In partnership with the New River District Leadership, we are proud to offer an annual Confirmation Experience as a resource for all United Methodist Congregations.

The content, lessons, and experience are all designed by a team of full-time clergy serving in this District, working together to create a unique experience that meets the needs of our congregations.

How does it work?
This is a 3-part experience. 
Part 1 - Study Groups 
This is a set of 12 lessons designed to be led by any lay person in the local church. These lessons should be covered before attending Part 2.
Part 2 - Retreat Weekend 
A two-day, one-night retreat will take place at Camp Dickenson in the Spring, with worship and instructional sessions led by District clergy. We will dive into expanding these themes and adding in the history of the United Methodist Church and Christianity, as well as calls into ministry, our understanding of the sacraments, and how we go forward as confirmed believers.
Part 3 - Baptism of Believers 
Some confirmands were baptized as infants, and are now confirming that the faith their parents had in  leading  them to an understanding of their relationship with God when that was done is completed in the confirmation process.  Others in the confirmation process have not been baptized. Groups will come together in our final step of the process, to share in baptism of confirmands who have not participated in infant baptism. This will be a joyous time of sharing as friends are baptized together in a celebration of faith in the New River at Camp Dickenson.
Who should participate?
Any congregation preparing youth for Confirmation in the United Methodist Church is welcome to attend (including UMCs outside of the New River District). A minimum of one leader will be needed to lead the at-home portion of the experience. For the retreat, we ask for 1 adult chaperone per 5 registered youth to be in attendance.
What information will be covered?
​What are the dates?
Registration opens November 1st. The retreat will be the Saturday and Sunday 2 weeks after Easter (April 13 -14, 2023) and Pentecost Sunday (May 19th, 2023).
How do I register?
The link to register is below (beginning November 1st.) This is a group registration, and the group leader will register all the attendees from their church for the event.
How much does it cost?
$75 per confirmand
$35 per adult leader

Open Nov. 1st