"It is very rewarding to be part of CCYM. The friendships you make will last a lifetime.” That is how Elizabeth Holzkamm describes her experiences with the Conference Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM).

Elizabeth is a senior at Scranton Public School in Scranton, North Dakota. She attends the Hettinger United Methodist Church in Hettinger, North Dakota. She lives on a farm south and a little bit east of Reeder, North Dakota across the state line, so she has a South Dakota address.

"I am the oldest of four kids, and I live on a farm in the country across the South Dakota border," Elizabeth said.

Church has always been something that Holzkamm says is vital to her. At Hettinger UMC, she is a Sunday school teacher, the technology person and involved in youth group. Elizabeth shared, “I have helped during Vacation Bible School every year since I was 11.”

She is very involved in school activities including band, choir, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, track and volleyball. ”I very much enjoy choir and band because I'm a very musical person.  I'm involved in everything else because I like to explore whatever options are available to me,” she said.

Since 2015 she has been involved in CCYM. Holzkamm knew some of the kids that were on CCYM and thought they all look like they enjoyed the experience, so she applied. “I decided to join this group because I was curious about what went into the planning of all the events. I attended several events, DakYouth, Leadership Training Camp (LTC), Winter Connection, for couple years,” Elizabeth said.

Planning the CCYM events is one of the things that Elizabeth enjoys most. Planning and performing a worship service at LTC has been a highlight for her.  She noted, “I also enjoy the social aspect and family atmosphere I feel when I am around the other people on CCYM. “

When asked what candidates need to consider when applying to join the CCYM team, Elizabeth shared they will experience fun, but they must be ready to make a significant commitment. “You are expected to show up to every event, and you are expected to help the youth in attendance at our events. You need to be willing to meet new people, step out of your comfort zone, and bring ideas to the table for further improvements.”

This coming fall, she plans to go to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and major in accounting. “I want to get into the 5-year bachelors and masters degree plan. I will then become a Certified Public Accountant and work in a public, private, or governmental position. I also want to study abroad somewhere so that I become more exposed to world cultures,” she said.

Get all of the details here .  Apply for CCYM by May 1.