Tag: Youth

Friends for Good’s 11th annual camp will take place July 27 – July 31, 2026 daily from 9am – 5pm. Each day, camp moves to a new location so participants can learn about the religion and culture of that particular space. Previous host sites in the past have been The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, Adath Israel Congregation, Bethan Adam Congregation, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Knox Presbyterian Church, The Bahá’í Center of Cincinnati, The Third Way Peace Fellowship, ish, and others.

Participants learn about other practices and cultures, play a lot of games, and get to know others from different walks of life. This camp is not about solving world problems or overcoming huge differences. Rather, it is about developing the leadership qualities of deep listening, empathy, and awareness. Religion? Listening? Awareness? This might not sound like the most exciting summer camp, but just ask the students that participate. No doubt, they will tell you that they love being at Interfaith Harmony Camp. It is a fun way to make new friends and eat amazing snacks in the process.

Scholarship & Camp Fee
If you would like a scholarship, simply pay what you can or what you think is reasonable. There are no forms to fill out. We trust you and our priority is to ensure every student who wants to participate is able to!

Early bird suggested price is $150 before June 1st and $250 after. Partial and full scholarships are available with no questions asked.

Visit their website to learn more.

our 11th annual Interfaith Harmony Camp is set for July 27–31, 2026! Registration is already live and waiting for its first registrant. This is where I want to spend some time today.

The Interfaith Harmony Camp has succeeded for over a decade only because people like you support it in so many different ways. While financial donations are necessary and incredibly helpful, that is only one way to support this amazing camp.

Will you please take a moment to read through the following list and let me know if you would be willing to help us with camp this summer?

  • Register your youth: Talk to your 6th–12th grader and register your tween or teen today at www.friendsforgoodcincy.org.

  • Spread the word: Take 10 minutes to brainstorm any 6th–12th grade students you know, then forward the attached flyer and registration link to them!

  • Volunteer for a day: Join us for one day at camp to help ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.

  • Sponsor a lunch: You can reimburse us for catering, or even prepare a meal for the kids yourself.

  • Donate healthy snacks: This year, we are focusing on healthy, wholesome snacks. Does this inspire you? Help us make it happen!

  • Location scouting: While we have several groups ready to host, you might know the perfect spot for 2026. Let us know your recommendations!

  • Share your story: Do you have a faith story you’d like to share with the youth? Let me know and we can work on it together.

  • Post flyers: Put up a flyer at your local grocery store, library, or coffee shop. Let me know how many you need and I’ll get them to you.

  • Grant research: Help us find small grants ($250–$1,000) that we can apply for to help cover scholarships for camp.

  • Media outreach: Write a press release for us to send to local media for further coverage.

  • Say a prayer: Don’t have the energy or time to help out this year? No worries! Please send some good spiritual vibes our way!

As you can see, there are a myriad of ways to get involved. Please consider one or two and let me know! This camp would not be a decade strong without the amazing help of volunteers who believe in our vision of bringing people together across lines of difference for the greater good.

Becca Desai  is working with Faith Communities Go Green to host a youthful book discussion:

  • The Book: How to Change Everything: The Young Human’s Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other by Naomi Klein.

  • The Goal: To empower young people (teens/young adults) with tools for climate justice and systemic change.

  • The Event: A Zoom discussion on June 24th at 7:00 p.m.

We are looking for at least five teens from our community to join the conversation and ensure youth voices are heard.

Interested? Email Becca at bfdesai@aol.com for more information and to get the registration link. If you are not a teen, a parent of a teen, or a young adult, please consider passing along this invite to someone you know who is!

Friends for Good in partnership with Wordplay, is excited to launch The Gathering Circle: an in-person series running Sunday afternoons in March. We believe there is something sacred about being in the same room, sharing the same space, and looking each other in the eye. Our afternoons begin with all-age games and laughter, followed by specialized tracks including a kids’ discovery group, a youth rites of passage class, and an open parent discussion circle.

