Dear Friends of the Utah Ulster Project –

It is with great joy that we are pleased to announce we will be resuming the Utah Ulster Project for the Summer of 2023.

Due to the 3 year interruption of this beloved program because of COVID, we have lost continuity in our recruiting base of former teens and families that help us to spread the word.  We will be doing a smaller group this year and conducting activities for a shorter period of time.

Our plan is to have 16 participants this year – 8 American Host Teens and 8 Northern Irish Participants.  Half male/half female as usual, plus our customary 4 Counselors (2 US/2 NI) and a Program Director.  Our Project dates are planned from July 2nd – July 23rd, 2023.

We are also looking for help of all kinds to pull a potential Project together.  If you are a past Utah host family member or past participant who might be interested in becoming a board member or serving on a committee, we would be delighted to speak with you!

If you have a current family member, friend, or acquaintance you think would be interested in this life enhancing opportunity our Vice-President Julie Langie would also love to speak with you – 503-953-2630  JulieLangie@yahoo.com.

 

The Ulster Project’s mission is “Transforming Young Christians into Leaders and Peacemakers” by providing a safe environment to learn and practice the skills needed to promote tolerance and respect across the lines that divide us.

For over 30 years, the Ulster Project of Utah has been hosting 12 teens from Omagh, Northern Ireland, for a month each summer. The teens, (1/2 Catholic & 1/2 Protestant; 1/2 male & 1/2 female) are matched with a Utah teen and their host family. Together the group of 24 teens, along with college-aged counselors and a program director, work together to build trust, learn and develop skills and share a fun-filled month of new experiences.

 

 

The Ulster Project activities include:

  • Social Activities – hiking, camping, swimming, rafting, etc
  • Community Service – food bank, homeless shelter, visiting the elderly
  • Faith Based Activities – worship services in both Protestant and Catholic churches
  • “Discovery”- facilitated discussion and activities addressing issues facing teens in their lives, schools, and communities

The Ulster Project is one of a few international peace-building programs where youth are the primary drivers for its success. Over the course of the program, lasting friendships are formed amongst the participants with many stating that the month has been “life changing” and “the best summer of their life”.

If you are interested in participating during the 2023 season, please CLICK HERE for more information about applying to be one of our US Host Families.