Survivor: Artaban is planned for March

Do we really have to be idols or top models? What's so great about besting dragons and being apprentices? And, when it comes down to it, are we all survivors?

This spring, all these questions and more will be asked at Survivor: Artaban, the next event for youth in the Diocese of New Westminster organized and run by the Diocesan Youth Movement.

Survivor: Artaban will be taking place Friday through Sunday, March 27 to 29, at Camp Artaban on Gambier Island. It's open to all youth participants between the ages of 13 and 18, and to older youth (19-25) as volunteers and chaperones for the weekend. Also, we're inviting all youth leaders to come along with their youth and to get connected with the Diocesan Youth Movement.

The theme for the weekend is reality and reality television. Upon arrival at Artaban via water taxi from Horseshoe Bay, all our participants will be divided into 'tribes' and over the course of the weekend they'll take part in a variety of programs themed around reality television formats.

From reworking the way we worship in Anglican Idol to talking about how we really see ourselves in Artaban's Next Top Model, there'll be a chance to take part in versions of all your favorite shows, and to ask some big questions about life, the universe and everything at the same time.

We'll also have all camp 'tribal gatherings' where we'll worship together in some diverse and interesting ways, and talk about our weekend's theme. All meals will be provided and prepared courtesy of Camp Artaban's wonderful volunteer staff.

And there will be some appearances from some of those food-related reality shows as well; like our Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen themed meals! And to round off Saturday night, there will be the "So You Think You Can Dance" Dance. We'll also have our resident videographer on site to document everything as we go along; it'll be like starring in your own reality TV series. But don't worry, nobody gets voted off our island!

You'll also have a chance to connect with other youth opportunities in the Diocese, such as the British Columbian and Anglican Youth Movement, UBC / SFU Chaplaincies and the Sorrento Centre. Since 2007, the Diocesan Youth Movement has been connecting parish youth ministries, helping to equip leaders and organizing diocesan-wide events with the Diocesan Youth Coordinator. Survivor: Artaban promises to be another fantastic event, planned in accordance with DYM's mission statement which seeks to affirm the diversity of individuals and perspectives whilst fostering relationships with God and each other. Survivor: Artaban aims to connect parish ministries from across the Diocese and reconnect youth from events like last year's sleepover at Diocesan Synod and the Urban Pilgrimage in downtown Vancouver.
The price is still to be set, but it'll be no more than $50 per participant for the weekend, including boats to and from Artaban and all meals. There will be financial assistance available for those who need it, so no one need miss out. To register, you'll need to fill out a registration and health form, both of which will be arriving at parishes this month. Ask your rector or youth leader-or, if they don't know, ask Phil Colvin at Synod Office.