Introducing CCMYC and Lacey Kelley!

We are excited to introduce the new Clark County Methodist Youth Cooperative! The formation of this cooperative group to serve the United Methodist Youth in Clark County has been a year in the making. Between the UMCs combined forces for the last several confirmation classes, and the friendships formed by youth from different churches attending summer camps such as Ocean Park, we felt the call to pool our resources and form and combined Youth Ministry that all Clark County Methodist Youth can flourish under. Already we have had a fun and welcoming kick-off event, and are looking forward to many more such get-togethers. 

We have had the great fortune to hire Lacey Kelley as our Director. She comes to us with a foundation of UMC Youth, and experience working with youth in school, camp, and counseling settings. Let her tell you in her own words!

Hi, I’m Lacey Kelley (she/her), and I’m so excited to serve as the new Clark County Methodist Youth Director! I grew up in Kelso, WA and have been connected to the United Methodist Church since I was a kid — from Sunday mornings as a kid to leading youth ministry in college at Garden Street UMC in Bellingham, leading as the Dean of OP's (Ocean Park) Elementary camp, and now serving as the mental health counselor at OP's Mid/High camp. Church has always been where I’ve found a sense of belonging and community that I want youth here in Clark County to experience that too.

Outside of church life, I’m a therapist and former school counselor, which means I spend a lot of my time listening to young people, cheering them on, and helping them discover how strong and resilient they really are. That same passion for supporting youth is what excites me most about this new role — creating spaces where teens can ask big questions, explore faith, build friendships, and know they are unconditionally loved.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me hiking a new trail, getting creative with art projects, or spending time with my husband and our 5 cats. I believe faith should be full of joy, curiosity, and connection — and I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together here in Clark County!

Participating churches include: Orchards United Methodist Church, Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, Vancouver First United Methodist Church, and Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church; however, all local UM Youth are invited to join us in our events and activities!