2025-27 EVENTS
Graduation Celebration (May 3 @ Episcopal Church of the Epiphany) | RSVP by April 30
Tube the River (Aug 8 @ the Cartecay River) | Register by Aug 5
Happening 84 (Oct 16-18 @ Mikell) | Register / Apply for Team by Aug 1 (OR & Team Head Applications are due by MAY 1)
The Overnight @ Annual Council (Nov 6-7 @ the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta) | Register
New Beginnings 52 (Nov 13-15 @ Mikell) | Register / Apply for Team by Oct 1 (OJWA & Team Head Applications are due by MAY 1)
Christmas Carol Camp-in (Dec 19-20 @ Christ Church in Macon) | Register
DYC Winter Camp (Jan 8-10, 2027 @ Mikell) | Register
what can i expect at an eycdioatl event?
Our events are all about creating a joyful, inclusive community where every young person is welcomed just as they are. Whether you come with a group from your church or on your own, you’ll quickly feel at home. Each youth event also offers a mix of small group conversations, worship, and plenty of time to hang out and be yourself. We strive to make sure everyone feels safe, supported, and seen. Come expecting to move, sing, share, and leave with new friendships and lasting memories. Everyone belongs — we can’t wait to meet you!
Want to know more? Check out our event photo galleries or scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions and other details!
youth retreats at camp mikell
When you come to a youth retreat at Camp Mikell (Toccoa, GA) you’re stepping into a place that many call home-away-from-home. Nestled in the beautiful North Georgia hills, Camp Mikell is where we experience what we like to call “Mikell Magic” — a mix of outdoor adventures, close-knit community, and sacred space for deepening friendships and faith. To ensure a safe environment, we ask all adults and students to abide by our Safe Church policies and our EYCDIOATL Community Covenant.
Retreat Check-in happens on Friday evening between 5:00-7:00 p.m. Retreats wrap up on Sunday between 1-2pm, and we’ll give you all the details after your register. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move and play in (we offer optional outdoor games and hikes). In the Fall and Spring, layering is a must as the weather can change quickly. Our kitchen is experienced in meeting a wide variety of dietary needs and food allergies — just let us know ahead of time, and we’ll work with you to make sure you have plenty to eat.
Above all, expect a weekend full of new friendships and a sense of belonging that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re here for the first time or returning for the tenth, we can’t wait to welcome you into the joy, fun, and spirit of Camp Mikell!
What is EYCDIOATL?
The Episcopal Youth Community of the Diocese of Atlanta!
Who’s in it?
We are a network of students and adults from Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta. We’re spread throughout Middle and North Georgia, but we gather throughout the year at diocesan events and retreats.
Why should I get involved?
People who enjoy this community are typically: A) students who love their parish but also like to occasionally do youth ministry in larger groups; B) students whose parishes don’t have an active youth ministry; and C) Adults and students who have made friends at our events and want to see this community grow. We are a Christian community that is open to young people of all beliefs and backgrounds — together, we react to Jesus and build relationships.
How much do events cost to attend?
That depends. Weekend retreats at Mikell are typically $150/student, while day or one-night events like lock-ins or our tubing trip range between $20-$50. Either way, we never want cost to be a barrier for a student who wants to attend. Email the Office of Youth Ministries if you would like to request financial assistance!
What kind of financial aid is available?
There are a few different kinds of financial aid we can offer, but we typically try to work with a student’s family and home parish to split the cost of attendance. If the parish or family are unable to help, we will cover as much of the cost as we can.
Where can I get event updates?
We send out an email with event registration links and student leadership opportunities every 4-6 weeks. You can get on the mailing list here. If you’d prefer to get your news another way, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or simply visit our Linktree to see what’s coming up!
Do all youth events happen at camp mikell?
Nope, just our retreats! We hold other events throughout the school year in various locations in the Diocese, including Macon (Christmas Carol Camp-in, December) and Atlanta (The Overnight @ Annual Council, November).
What’s Tube the Hooch?
This is our annual river tubing trip in Helen, Georgia. We meet in Helen on a Saturday right around the start of the school year and cool off on tubes floating down the Chattahoochee River. This is a laidback day trip and a great opportunity to bond with youth from your parish.
