SALEM — Following the success of last year’s event the Brightside Project will once again be hosting a youth summit for teens in Columbiana and Mahoning counties this March.

According to a press release, the free one-day faith-based event will be held March 15 from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. at Brightside’s new building at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave., promising “an incredible day of faith, fun, and fellowship.”

Brightside will be partnering with Reach1 to offer a lineup of activities including “an empowering message designed to inspire and uplift teenagers” and help them discover their purpose by Keynote Speaker Markus McFolling, and praise and worship sessions in which the Reach1 Worship team “will lead participants in a powerful time of music and spiritual connection.”

The event will also feature “creative sessions” in which participating teens can enjoy various artistic and recreational activities including: painting, journaling, gaming, and a recreational tent to include cornhole, basketball, Nerf wars, spike ball, and gaga ball.

Participants will receive a variety of treats and meals throughout the day “thanks to the generous support of local businesses” including: root beer floats by Kast Iron Soda Works, breakfast by Hogan’s Bakery, a coffee bar sponsored by Grizzly Bean Coffee and a Pizza Party by Papa John’s Pizza.

According to the release, the event is “designed to give teenagers the tools they need to grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, build character, and foster positive relationships with their peers and mentors.” Registration is already open and available online at www.brightsideprojectohio.org. While the event is free, space is limited, “so parents and guardians are encouraged to sign their teen up as soon as possible.”

“This is an incredibly impactful event for teens in attendance. We saw such positive outcomes at the end of last year’s event that it was obvious to us that we needed to host it again this year. Our local teens are hurting, and our goal is to give them a safe space where they feel loved and supported,” said Brightside Project Co-Director Lisa Vittorio.