Formation Co-Op Applications

 We invite you to join the Formation Co-Op! 

The Formation Co-Op is an initiative of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, in partnership with the ELCA, that partners with congregations to explore innovative youth ministry practices to root young people in a lifelong, transformative faith in Jesus Christ.

As part of a four-year Lilly Grant, the Formation Co-Op has developed a listening process in which Guides accompany Congregation Teams as they discern and implement new youth ministry frameworks. In 2023 we launched "Group A" with 10 congregation to design the process. In 2024 we launched "Group B" as we adapted and refined the process. We are now in the final stage of the grant, and will be exploring with “Group C” a regionally based cohort model of this process in order to reach and support more congregations when the Formation Co-Op moves beyond the grant period.

Group C Hub General Information

Overview
The Formation Co-Op has partnered with five Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites to serve as regional hubs. Camp staff will serve as the Hub Guides, and each site will accept 4-5 congregations to participate in their hub. Congregation Teams will meet in-person for 4 Co-Op Training Retreats led by the Hub Guide, meet monthly as a team around a provided agenda for learning and work, conduct listening sessions in their congregation and community, and develop a ministry plan based on what they have learned.

Please read through the Group C Overview and Expectations for Congregation Teams for a full description.

Group C Hub Sites
(Clicking on the link will take you to the details and application form for that hub.)


Are you ready for the Co-Op?
The Formation Co-Op takes an investment of time and energy! We don't give you the "answer" of what to do. Instead we offer a framework for a new way of thinking and being. Congregations are asked to spend time listening, learning, and then considering what that means for faith formation with their youth. All types of congregations have found the Formation Co-Op to be a meaningful and helpful process, but we have found that those who take the time to consider their capacity for this work, the church culture and openness to change, and support of key leadership tend to thrive the most in the Formation Co-Op. To help you discern if the Co-Op could be a helpful next step for your congregation, we have developed a Congregation Readiness Assessment Tool. Before applying, we ask congregational leaders to take this assessment and discuss their responses. Be assured, we are not looking for perfect congregations! Simply having the discussion around the topics and questions offered will set your congregation up for a more meaningful experience.

For more information on the Formation Co-Op, visit the "About the Formation Co-Op" page.

 

Group C Applications

Ewalu Conference and Retreat Center: Strawberry Point, IA
Hub Guides: Frank Johnson and Emily Dreessen Tull
Ewalu WebsiteEwalu Hub Guides

Required Hub Dates:
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
Co-Op Training #1: August 29-30, 2025 at Ewalu Main Site
Co-Op Training #2: January 9-10, 2026 at Ewalu Main Site
Co-Op Training #3: April 17-18, 2026 at Ewalu Main Site
Co-Op Training #4: November 6-7, 2026 at Ewalu Main Site

Registration Fee: $600 per Congregation Team. Includes program, Guide accompaniment, and housing and meals for up to 5 team members at each of the Co-Op Trainings.

EWALU HUB APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to look at the questions before filling out the application you can download this PDF.

HopeWood Outdoors: Columbus, OH
Hub Guides: Drew Tucker and Jillian Russell
HopeWood Outdoors WebsiteHopeWood Outdoors Hub Guides

Required Hub Dates:
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
Co-Op Training #1: September 19-20, 2025 at HopeWood Pines
Co-Op Training #2: January 16-17, 2026 at HopeWood Pines
Co-Op Training #3: April 17-18, 2026 at HopeWood Pines
Co-Op Training #4: November 13-14 2026 at HopeWood Pines

Registration Fee: $650 per Congregation Team. Includes program, Guide accompaniment, and housing and meals for up to 5 team members at each of the Co-Op Trainings.

HOPEWOOD OUTDOORS HUB APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to look at the questions before filling out the application you can download this PDF.

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center: Bellingham, WA
Hub Guides: Kevin Beebe, Ashleigh Ellsworth-Keller, Becky Cole, Bryant Williams
Lutherwood WebsiteLutherwood Guides

Required Hub Dates:
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
Co-Op Training #1: September 19-20, 2025 at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center
Co-Op Training #2: January 9-10, 2026 at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center
Co-Op Training #3: May 1-2, 2026 at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center
Co-Op Training #4: October 2-3, 2026 at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center

Registration Fee: $650 per Congregation Team. Includes program, Guide accompaniment, and housing and meals for up to 5 team members at each of the Co-Op Trainings.

LUTHERWOOD HUB APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to look at the questions before filling out the application you can download this PDF.

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM): Ashland, NE
Hub Guides: Korey Breutzmann, Kelsey Ellis, Ian Hartfield
NLOM WebsiteNLOM Hub Guides

Required Hub Dates:
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Co-Op Training #1: September 19-20, 2025 (Carol Joy Holling)
Co-Op Training #2: January 9-10, 2026 (Carol Joy Holling)
Co-Op Training #3: April 18, 2026 (Carol Joy Holling)
Co-Op Training #4: November 6-7, 2026 (Carol Joy Holling)

Registration Fee: $650 per Congregation Team. Includes program, Guide accompaniment, and housing and meals for up to 5 team members at each of the Co-Op Trainings. Co-Op Trainings #1, #2, and #4 will be at Sjogren Retreat Center. Co-Op Training #3 will be at Monke Lodge with housing available as needed at Living Waters Retreat Center.

NLOM HUB APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to look at the questions before filling out the application you can download this PDF.

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp: Fort Collins, CO
Hub Guides: Lori Bode, Missie Bonser, Julie and Erik SchranckSky Ranch Hub Guides
Sky Ranch Website

Required Hub Dates:
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Co-Op Training #1: January 9-10, 2026 at a TBD hotel and congregation in the Denver area
Co-Op Training #2: May 8-9, 2026 at Sky Ranch
Co-Op Training #3: September 18-19, 2026 at Sky Ranch
Co-Op Training #4: February 6, 2027 at a Denver area congregation

Registration Fee: $750 per Congregation Team. Includes program, Guide accompaniment, and housing and meals for up to 5 team members at each of the Co-Op Trainings.

SKY RANCH HUB APPLICATION FORM
If you would like to look at the questions before filling out the application you can download this PDF.