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PATHWAYS TO PURPOSE

YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAMMING UNDERWAY FOR 2026

Pathways to Purpose is NWOCO’s summer youth program for ages 14–20, designed to build confidence, responsibility, practical skills, leadership, friendship, mentorship, and healthy community engagement through supervised activities, hands-on learning, outdoor recreation, and service.

This program is built to give youth meaningful opportunities to grow through life skills, STEM and trades exposure, outdoor adventure, teamwork, faith-informed encouragement, and positive adult mentorship. It is not all work and no play. Alongside hands-on learning, youth will enjoy a wide range of fun summer activities that encourage movement, friendship, and healthy development.

What the Program Offers

Pathways to Purpose blends education, recreation, mentorship, and community connection. Youth will have opportunities to participate in:

• life skills and soft skills development

• mentorship and leadership growth

• STEM and trades exploration

• outdoor recreation and wellness activities

• service-learning opportunities

• faith-informed personal development

• creative arts and hands-on projects

• team-based activities and summer fellowship

Skills and Workshop Opportunities

Youth may have opportunities to explore:

• basic handyman skills

• business and entrepreneurship

• computer literacy

• first aid and emergency preparedness

• green energy concepts, including solar, wind, and emerging systems

• automotive basics for beginner drivers

• carpentry and woodworking

• blacksmithing

• sheet metal and fabrication

• tool safety and basic project building

• ceramics, clay, and creative arts

• kitchen and food preparation

• podcasting, storytelling, and communication activities

• public safety and personal preparedness training

Outdoor and Recreation Activities

Outdoor activities are a major part of the summer experience and may include:

• fishing

• hiking

• canoeing and kayaking basics

• archery

• airsoft marksmanship

• pickleball

• relay races

• obstacle courses

• tug-of-war

• kickball and wiffle ball

• disc golf

• geocaching and scavenger hunts

• map reading and simplified compass course activities

• wilderness awareness and foraging

• off-grid survival skills

• water purification and basic outdoor living skills

• swimming opportunities or beginner swim instruction where available

• bonfire nights and cookout fellowship

Many of these outdoor and conservation-based activities are supported in partnership with Black Swamp Conservation League.

Service and Mentorship

Pathways to Purpose is also about helping youth grow in how they relate to others. Through one-on-one mentorship, small group activities, and larger group participation, youth will be encouraged to grow in:

• confidence

• friendships

• teamwork

• leadership

• responsibility

• communication

• respect for peers and adults

• healthy interaction with authority

• positive decision-making

Youth may also have opportunities to take part in service-learning experiences, including community-based projects and select hands-on volunteer opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity participation where appropriate.

Age-Appropriate Participation

Activities will be offered according to age appropriateness, maturity, safety, parental approval, and available supervision. Not every participant will take part in every activity. Youth will be grouped as needed so that experiences remain safe, constructive, and meaningful for each age level.

Registration and Activity Sign-Up

Youth and families may register for Pathways to Purpose and submit activity selections through June 30, 2026.

Each participant will have the opportunity to sign up for the activities that interest them most. Final scheduling will be based on:

• number of youth enrolled

• age grouping

• parental sign-off

• safety and supervision needs

• overall participation interest

As a general guideline, an activity, class, or workshop should have at least 20% participation based on the total number of enrolled youth in order to move forward, unless otherwise determined by NWOCO based on staffing, safety, or program value.

All participation must be approved by a parent or guardian.

Summer Schedule

Current planned dates include:

• May 30, 2026 — Orientation

• June 5–6, 2026 — Habitat for Humanity kickoff

• June 20, 2026

• July 10–11, 2026

• August 7–8, 2026

One additional summer activity day may be added based on interest, staffing, and program needs.

Program Finale

The season will conclude with a Pathways to Purpose youth recognition and celebration event, including:

• youth recognition

• dinner

• Toledo Mud Hens baseball game

This closing event is intended to honor participation, teamwork, growth, and successful completion of the program.

Funding Support

Pathways to Purpose has been made possible in part through generous grant support administered by Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

This project was funded in part by a grant from the Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth, administered on behalf of the Waterville Community Foundation by Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

This project was also funded in part by a grant from the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation Fund of Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

This project was also funded in part by a grant from Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club’s Helping Hens Fund of Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

This project was also funded in part by a grant from the Toledo Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund of Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

NWOCO is grateful for this support and for the generosity of the donors whose contributions help make youth programming and community-based opportunities possible.

Here is an even tighter shorter version for the top of the webpage if you want a cleaner opening section:

Pathways to Purpose is NWOCO’s Summer 2026 youth program for ages 14–20, combining mentorship, life skills, STEM and trades exposure, outdoor recreation, service, and faith-informed encouragement in a safe and supervised environment. Youth will have opportunities to build confidence, friendships, leadership, responsibility, and practical skills through age-appropriate activities, workshops, and summer experiences. Registration and activity sign-up will remain open through June 30, 2026, with all participation requiring parental approval.

Career Launchpad for Young Adults

Coming soon: a special program for ages 16–24 focused on bridging the gap between education and career.

• Resume building workshops

• Interview coaching

• Financial literacy and budgeting classes

• Leadership activity courses and training

• Business start-up training for young entrepreneurs

Community Work Projects

We are planning real-life service opportunities where youth and adults work together to:

• Help repair homes for elderly residents

• Beautify parks and community spaces

• Serve at food pantries or ministry outreach events

It’s hands-on faith in action — and a way to put new skills to work for the good of others.

Faith & Fire Studio - Youth Podcasting Program

We’re expanding our media outreach to include youth voices!
Young people will have the opportunity to:

• Learn audio and video production basics

• Record podcasts on faith, perseverance, leadership, and hope

• Build communication skills in a positive, Christ-centered environment

Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors!

Pathway to Purpose Project Funding Was Made Possible By:

Greater Toledo Community Foundation

This project was funded (or funded in part) by a grant from the Bill Rowles Youth Foundation & Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth administered on behalf of the Waterville Community Foundation Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

Other Future Projects in the Works

• Youth Leadership Councils: Give teens a voice in shaping programs and leading service projects.

• Father-Son / Mother-Daughter Skill Days: Workshops that build family bonds while passing on important life skills.

• Retreats for Reflection and Renewal: Weekend retreats to strengthen faith and purpose.

• Scholarships for Trade School Advancement: Partnering with donors to fund further education for deserving youth and adults.

Why We Dream Big

Because every skill learned…
every moment of fellowship shared…
every hand extended in service…
becomes a building block for a stronger, more hopeful world.

Together, we are planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations.