When you mix these all together, you get BYMC and one life-changing experience that will never be forgotten!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are minimum age requirements to attend the event?
BYMC is open for students in middle and high school (grades 6-12) only.
What if there is an emergency and I need to contact my child?
Your child is more than welcome to bring their cell phone with them to BYMC. There are some "silent" times, mainly during sessions, where we request phones to be shut off completely. If you cannot reach your child's cell phone, you can contact their Bridge director's cell phone or Jesus Torres on his cell phone at (908) 419-9332. You may also call Tuscarora Inn at (570) 897-6000. The address we will be staying at is 3300 River Road, Mt. Bethel, PA 18343. We kindly ask that you limit calls to emergency use only in order to provide a comfortable atmosphere for your child to grow and experience the full extent of what will be offered during the weekend.
What are the sleeping arrangement?
We will have two main cabins as well as several smaller cottages. Guys and girls are separated in different cabins on different sides of the conference center. Each cabin has multiple rooms that sleep 4-5 people each. We absolutely, under no circumstances, allow the guys or the girls to step one foot into the other gender’s cabins, and every room will have at least one leader in it.
My child has special needs due to a medical condition. Who should I talk to?
We have had many youth who needed extra attention because they were on medication or have a medical condition. Please contact Jesus Torres, Jenifer Nunez, or your Bridge site director before the conference with written instructions on what we need to know and do. In case of medical emergencies, we have a registered nurse and rescue personnel on Bridge staff with us all weekend to provide first-response aid while professional medical help is sought.
Should they bring extra money?
There is a camp snack shop, soda machines and a gift store on the premises. We will also be selling low cost snacks and Bridge/BYMC apparel at our own Bridge Store throughout the weekend. While your child could go without money the entire trip, they will most likely want to purchase something while they are there.
How well-supervised will they be?
We will have at least 30 adult leaders present during BYMC, which brings us to a ratio of about 1 adult for every 6 youth. There will be at least one adult leader present and in charge of each room in the cabins and cottages. We also have additional trusted adults coming up for the sole purpose of patrolling the area and making rounds to ensure everything is in its proper order. We also do not allow the youth to roam on their own. Everyone is required to be with the group during our sessions and organized games under constant supervision.
What will they be eating?
Tuscarora Inn is a full service conference center which provides all meals for the weekend in a family-style buffet. All meals are prepared by the site’s experienced staff. We will have four meals in the Tuscarora dining room. We will provide a meal on Friday night and a snack on Sunday afternoon. We suggest your child eats on Friday before departure. If your child has any food allergies, please notify us in advance so that we may arrange for a special meal preparation.
I have a question not listed here…
If we didn't touch on your specific question, you can email us at bridge@bridgeyouth.com or at @bridgeyouth on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.. We will contact you shortly after to discuss your concerns. Furthermore, we offer Parent Information Nights that we will announce closer to the conference. At these Information Nights you will get to meet and greet our team, learn more about BYMC, and partake in a live Q&A session.
The Details
DEPARTURE:
Friday, April 28, 2023 at 04:30pm
John E Dwyer Technology Academy Parking Lot
RETURN:
Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 04:00pm
John E Dwyer Technology Academy Parking Lot
WHERE WE WILL BE:
Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center
3300 River Road, Mt Bethel, PA
COST:
$145.00 (Regular Admission)
HOW CAN I REGISTER?
You can register and pay on this page, at Eventbrite, or at a Bridge Friday or Bridge United location.
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