This is a space where spirituality belongs to everyone. Whether you are rooted in a specific faith tradition or find your “church” in nature and community, you are welcome here. Together, we will explore the big questions of life across generations, building friendships that bridge the gap between our different ages and beliefs.

Read further for more details or scroll down and sign up today! Questions can be sent to Adam Hayden at 812-430-4464 or adam@k4p.org
Elementary Program 
2:30-4:00pm at Wordplay (1556 Chase Ave. in Northside) March 1, 8, 22, 29
March 1: Kids Yoga with Ms. Mara Sampson from OTKid
March 8: Arts and Crafts with our friend, Ms. Rachel
March 22: Arts and Crafts with Ms. Rachel
March 29: Kids Yoga with Ms. Mara Sampson
Rites of Passage

2:30-4:00pm at Wordplay (1556 Chase Ave. in Northside) March 1, 8, 22, 29

Growing up is a journey and this program is designed to equip your student with a good map! This program is designed specifically for 6th–12th graders to build confidence, character, and community. We will break off into smaller groups based on the age and grade of participants.Through interactive games, hands-on learning, and grade-tailored discussions, students will explore:
Self Respect & Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence, & Community Values. Each session provides a safe, joyful space for teens and tweens to ask questions, reflect, and grow alongside their peers. Join us as we help our youth navigate the transition into their teen years with awareness and integrity.

March 1: Mastering personal hygiene and self-care
March 8:  Understanding feelings and managing stress
March 22:  Celebrating diversity and building interfaith and intercultural empathy
March 29: Developing tools to be a leader and a friend
Parent Discussion Group

2:30-4:00pm at Wordplay (1556 Chase Ave. in Northside) March 1, 8, 22, 29

While your children are playing and growing, you are invited to sit back and share what’s on your mind. We will use the book, Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn. You do not need to read the book to participate. We will simply use the topics in the book as a guide for our discussion.

Want More Community?
If you would like more times to gather, consider joining us for monthly dinners and hikes! The entire family is invited to dinner on Fridays from 6:30pm-8pm on February 27, March 27th, and April 24th. We will sing a song or two, learn and engage in a brief spiritual ritual (a prayer, breaking of bread, etc…), then eat, chat, and play.

Family hikes will be on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on March 7, April 4, and May 2nd. We will meet at the entrance to Everybody’s Tree House in Mt. Airy Forest and hike for about 30-45 minutes. Seasoned hikers are welcome to go further. And if you want to stay outside longer, there is a nearby playground to enjoy.

To sign up and learn more, look HERE.

Join Friends for Good at the Mt. Airy Forest Tree House to go on hike in the fall weather.

The main hike takes about 20 minutes. After that, you are welcome to hike more, play on the playground, or whatever you like! No pressure. Please see the attached flyer for more information and let organizer Adam Hayden <812-430-4464> know if you plan on attending.

www.friendsforgoodcincy.org

Join Friends for Good at the Mt. Airy Forest Tree House to go on hike in the fall weather.

The main hike takes about 20 minutes. After that, you are welcome to hike more, play on the playground, or whatever you like! No pressure. Please see the attached flyer for more information and let organizer Adam Hayden <812-430-4464> know if you plan on attending.

www.friendsforgoodcincy.org

Tuesdays and Thursdays
4 PM – 6 PM
WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Drop-in style creative workshop and artist development for pre-teens and teens.

For more information on Friends for Good events, contact Adam Hayden at adam@k4p.org.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
4 PM – 6 PM
WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Drop-in style creative workshop and artist development for pre-teens and teens.

For more information on Friends for Good events, contact Adam Hayden at adam@k4p.org.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
4 PM – 6 PM
WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Drop-in style creative workshop and artist development for pre-teens and teens.

For more information on Friends for Good events, contact Adam Hayden at adam@k4p.org.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
4 PM – 6 PM
WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Drop-in style creative workshop and artist development for pre-teens and teens.

For more information on Friends for Good events, contact Adam Hayden at adam@k4p.org.