Welcome to Baltimore Yearly Meeting!
Baltimore Yearly Meeting nurtures a vibrant Quaker community across the Mid-Atlantic. BYM unites Friends from 50 Quaker meetings and worship groups throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Together at BYM Friends we
Strengthen Local Meetings
The monthly meeting is the beating heart of everything we do. At its core, the yearly meeting is an association of Quaker monthly meetings and other local worshipping communities coming together to support one another. We share a common Faith & Practice - and we share our skills, gifts, spiritual leadings, and resources across local worshipping communities.
Grow in Spirit & Community
Quakers believe that there is “that of God” in every person—an Inner Light that is loving and honest and can lead us to truth and justice. As BYM Friends we gather for Meetings for Worship four times each year to discern the Leadings of the Spirit and to conduct our community business and three more times throughout the year for spiritual formation retreats.
Nurture Youth
BYM has a special commitment to the spiritual, social, and emotional thriving of all young people. Our camps and youth retreats are vibrant, diverse, youth-centered communities. BYM scholarships and grants provide material support to children, families, and child-serving organizations, and the Religious Education Committee connects meetings to resources for nurturing youth.
Connect & Serve as Friends
Working together is an extension of our worship into the practical life of Quakerism. Working together benefits both the wider community and those Friends who participate. We serve together on Committtes, gather for service projects and social witness, and are part of the worldwide body of Quakers - connected to 14 organizations and hundreds of thousands of Friends around the world.
Firefly Midsummer's Night Hike at Friends Wilderness Center
As midsummer's night approaches, fireflies illuminate the Niles Cabin ponds accompanied by an evening choir of frogs. Enjoy an easy, early-evening, family-friendly hike to the treehouse for campfire s'mores before strolling back between the ponds at dusk to dance on the lawn, moved by the magical symphony of sight & sound.
This hike will be relatively easy, over uneven terrain but with little elevation change. The approximate distance is about 1.5 miles round trip, with ample time to relax & enjoy fireside treats. S'more fixings will be offered, but please feel free to bring your own snacks & beverages. Consider using bug repellent to ensure that you are not on the menu of some of the less welcome winged participants! Also, check the weather forecast for Shannondale, WV & dress for the conditions. Even in the summer, evenings can get chilly. The hike will be rescheduled if heavy rain or thunderstorms are predicted. Participants will be reminded to maintain social distance. All (over age 3) are required to wear masks. Restroom facilities will be available at the Niles Cabin prior to & after the hike.
Donations are appreciated. Suggested levels are $10/person or $25/family.
