Confluence is a transformative summer experience for young adults that provides Christ-centered leadership development, community building, hands-on Living Waters for the World global mission service and cultural learning, and intentional vocational discernment to prepare for a life of purpose and impact.

A confluence is the powerful point where distinct rivers meet and merge into a single, life-giving current. This program is called Confluence because it marks the sacred intersection where your leadership gifts, God's call to love and serve the world, and the unfolding of your unique, God-given vocation come together to steer your life's journey.

The water theme is inspired by Johnsonburg’s partnership with Living Waters for the World, a global Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliated organization that trains, equips and supports volunteers in forming global, clean-water mission partnerships.These mission partnerships empower international communities to install and sustain water purification systems and health education programs that transform lives.

You must be at 18-19 years old when Confluence begins to participate. Typically, students have just graduated from high school.

This program will happen in three stages: virtually to prepare for an international cultural service-learning trip; a 5-6 day trip to an international destination linked to Living Waters for the World (in 2026: Santa Ana, El Salvador); and finally, 2-3 days on the campus of Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center for reflection on the global mission portion and vocational discernment.

Students who are eligible are invited to join the team and apply online. Eligibility is based on age, participation in previous Johnsonburg programs such as the leadership training program, retreats and other events, and invitation.

The fee will be shared with the invitation. Typically, the cost is $1500-2000 per person to participate in Confluence. Grant and scholarship funds will subsidize the cost for participants. Each participant will be expected to contribute a portion of the cost (in 2026: $500).

• As a team, learn and prepare to share/teach the health curriculum created by Living Waters for the World to a church community
• Be open to experience the culture of another country (tip: ability to use the Spanish language is a bonus!)
• Worship and fellowship with a church community in a different cultural context
• Create and live in community as we learn, travel and debrief the experience 
• Participate in vocational discernment through the Career and Calling Curriculum 
• Follow up to this experience: share the story in worship at home church or another church/Presbytery meeting, provide a short video, keep a journal for reflection