Starting as a simple idea back in 2003, Darrell Meyers’ vision
of a youth retreat facility has finally become a reality.

Meyers has enjoyed the outdoors all his life, especially in the
Allegheny National Forest area.

“I have been hiking, camping and skiing in the Allegheny
National Forest for many years and have found myself closest to God
in this environment,” Meyers said.

Meyers, who has been teaching religious education at Our Lady of
Peace in Erie for the past seven years, is also the confirmation
coordinator. Meyers wanted to share his love of the outdoors with
these children but didn’t know how.

Then one day, Meyers was riding his bike and saw a “for sale”
sign at the Marshburg Fire Department and the idea of a youth
retreat house popped into his head.

“After a long process of inquiry, study, meeting with local
citizens, and investigation into the property on Route 59, we made
a bid on the fire hall,” said Meyers. That property ended up being
sold to someone else.

Meyers was then approach by someone who had heard about his
idea. They informed him of another property in Marshburg that was
adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest and sat back in the
forest, off the highway.

This was the perfect fit for Meyer’s vision, so along with four
other individuals, he formed Allegheny Forest Ministries, a
nonprofit organization, with the intent to purchase the land and
home.

Meyers said, “We saw this facility as an ideal site for
adolescent spiritual growth and outreach.”

Allegheny Forest Ministries’ purchase of the property was
finalized about two weeks ago.

The ministry is currently working on the house and land trying
to get it ready for a group that would like to use the retreat in
January.

“We’re fighting the weather right now, trying to get everything
ready,” Meyers said.

Meyers says this would be a great place for youth that have to
do service work for confirmation or school.

“Since this is a new project, with much renovation work needed,
cleaning, maintenance, new facilities to be added, trails to be
developed, firewood to be gathered for up coming events, there will
be many opportunities for youth groups to come in and do service
work,” Meyers said. “The service component is a unique part of this
project. We hope to partner will local groups and other ministries
to provide service opportunities for youth, to benefit the
Marshburg and McKean County area.”

The plan for the retreat right now is to have it open for groups
to come in and run their own programs. Meyers hopes that by the
beginning of next year that they will be able to hold their own
programs, such as a youth leadership workshop and a winter
festival.

Right now the retreat can accommodate 20 people. Plans are to
have it accommodate more people by spring with the construction of
a few small cottages and a tent camping area.

The ministry has recently received their IRS 501 non-profit
status and have been spending most of their time looking and
applying for grants.

They haven’t had time to start fundraising formally yet but are
currently collecting aluminum cans to help raise money. Meyers say
that they will start to get into fundraising next month.

The ministry is seeking donations. Material for the facility,
such as furniture, beds, food utensils, appliances, bedding and all
those things needed to outfit a rural retreat facility are
needed.

For more information on Allegheny Forest Ministries, the Youth
Retreat House or how to get involved, e-mail Meyers at
nmeyers@adelphia.net