Meetings connected to Friends schools are asked to share this article with teachers, parents, board members, and others in their school communities. Friends who share it can consider how their meeting might welcome families whose connection to the Religious Society of Friends comes through the school their child attends. Sharing the article can be one way to help those families learn that their connection to Friends can extend beyond the school community.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM), a regional Quaker faith community serving Friends congregations and schools, invites students and families from Friends schools to take part in youth programs throughout the 2026–2027 school year. PYM Youth Programs are open to children and young people through 12th grade, and families do not need to belong to a Quaker meeting or identify as Quaker to participate.
PYM youth programs give students another way to experience Quaker community beyond the school day. Young people can meet peers from other Friends schools and communities, spend time together, learn more about Quaker faith and practice, and have fun.
Program Highlights
- Gatherings throughout the school year: Students can take part in weekend programs, day trips, family events, and overnights at meetinghouses and camps across the region.
- Quaker community beyond school: Programs include worship, creative activities, outdoor programs, service, and time with other young people interested in Quaker faith, sustainability, and social justice.
- Gathering for Adults: Family programs include time for parents and caregivers to connect with one another. PYM also hosts Parent Affinity Groups occasionally.
“After my son began school at Friends Select, I was able to satisfy my own curiosity about Quakerism by attending Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting, where I am now a member. Through this, I learned about Philadelphia Yearly Meeting programs for families. We’ve gone on hikes, camping overnights, and built great community with other Quaker and Quaker-curious families across the region. My son is now in middle school and loves the middle school programming specifically. I really appreciate PYM and the ways they’ve enriched our lives!” Shared Katy, a parent of two children who have participated in PYM Youth Programs.
For families new to PYM, each gathering includes information about what to expect before the event. Families receive details about schedules, meals, overnight accommodations, what to bring, and other information connected to that program.
High school Young Friends programs are designed for teenagers to attend without a parent or caregiver. Some Middle School Friends programs are offered in a similar format. Children and family gatherings require a parent, caregiver, or another family responsible for the child to attend.
PYM youth program staff and volunteers complete background checks and follow PYM child safety policies. PYM can help connect families and teenagers with possible carpools when transportation support is needed.
Families can learn more about upcoming PYM youth programs at https://www.pym.org/youth-programs/.
For questions about youth and family programs, contact Kristin Simmons, Youth Engagement Coordinator, at ksimmons@pym.org.
About Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is the association of Friends meetings and communities across the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Delaware, central and southern New Jersey, and eastern and central Pennsylvania. PYM connects and supports Friends in our region.
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