16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952)447-2491
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Summer Stretch 2023 Dates:
Thursday, June 22 -Grand SlamThursday, June 29 -Nickelodeon UniverseThursday, July 6 -Como ZooThursday, July 13 -Cascade Bay Water ParkThursday, July 20 -Valleyfair
Summer Stretch is a program for Middle Schoolers (students entering Grades 6, 7 and 8 in Fall 2023) to put their faith in action and be the light of Christ through reflection of the Word of God and participation in service projects for the greater community followed by afternoon adventures with friends.
The Parent Meeting is Tuesday, June 20th from 6-7 p.m. High Schoolers (Grades 9-12 in Fall 2023) are needed to serve as team leaders, too. High School Leader training will be on Tuesday, June 20th from 10-1:00 p.m.
Cost is $150 Participant and Teen Leader. Cost includes meals, Summer Stretch t-shirt, service projects, and afternoon recreation activities. *Scholarships are available upon request
For more information: Contact Lori Hinker, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do we do in Summer Stretch?
Each middle schooler is part of a small group of 5-8 students with high school leaders. We gather as a large group at the beginning of each day at 8:00 am for prayer. Then we split into our small groups for service work in our community. Lunch is provided, and each day ends with a fun afternoon activity.
Can we bring friends?
Friends can register for Summer Stretch however, because of safety and group sizes you cannot bring guest for just one day.
Do we need to pay anything besides the registration fee?
Cost is $150 for both middle and high schoolers (or $30 per day). Total covers: recreational activity; transportation; service projects; team building and game materials; lunch; and Summer Stretch t-shirt.
What is expected of Stretchers?- An open mind
- A willingness to meet Middle Schoolers from other schools
- A readiness to build community with other youth and adults from St. Michael Catholic Church
- An openness to try new things and to do things that may feel uncomfortable (especially at service sites).
- Respect for all Summer Stretch leaders, volunteers, and staff.
- The courage to apply the Gospel and what they learn at Summer Stretch to their daily lives.
What things should I NOT bring with me?
Any electronics, spaghetti string tops, midriffs, low cut pants, high cut shorts, offensive shirts, bikini’s. We ask that you not bring a cell phone because we want Stretchers to participate not anticipate, and to build community with one another. If they do bring a phone, it needs to be kept away during our time together.
What is the parent’s role during Summer Stretch?
The parents are integral to the Summer Stretch experience. Every parent has the opportunity to help during service, help cook and serve lunch, and help chaperone morning and afternoon activities. Each parent willing to help will need the appropriate background and drivers check, and have Virtus training. https://www.virtusonline.org/
What is the role of the high school leaders?
They are to motivate and lead a group of about 5-8 middle schoolers. They are to participate in every aspect of Summer Stretch: prayer and gospel; service; and team buildings activities. This is a very rewarding peer mentor opportunity.
Reflections from Past Summer Stretch
We spent our final day together at Minnehaha Falls where we worked with the Park Ranger to remove invasive species from the prairie, explored Minnehaha Park while learning the history of the area, and lastly rode 6-person surrey bikes around the park looking for clues to answer our scavenger hunt. To say it was a fun day is an understatement!Upon reflection of our time together and our time spent in service and activities, our Summer Stretchers have grown together and have learned valuable lessons along the way. The Stretchers reflected on what they would take away from this experience and their responses speak volumes:"To be helpful to the environment.""I learned that you can help others and still make it fun!""The service project experience reaffirmed my interest in giving back to others.""I learned that there are so many people that are in need of good food and that by just going and packing food we can help so many kids.""Helping the community can be fun.""You can make a difference.""I learned it is better to give than receive, and then you get rewarded.""If you do good things for your community you may be rewarded, also it is fun to volunteer." -
Contact Us
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Lori Hinkerlhinkerstmichael-pl.orgDirector of Middle School Faith Formation/Youth Ministry
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