Family Quakerism 
Participating in the Children’s Program gives children and parents language, tools and activities to use at home and in their local meeting. This program offers resources for families, and networks of families to grow in the Light together.
The Children’s Program is made up of multiple, overlapping communities: Children, Parents, and Families. The ultimate goal of the program is to connect with each other, in those communities, across monthly meetings and grow in the spirit together.
There are programs that are particularly geared for children at Sessions. At these events, Children come together to learn about Quakers in the world and to get to know one another through worship and play.
Our programs that focus on Quakerism in the family are Family Overnights. At family overnights we balance spirit-based activity with free play, exploring the beautiful camps where we stay and connecting over shared meals. A similar community exists in the Family Neighborhood at Annual Sessions.
We are exploring offering more programming and support for parents and Pre-K children across the yearly meeting. If you are interested in hosting a gathering for parents or doing an intentional worship group or playgroup among local Quaker parents, email Youth Engagement Coordinator -Kristin Simmons (ksimmons@pym.org).
Volunteer with Children & Families Programs
The volunteers who work with young people are the backbone of our programs for Children and Youth in the yearly meeting, and are essential to residential and longer programs, such as Sessions. Volunteers can take the role of teacher, supporters, and assistants, workshop instructors, craft leaders, worship leaders, song leaders — you name it!
In order to maintain an appropriate ratio of adults to children, we seek volunteers who are interested in supporting children’s spiritual development and their play. Volunteers are 100% guaranteed to laugh often, attempt to answer the very most important questions regularly, and find yourself open to playing and joy in their unfiltered forms.
Volunteers for children’s programs are:
- People who love and respect children.
- Parents supporting their children.
- High School or College students looking to expand their experience and resume.
- Adults who feel they have something to learn by being in the presence of Children’s joyful spirit.
Child safety and community safety are priorities for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. In order to volunteer with youth, you will be asked to consent to a background check and provide references.
We encourage anyone with interest or further questions to contact the Youth Engagement Coordinator at ksimmons@pym.org and discover the upcoming opportunities.
