Origin Stories & Super Powers
Young Adults (18+)
In-Person at Powell House
August 15 - 17, 2025
The mythical heroes of the world -- from Hercules to T'Challa to Katniss Everdeen -- have stories that explain how they came to have the powers and concerns they possess. What does it mean to consider our own origins? What superpowers -- or Kryptonite -- do our own pasts give us? Let's spend a weekend exploring the mythologies of our own lives and build community based on our strengths!
Beth Kelly, 46 (she/her): Hello, old and new friends! I serve New York Yearly Meeting as Children, Youth and Young Adult Community Director – and am the point person for Powell House’s youth programming teams this spring. I have worked with kids (tutoring, baby-sitting, camp-counselor-ing) since I was a teenager and worked as a pediatric hospital chaplain from 2013-2021. My favorite things to do at Powell House include listening to the wisdom of the group, singing songs, playing Primate Bellows, and walking to Dorson’s Rock. My favorite things to do when not at Powell House include singing, crossword puzzles, and physical play with my 4-year-old niece.
Monya Relles, 27 (they/them). Monya grew up as one of Chris and Mike’s kids and now their real job is at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, training other educators and working with young people to learn about nature, science, engineering, and leadership. When they’re not working they can be found dancing, doing circus, hiking, and making weird zines. Their favorite memories of Powell House are tied between sardines on Friday nights and silent late night walks on Saturdays.
Lucas Quintana, 23 (he/him). Lucas has been attending the Powell House Youth Program since 5th grade. He has become more involved in the last year working in the kitchen with Kim, attending committee meetings, volunteering and being an AP. Outside of Powell House Lucas works seasonally in the ski industry (as a slopes groomer) in Wyoming and in the Capital Region during the summer. He loves to spend his free time outdoors, skiing, backpacking, swimming, and enjoying sunlight whenever possible.