Last spring the youth in Good Samaritan’s Confirmation and Senior High Youth Group were offered an opportunity to make a difference in their world. In a project call LightQuest, those who chose to participate were challenged to identify a cause that they were passionate about, where they felt they wanted to make a difference, where they could shine their light into the world. Then, with a plan of action in hand, they were each funded with $100, the monies made available through a private investment. One of the rules of this project called for them to make their donation in person. The kids were also encouraged to volunteer some time if that was appropriate to their project. Seventeen Good Samaritan young people decided to take up the challenge! The list of projects below show the names of participants and the range of interests and compassions that drove them:

• Animal Humane Society (Sarah & Elizabeth)
• VEAP Food Shelf (Megan and Hannah)
• Environmental Project at Highlands School (Claire, Cecily, Liv, Bennett and Margot)
• Joyce Bilingual Nursery (Grace, Spencer, Sophie, Becca and Lacey)
• Anna Emerson House - Helps girls with eating disorders (Lindsay)
• Simpson Shelter – (Colleen and Abby)

All participants signed the Following LightQuest Covenant

"We are all a part of God, who is Love and Light. When we live passionately and care about the world and the people around us, we can share that Love and bring our own light to the world.

I, (Participant’s Name) care deeply about (participant identifies the cause they are passionate about). As part of the LightQuest project, I pledge my $100 to help (participant names what they want to do for the cause they named).

I agree to make the donation in person, and to volunteer my presence and my time if at all possible. This project begins on February 21 and I will report on my adventure on April 15.

Signature of Project Coordinator:

Signature of Participant:

All participants also had too abide by the following LightQuest Rules of Engagement

• The money must be used for others, not for yourself, for a need you see in the world around you.
• You may work on your own, with your own plan, or you may team with other people and pool your resources.
• You will receive $100 on February 21, Ash Wednesday, and have the six weeks of Lent to complete your mission.
• On April 15, the Sunday after Easter, you will report back on your LightQuest.