Youth
Ministry
Grades 6-12
The youth ministry at St. Simons Presbyterian fosters faith development and spiritual growth in the lives of young people. Through worship, fellowship, learning, and having fun, we seek to provide a safe and welcoming space for youth to learn about God's love for them and the world.
For Occasional Youth
Text Updates
Text: YOUTH
To: (855) 620-2270
We're looking for adults who can jump in and help with our middle school youth group on Sundays from 5–7:30 PM. It's super laid back—you don't have to commit every week, just pick the dates that work for you. Whether you're leading a game, passing out snacks, or just being a friendly face, your presence means a lot.
Volunteers Needed
with our Youth Group!
Dara Pickren-Davis
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God.”
Dara brings nearly two decades of experience in church ministry, serving congregations across coastal Georgia and northeast Florida. She has a deep love for children, families, and creative ministry, with a special passion for formative experiences like Vacation Bible School, Fall Festivals, and Christmas celebrations.
With a background in music, theatre, and education, Dara has spent years nurturing young people—from toddlers to college students—both in church and classroom settings. Her ministry is grounded in faith, creativity, and grace, reflected in her favorite verse, Ephesians 2:8.
Dara and her husband, Howard, have been married for 22 years and have three children—Hall, Ella, and Allie. As a family, they love to travel and explore, and Dara especially enjoys photography and adventure.
Dara Pickren-Davis
Director of Children
& YOUTH Ministries
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Dara Pickren-Davis
Assistant Director of
Children & Youth Ministries
Alyssa Lee
Alyssa Lee
Assistant Director of
Children & Youth Ministries
A Glynn County native, Alyssa grew up attending two local non-denominational churches, where she committed 17 years to service in various roles. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from CCGA. Alyssa and her husband, Josh, are proud parents to Olivia (8) and William (5), and their family has been part of the SSPC community since September 2024. Alyssa is deeply honored to have the opportunity to invest in the church’s youth, with hopes of nurturing their relationships with God, themselves, and others. She looks forward to meeting new families and engaging with the youth every Sunday morning at church and Sunday evening at the youth group.
Weekly Activities
Sunday Youth
Fellowship
Sundays | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
WHO: Middle & High School Youth
WHERE: Youth Suite
DETAILS: Join us for a time of fun, fellowship, and growing in faith together. Evening includes high-energy games, meaningful conversation, and dinner provided by church volunteers.
Tuesday Youth Devotion
Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:00 AM
WHO: Grades 9-12
WHERE: Chick-fil-A
LEADERSHIP: Alyssa Lee
DETAILS: A perfect mid-week spiritual refresh. Grab a chicken biscuit and join Alyssa for a short devotion and prayer before heading off to school.
Youth
Ensemble
Sundays | Times Vary
WHO: Grades 6-12
WHERE: Music Suite
LEADERSHIP: Rhonda Hambright
DETAILS: Explore your musical talents and lead worship through song. The ensemble prepares pieces for special services throughout the church year.
Youth Mission Opportunities
Serving Together in Faith
The youth of St. Simons Presbyterian go on a yearly mission trip during the summer to serve and engage with different communities. In previous years we have traveled to communities in North and South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee to live, work, and grow as a community of faith.
During our fall Day of Service, the middle and high school youth serve our local community through various organizations in the Brunswick/St. Simons area. Some of the previous locations have been with FaithWorks, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, and Safe Harbor.
Please Note: Additional service events and mission opportunities arise throughout the year! To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on upcoming projects, please sign up for our youth newsletter.
Serving Together in Faith
Youth Mission Opportunities
Camps & Retreats
Montreat Youth Conference
July | Montreat, NC
For rising high school freshman through graduated seniors. An incredible week of faith building with over 1,000 other Presbyterian youth.
Savannah Presbytery Camp
June | Location Varies
A time of fellowship and fun for elementary, middle, and high school students across Savannah Presbytery.
CROSS
Missions
June | Montreat, NC
CROSS Missions is a unique urban outreach program in Charlotte, North Carolina. Teaching a theological understanding of poverty and how Jesus teaches us to be changemakers in the world.
Sapelo Kayak Adventure
Dates Vary | Sapelo Island, GA
A unique weekend of kayaking, camping, and spiritual reflection in the pristine coastal environment of Sapelo Island.
Presbyterian Youth Triennium
Every 3 Years | Indiana University
A gathering of thousands of Presbyterian youth from around the globe for worship, learning, and connection.