Young Friends, for middle and high school students, welcomes youth of every background to gather in a diverse community grounded in Quakerism.
Young Friends leadership, under the direction of the Religious Education program, strives to provide an environment where individuals can exercise their talents and skills, learn from one another, and navigate the teen years in a respectful, loving, and supportive environment.
The Young Friends program is led by young adults who, not so many years ago, were active participants in New Garden’s Young Friends program. They understand the challenges presented by being a teenager these days, and they know how participating in a welcoming community of Friends can ease that journey.
New Garden’s Young Friends program seeks to help youth become more fully formed adults by providing the queries and tools necessary to grapple with teenage dilemmas. The program aims to build bridges and strengthen the bonds between participants, maintaining an active yet thoughtful group dynamic.
All youth are welcome to join with Young Friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on First Days. The fellowship usually includes a meal ($5 contribution requested). Questions? Contact Patrick Westervelt, youth coordinator for Young Friends: youngfriends@ngfm.org.
Patrick Westervelt
Patrick, 25, is Young Friends Coordinator. He is a full-time graduate student at UNCG, working toward a master’s degree in kinesiology with a focus in exercise physiology. He also works full-time at New Garden Friends School doing a bit of everything including fleet maintenance, facility maintenance, and childcare. Patrick has attended New Garden for his entire life. He was a Middle School Young Friends Leader for more than three years before stepping up to become coordinator for the overall program.
Ross Kiefer
Ross, 22, is in his last semester at UNCG where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music, with a minor in radio broadcasting. He serves as editor-in-chief for the UNCG newspaper, The Carolinian, and is contributor to Yes! Weekly. Ross has been attending New Garden Friends Meeting for over a decade, was active in Young Friends, and has worked for the New Garden Friends School Summer Program for four years.
John Luckhaus
John, 20, is studying physics at Guilford Technical Community College. He was active as a member of Young Friends for five years and has attended New Garden Friends Meeting for seven years.