What’s The Overnight @ Annual Council?
This annual lock-in takes place during Annual Council, the huge diocesan meeting where delegates from all of the parishes in Middle and North Georgia do church business. While the delegates vote, many of our youth gather for Friday night gathering of games, singing, and a four-square tournament. We do get a little bit of sleep, because on Saturday morning we lead the entire Council in a Youth Morning Prayer service. We also lead a service project! This event takes place at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta (Buckhead).
What’s the Christmas Carol Camp-in?
This is our holiday lock-in in Macon. Hosted at St. Francis Episcopal Church, we make Christmas cookies, do some caroling, and enjoy games and s’mores around a campfire. We spend the night at the church and head home after worship on Sunday morning. Bring your holiday sweater!
What’s the Hunger Walk Run 5K?
Every year, the Atlanta Community Food Bank hosts a 5K Walk Run fundraiser. We partner with them through the Episcopal Community Foundation to raise money so that hungry people in Atlanta can be fed. Students on our Diocesan Youth Commission host a morning worship service with Bishop Wright at the Absalom Jones Center, just down the street from where the Walk Run begins. This service (and the Walk Run) are open to all — join us to worship and either walk/run the 5K or cheer on the participants!
What’s the Graduation Celebration?
It’s the bittersweet farewell party we throw each May for our outgoing seniors. This is where we gather at a local parish to sing our favorite songs in a youth-led worship service and eat lots of good food.
What kind of retreats are there?
EYCDIOATL currently offers three kinds of retreats:
Happening is a retreat for high school students. You only “Happen” once as a Happening Candidate, and after that you’re eligible to apply to serve on Happening Team. (Team is the group of students who plan and host this event for new Candidates.) Happening retreats are often landmark occasions in the lives of young people — this is where they go deeper with their faith, grow closer with people in our community, or both. Happening takes place twice a year (October and February).
New Beginnings is a retreat for middle school students. It’s a great way for pre-teens and younger teens to experience Mikell and EYCDIOATL for the first time. High school students and adults on the New Beginnings Team structure this weekend especially for middle schoolers. That means that the talks, games, crafts, and activities are all designed for this particular age group. Our goal is to help students better understand their faith and their place in God’s Church. Unlike Happening, middle school students can attend as many times as they’d like! New Beginnings happens twice a year (November, March).
Winter Camp is a retreat for middle and high school students, although we split everyone into specific age groups for activities and small group time. This is a fun weekend in January that lets kids experience camp in the cool months before the summer. It’s also the event where we try to stump Bishop Wright in our “Ask the Bishop” segment before Saturday evening worship! Winter Camp is planned and hosted by our Diocesan Youth Commission, a leadership team of high school students in charge of diocesan youth events during the school year.
Clothing & Personal Items
Comfortable, active clothes (enough for the whole weekend)
Theme clothes (not every retreat — check your registration email for details)
Layers for chilly mornings/evenings (sweatshirt, fleece, light jacket — especially in Fall/Spring)
Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
Sleepwear
Extra socks and underwear
Rain jacket or poncho (just in case!)
Hat and sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Toiletries
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Soap and shampoo
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Personal medications (must be checked in upon arrival)
Bedding
Sleeping bag or twin-size sheets & warm blanket
Pillow
Other Essentials
Flashlight or headlamp
Bible or journal & pen
Any necessary allergy or dietary information
What Not to Bring
Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices — they’ll stay in the cabin during program times)
Valuables or expensive jewelry
Outside food or snacks (we will have plenty of food for everyone)*
*Exceptions can be made for students/adults with special dietary needs
Below is a generic retreat schedule.
FRIDAY
5:00–7:00 PM – Check-in & Cabin Settling
6:00 PM – Dinner in the Dining Hall (students checking in after 6:30 should eat before they arrive)
7:00 PM – Program (Large group/small group time)
9:00 PM – Opening Worship & Theme Introduction
10:00 PM – Compline
10:30 PM – Cabin Time
11:00 PM – Lights Out
SATURDAY
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:15 AM – Program (Large group/small group time)
10:45 AM – Games & Free Time
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Period
2:00 PM – Activities / Free Time
5:00 PM – Personal Time in Cabin
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Program (Large group/small group time)
9:30 PM – Compline
10:00 PM – Cabin Time
11:00 PM – Lights Out
SUNDAY
7:30 AM – Wake Up & Pack
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Program (Large group/small group time)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Closing Eucharist (Parents, families, and friends are invited!)
We love welcoming caring adults who want to support our youth at events and retreats! If you’d like to serve as a chaperone or cabin mom/dad, simply reach out to our diocesan youth office to let us know of your interest. All adults who serve with youth are required to complete a background screening and Safe Church training — both of which we provide to you at no cost. These steps help ensure that our programs remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. Sign up to serve here!
The safety and well-being of every young person in our diocesan youth programs is our highest priority. We follow the Diocese of Atlanta’s Safe Church policies, which set clear standards for preventing abuse, fostering healthy boundaries, and ensuring that every student is cared for in a safe, respectful environment. These policies guide how we plan activities, supervise groups, and respond to any concerns.
All adults who serve in our retreat programs — whether as staff, chaperones, or volunteers — are required to receive Safe Church training. This training equips leaders to recognize and prevent abuse, respond appropriately to concerns, and maintain healthy, professional boundaries. It also covers best practices for supervision, including inclusivity training, appropriate adult-to-youth ratios, visibility in leadership, and age-appropriate interactions.
We strive to create a culture of accountability where every leader models respect, kindness, and care for each participant. By following Safe Church policies, we create an environment where youth can explore their faith, build friendships, and grow into the people God is calling them to be — knowing they are valued, supported, and safe.
Below is the code of conduct we expect all youth to abide in while participating in all Diocesan Youth Events.
It is the policy of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta (“Diocese”) that all events and activities conducted by the Diocese or on its property observe the following guidelines, which are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the mission and doctrine of The Episcopal Church.
Responsible officials will model and promote behavior of and towards all Participants in keeping with the Baptismal Covenant found in the Book of Common Prayer.
Responsible officials will uphold all Safe Church policies (including Safeguarding God’s Children and Safeguarding God’s People) in all interactions with students at all times.
Bullying, fighting, abusive or offensive language, engaging in threats/coercion, or any other aggressive behavior is prohibited.
Any activity that presents a serious risk of personal injury or emotional harm to any Participant or other person is prohibited.
Sexual advances towards or unwanted, inappropriate, or offensive touching of Participants is prohibited.
Weapons or items that appear to be or create the impression of dangerous weapons are prohibited. Props for plays and games, kitchen utensils, utilitarian equipment and tools, and other items with a benign purpose that do not threaten Participants or create realistic and actual fear of harm are permitted if otherwise appropriate. (For example: a bow and arrow at an archery event or a cutting tool on a camping trip may be appropriate under all of the circumstances.)
When possible, all students shall be housed according to gender identity. Camp Mikell does not currently have dedicated nonbinary dorms. Nonbinary students are invited to select housing on either Crow Hill or Chapel Hill.
All Adults and Students in leadership positions shall treat student disclosures with respect and are prohibited from sharing students’ private information with other students.
All Adults and Students in leadership positions shall report the following to the Missioner or Volunteer Staff immediately: Disclosures of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse; Disclosures of self-harm or thoughts of self-harm; Disclosures of plans to harm others.
Tobacco products are not permitted and shall not be used.
Participants below the legal drinking age shall not use or have possession of alcoholic beverages. During Diocesan retreats and events, chaperones are prohibited from drinking. This has no application to proper participation in communion.
Illegal drugs and other controlled substances for which the person in possession has no prescription are prohibited.
Age-appropriate play or normal physical activities are permitted if they do not entail or threaten injury, offensive physical contact, or other offensive or improper conduct.
Discrimination on any basis prohibited by The Episcopal Church is not to be tolerated, consistent with other Diocesan policies.
Adults shall apply these rules using common sense and good judgment, and not in an arbitrary or unreasonable manner.
For purposes of this policy, the following terms have the stated meaning:
“Participants” means children or youth participating in Diocesan events.
“Responsible Officials” means persons who are acting for or in cooperation with the Diocese or have any responsibilities or authority in connection with an event.